Need To Increase India’s Share In World Tourism
Foundation Stone laid for Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayay Paryatan Bhawan
New Delhi (PIB-GR-TYP-BIN): The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley laid the foundation stone of the new Office Complex of the Ministry of Tourism ‘Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayay Paryatan Bhawan’ at Mandir Marg (opp. Birla Mandir) in New Delhi on the occasion of World Tourism Day today. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of the Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge), and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Member of Parliament, Mrs. Meenakshi Lekhi.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Arun Jaitley said that it is a must to increase India’s share in world tourism by making a strong tourism policy. We have to work on low cost tourism to attract tourists, the Minister added. Mr. Arun Jaitley said that we need modern airports and maximum inflow of flights for attracting international tourists. Indian Tourism Centres should be opened in those countries from where we receive maximum tourist inflow, he explained. Clean railway stations and a good experience of rail travel is another component along with availability of low and medium budget hotels.
Highlighting the role of states, Mr. Arun Jaitley said that for creating strong tourism infrastructure, it is important to take the help of states. He said that the new Paryatan Bhawan will now provide a base for working on all aspects of tourism and increasing the potential of tourism in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that the Government fully understands the importance of tourism. It is possible for people to discover the cultures of different countries and cultivate respect for them via the medium of tourism. Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that tourism is the engine of economic growth and we need to increase India’s share in world tourism from 0.68 to 1 % by 2020 to realize the full potential of this sector. Tourism helps in women empowerment and youth employment.
Naming the new office complex of Ministry of Tourism after Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay is a real tribute to the visionary leader who talked about integral humanism and antyodaya, he added.
The Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Vinod Zutshi said that Tourism is an important instrument of economic growth. We must utilize every opportunity to enhance Tourism in India which can help in building the economy and generate employment.
Senior officials of Ministry of Tourism & NDMC Chairman, Mr. Naresh Kumar was also present at the function.
(Source: PIB/GR/TYP/BIN/USPA/WN/IAIJ)
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