India Tourism Conclave was held on 12TH-13TH October, 2018 at Rock Garden, Chandigarh, to discuss the issues related to tourism in India and necessary steps to be taken to promote tourism. This conclave was inaugurated by Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh (Hon’ble Speaker, J&K Legislative assembly), presided by Sh. Ram Bilas Sharma (Hon’ble Tourism Minister Govt. of Haryana).
India is a country with its 5000 year old historical legacy, second largest population and third largest GDP(PPP) . It is a country, prominent for its pervasive diversity in culture , architecture, art and music, literature, food, fauna and flora and picturesque landscapes. A Multilingual Country with a common language of love and warm heartedness captures the interest of many, both globally and locally making it an attractive tourism destination. Hence the focus of this conclave was to identify areas which are fertile to capitalize the nation’s inherent capacities for tourism. The discussion was divided into four sessions.
The first session focused on the challenges and opportunities in the hospitality sector. It was pointed out that the absence of trained personnel and good infrastructure was the greatest challenge and if capacity was created, how it would significantly contribute towards foreign currency generation & job creation.
The second session focused on the need for developing connections through building and revamping rail, road, air and sea infrastructure. A need for specific budgetary provision and dedicated policy for the same was also identified. Mission UDAN( Udhe Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) was at the fore of these discussions.
The deliberations in the third sessions developed on India’s potential for attracting medical tourism. Major emphasis of this discussion was on the need to create an ecosystem to provide cheap and specialized facilities. Capacity should be built through qualified, trained and equipped staff, proper sanitary facilities , accessibility to informed Medical facilitators, developing state of the art technology like mHealth, telemedicine to disseminate information and medical services. Efforts to develop Naturopathy and Ayurveda should be made through R&D and certified courses and universities to promote the wellness industry should be set up.
The focus of the fourth session was on development of adventure tourism especially in Northern Himalayan States. Various suggestions like strict norms for travelers, agents and guides, real time information system for weather ,town planning with proper details and mapping of the areas, fixed base charges for basic services and activities being offered to tourists to prevent exploitation, waste management were also given. The Government should also focus on proper implementation and adherence to Adventure Guidelines 2.0. A central policy including registration of adventure tourism companies, accident reporting, establishing rescue centres with NDRF and NDMA should also be developed.
The main aim of this discussion was to identify the potent areas that can help expand tourism industry’s share not just in GDP but through its contribution in employment opportunities. The Valedictory Session was concluded by Sh. Jai Ram Thakur, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh (Chief Guest) and Sh. Sanjay Tondon, State President, BJP Chandigarh (Guest of Honour).