First G20 Tourism Working Group meeting concluded successfully

The First G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held at the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat concluded successfully on 10th February, 2023.

Briefing media persons in New Delhi today, the Secretary of Tourism Shri Arvind Singh said that all the 5 key priority areas set for the deliberations were endorsed by all Member countries, Invitee countries and International organisations. There was a consensus among the participating countries that the priorities set by India are in the right direction, Sh Arvind Singh added.

Giving more details, Shri Arvind Singh said, “ The other constructive activity was information sharing of best practices at the side event of Rural Tourism where we saw participation from international organizations. There was also participation from India, some from the representatives of state governments and some also from the private sector.“

Secretary also informed that another positive impact of the event is the construction of the road from the Dhordo village to Dholavira UNESCO World heritage site which will give an economic boost to the region and encourage more tourism in that area. He said that the visit to Dholavira was also an eye opener as to how to take archaeological tourism forward. In that, the international experiences of Indonesia, Mexico, Spain, UNESCO, and other institutions like the Aga Khan Trust which were shared at the side event on Archaeological tourism will prove useful, he said.

Shri Arvind Singh said that based on the discussions, the members will distil the proceedings and draw the roadmap for further deliberations on the 5 priorities at the next working group meeting which will be held in April at Siliguri.

Shri Arvind Singh said that the members of the G20 countries, participants of invitee countries and representatives from four international organisations ILO, UNEP, WTO, ADB were present at the first Tourism Working Group meeting.