Srinagar is hosting the 3rd Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting from May 22 to 24. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described the meeting as an opportunity for India to showcase the changed scenario in Jammu and Kashmir that has happened under the leadership of PM Modi.
The two key deliverables of the meeting are the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Declaration.
The Tourism Working Group will be conducting discussions and deliberations on five key priority areas which are, Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management. Furthermore, delegates will also participate in a side event based on ‘Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation', which focuses on strategies to promote film tourism in J&K.
Earlier, during a press conference, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arvind Singh said, “A draft National Strategy on Film Tourism will be unveiled to provide a roadmap for harnessing the role of films in promoting tourist destinations.”
Giving more details, the Ministry of Tourism informed that the meeting aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development in the region.
Boost to the tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir
Regardless of where the G20 is taking place, it provides an opportunity to promote the region's cultural legacy on a global scale. The scenario is the same in Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, J&K received the highest number of tourists, around 18.8 million, in 2022.
Further, during a press briefing on the G20 meeting in Srinagar, Chief Secretary J&K, Arun Mehta said, “300 new tourist destinations will come up in Jammu and Kashmir, seeing the influx of tourists, with each destination providing enough to the tourists.”
The delegates will also visit the Art and Craft Bazaar organised by the State Government, which showcases local handicrafts and the work of artisans. They will also have ‘hands-on’ experience through DIY activities at the Craft Bazaar.
Advancing tourism with a sustainable approach
India has been taking significant steps to advance its tourism sector with a sustainable approach. The country has been actively promoting ecotourism as a means to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable practices.
A big step in this direction was the 'National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism'. It aims to mainstream sustainability in the Indian tourism sector and ensure more resilient, inclusive, carbon neutral, and resource-efficient tourism while safeguarding natural and cultural resources.
