Union Minister Address 'Film Tourism for Economic Growth' Event

Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh and Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and the Development of the North Eastern Region, Shri G Kishan Reddy addressed the side event on ‘Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation’ during 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting at SKICC, Srinagar.

Speaking during the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the youth of Kashmir is highly aspirational, sensitive and forward looking who can see the enormous opportunities unfolded by PM Narendra Modi for the people of this country. This 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting at Srinagar along with its side events will create job opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir as the new and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir is attracting the filmmakers not only from India but across the world due to its pristine beauty.

This is the best time happening in Jammu and Kashmir under PM Narendra Modi as such events will have a multifarious enrichment for J&K, said Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, under PM Narendra Modi, Kashmir is going to be the most profitable, cost effective and economically viable film destination.

In this address, Union Minister of Culture G. Kishan Reddy said, India will be one stop for film production having beautiful locations, talented technicians, and the start of art post production facilities that can create amazing visuals with world-class sound effects.

Quoting Kalhana’s Rajtarangini, Sh. Reddy said, the Gods often descended to sit on the banks of lakes of Srinagar as this place has captured the imagination of artists, nature lovers and now film makers who will revive film making in Jammu and Kashmir. Many famous national and international films have been shot in Jammu and Kashmir and the biggest aim of the government is now to revive film tourism not only in Kashmir but all over the country.

Sh. Reddy emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it would delve into the vast potential of film tourism and its invaluable contribution to our thriving tourism industry. He highlighted the historic achievement of winning two Oscars this year for the ‘Naatu Naatu Song’ and ‘The Elephant Whispers’ documentary, expressing pride in the recognition. Sh. Reddy further emphasized that film tourism is a potent tool for promoting tourism as movies wield considerable influence over travellers, captivating tourists from across the globe.

Indian film actor, producer and entrepreneur, K. Ram Charan who was present during the occasion took part in fireside conversation with film critic and journalist Mayank Sharma. During his conversation, Sh. Charan said, the beauty of Kashmir is magical as it attracts people towards its pristine beauty, magical mountains and what not.

G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant said, PM Narendra Modi believes that tourism has the biggest multiplier effect being the biggest job creator and this G20 meeting will lead to more job creation in J&K.

Praising Kashmir for its pristine beauty, Sh. Kant said, there is no better film destination than Kashmir which has everything to offer to the film industry.

During the occasion, Draft National Strategy for Film Tourism was unveiled in presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Sh. G. Kishan Reddy, Sh. K. Ram Charan, Sh. Amitabh Kant, Secretary MIB, Sh. Apurva Chandra and G20 chief coordinator, Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

On the side-lines, a panel discussion aligned with the 5th priority of the Tourism Working Group, highlighted the challenges associated with country-specific enablers adopted for promoting destinations through films and also emphasised the impact of film tourism on these destinations.