After the country had its last National Tourism Policy in 2002, the new one is eagerly awaited and has been long pending for final approval for almost two years now. The draft of the new National Tourism Policy is currently in the final stages, as confirmed by the Tourism Secretary, Arvind Singh. The consultation process has almost concluded and discussions with higher authorities are underway for the policy’s final approval.
A crucial review meeting scheduled for today will determine the next steps.
“The consultation process is almost over and we are already in discussions with the higher authorities for the final approval. Process will be taken forward after a review meeting on May 30,” Singh told the media during a conference.
He further added that if the review meeting identifies the need for additional work or background material, more time might be required. However, if everything is in order, the Ministry will proceed with the final draft of the National Tourism Policy.
Previously, the Union Minister of Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, G Kishan Reddy had informed about the Ministry’s ongoing efforts in incorporating suggestions and feedback to finalise the National Tourism Policy. He said that they have received positive feedback after consulting multiple ministries and states regarding the action plan for the new policy. The Ministry had also expressed plans to engage the industry stakeholders to gather their recommendations and to involve the general public to seek their inputs on the matter, Reddy shared.
The Ministry of Tourism successfully hosted the 3rd TWG meet in Srinagar with participation of almost 60 delegates. As a post event activity, the ministry is collating feedback from members following which a final draft of the documents would be prepared by UNWTO. These would be presented at the fourth G20 TWG’s last meeting set to take place in Goa from June 18 to June 22.
According to MoT, the National Tourism policy, once approved, will serve as a comprehensive framework to promote sustainable and responsible growth within the tourism sector. Its objective is to enhance the overall framework conditions for tourism development across the country, while providing support to tourism-related industries and strengthening the tourism ecosystem.Over the next decade, the policy will prioritise five key areas which include sustainable tourism, digital innovation, destination management, skill development in the hospitality sector, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in tourism. These areas were also broadly discussed during the three Tourism Working Group Meetings of G20 track that were held in Rann of Kutch, Siliguri and Srinagar.
Additionally, this policy also seeks to advocate for appropriate taxation and subsidy policies that will encourage increased investment opportunities within the sector, with a particular emphasis on sustainable tourism activities.
Regarding the postponed Global Tourism Investors’ Summit, Secretary Arvind Singh confirmed that it will not take place in June, and new dates are yet to be decided. Given the scheduling of the last G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Goa during June, organising the GTIS at the same time is not feasible.
The initial dates for the 1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit were scheduled for May 17 to 19, 2023, but had to be postponed due to conflicting events. The Ministry had already conducted roadshows in Delhi and Mumbai last month to promote this flagship event.
Rakesh Kumar Verma, Addl Secretary Tourism added that more than 315 state projects currently exist, having credible investment possibilities. “We are working with the states combining the policies and guiding them on how we make those projects or the destinations more attractive for investors,” Verma told the press.
