SRINAGAR: The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting began in Srinagar today and will continue till Wednesday. During the three-day meeting, delegates from G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organisations will hold discussions to work collectively towards advancing the tourism sector.
Addressing a press conference at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar yesterday, Secretary of, Ministry of Tourism, Arvind Singh said the meeting will deliberate on the five key priority areas, namely Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management.
These priorities are key building blocks for accelerating the transition of the tourism sector and achieving the targets for 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As per reports, the might of the Himalayas, beautiful gardens and charm of the Dal lake provides a perfect setting for the 3rd Tourism Working Group meeting of the G20.
The meeting takes place in the backdrop of a record tourist footfall witnessed in the Kashmir valley.
Tight security arrangements have been made in and around Dal Lake to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the meeting while Marine Commandos, Army, CRPF and other security personnel have been deployed around the venue.
The Traffic Police City has already issued an advisory to the general public to avoid certain routes falling on the way to the venue (SKICC) for two days.
According to the G20 Chief Coordinator Harshvardhan Shringla, the meeting has the broader objectives of presenting India’s rich and diverse cultural identity and highlighting the country’s tourism potential to the world.
The meeting also aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development of the region.
On the sidelines of the meeting, a major event will be held to highlight film tourism, which the UT administration has been promoting in the last few years.
The inaugural day is devoted to cultural events. On the second day tomorrow, discussions will be held on the final deliverables. Another side event highlighting eco-tourism will also be held. This will be the third meeting of the tourism working group.
The first was held in Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and the second at Siliguri in West Bengal.
The discussions of the first two tourism working group meetings will be taken further during the third meeting as well before the drafting of the final ministerial communique.
The fourth meeting of the tourism track group in Goa next month, will be followed by a ministerial meeting. (CNS)
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