G-20 Summit : A Beacon of Hope for Tourism
Tourism sector is one which was oppressively hit by the COVID epidemic and is still floundering to revive and get to its pre-pandemic state. At the same time, the G- 20 Summit under India’s administration has brought a new beam of hope in the darkness, a Tourism Ministry functionary stated. After the successful G- 20 administration by India, the tourism sector is anticipated to witness a new boost. To discuss the Ministry of Tourism from different countries along with 200 various stakeholders from all over the world, gathered in Delhi to frame strategies to capitalise the chance in bringing growth in business and leisure (inclusively known as bleisure) and tourism.
Post-COVID Surge in Domestic Tourism
During a meeting a common conclusion was drawn that tourism has increased in the country in recent times after COVID, but the number of foreign travelers has still not reached the Pre-COVID period. Yet, its being noticed that due to massive infrastructural development, the world is preferring India as a destination for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.Sanjeev Agarwal, chaired the meeting, stated that the successful organisation of G – 20 will strengthen the sector and tourism will increase in the future. Wildlife tourism attracts a lot of people but it needs a lot of enhancement.
Outbound Tourism : A Rising Global Phenomenon
The meeting emphasised on outbound tourism, which is witnessing a rapid – fire growth in recent times. Indian MICE Agents Chairman, “Gajesh Girdhar said, “India’s Outbound tourism is surging and is set to reach US Dollar 15,163.4 Million by the end of 2023. This growth is driven by Indians particularly millennials, eager to explore international destinations. Government of India under the leadership of PM Modi the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and tourism sector in India is roaring.
MICE Industry Thrives : YashoBhoomi Convention Centre
On 17 September 2023, PM Modi had inaugurated, “YashoBhoomi” convention centre in Gujarat’s Surat megacity, which is one of the world’s largest Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Centre. The Convention Centre erected across, further than 73000 sq metres of area with a holding capacity of 11,000 delegates. Before the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, the Prime Minister had inaugurated Bharat Mandapam at ITOP, where the G20 meeting took place.
Girdhar refocused, “Our tourism spots are aligning with MICE growth. India’s outbound MICE market is one of the world’s swift growing. We anticipate to reach pre – COVID situations by 2024.
International Perspectives on Indian Tourism
Evgeny Kozlov, a representative of the Government of Moscow stated, “Before the epidemic, the tourist arrival from India grew by 12-15 percent annually. Indian business travellers were the most multitudinous in Moscow as of 2022. Now we’re on the road to recovery.
The event was also attented by Chairman of Moscow City Tourism Committee, Sergey Ivanov and representatives from different including St. Petersburgh. Along with them Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism RK Suman, Ambassador of Cuba in India, Deputy Ambassador of Chancery Zimbabwe Hobwani. A deep discussion on MICE and business trip strategies and tactics in a changing dynamics took place.