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India's G20 Presidency Puts Adventure Tourism in the Spotlight

India’s G20 presidency saw the successful conclusion of the 2nd Tourism Working Group meeting held in Siliguri, West Bengal from 1st to 3rd April. The meeting included an inaugural session, working group meetings, bilateral meetings, and two side events. The discussions and priorities introduced by India received endorsements from all G20 member States and the Troika – Indonesia & Brazil.

Adventure Tourism for Sustainable Development Goals

The first side event, held on 1st April, focused on ‘Adventure Tourism as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.’ Representatives from the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and other countries attended the panel discussion, which highlighted the best practices, success stories, prospects, and issues in the field of Adventure tourism. Discussions were held on promoting Adventure tourism, and presentations on Global and Indian scenario of Adventure tourism were given. The participants also visited a tea estate, where they enthusiastically participated in moonlight tea leaf plucking and tea tasting.

Inaugural Session and Five Priorities

The inaugural session was attended by Minister of Tourism, Culture and DONER G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla. During the session, Union Minister G.K Reddy announced the vision to make India a one trillion dollar tourism economy by 2047, the countries 100th year of Independence. He also informed the delegates that the Ministry of Tourism had formulated a Draft National Tourism Policy, which is a holistic framework for sustainable and responsible growth of the tourism sector in the country. The policy aims at improving framework conditions for tourism development, supporting tourism industries, and strengthening tourism to highlight India’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The second session of the tourism working group meeting discussed all five priorities one by one in a presentation and open discussion format. A presentation on each priority was made by Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Indonesia, and Italy on Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management, respectively. Each presentation was followed by a detailed discussion among member countries, invitee countries, and international organizations.

Side Event on Tourism in Mission Mode

The second side event was focused on “Tourism in Mission Mode: Advantage of Adventure Tourism.” Participants presented ideas and discussed benefits, issues, and challenges in the promotion of adventure tourism. The discussion also focused on making India a globally competitive Adventure Tourism hub, the model law on Adventure safety, and developing vibrant villages as adventure destinations.

Visits and Cultural Activities

The delegates also enjoyed a joyous ride on the DHR from Ghum station to Darjeeling station, visited Batasia loop and War Memorial. They met Governor of West Bengal Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose at Governor’s house and attended a cultural performance at Chaurasta, Darjeeling in the evening. During their stay at Mayfair Tea Resort, the delegates also attended a Yoga session.

The Ministry of Tourism introduced all the delegates to local art & craft at Siliguri and Darjeeling, and the MSME & tourism department of West Bengal organized art and craft stalls of local arts for delegates. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, also exhibited their equipment at the Mall Road during the meeting. The Ministry of Tourism also promoted local products of West Bengal by handing souvenirs to delegates from ODOP list of items like Wooden Owl set from Burdwan District, Dokra GI Hook fish from Bankura District, Banglshree Silk Pocket Square from Malda District and Chitpore Attar from Kalimpong District.

Looking Ahead

The Tourism Working Group will reconvene for two more meetings, including a Ministerial meeting which will take place in Goa. The planned deliverables include a ministerial level communique and the Goa roadmap for tourism as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The successful conclusion of the 2nd Tourism Working Group meeting under India’s G20 presidency is a step forward in achieving India’s vision of making the country a one trillion dollar tourism economy by 2047. The five priorities identified by India – Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management – are crucial for the sustainable and responsible growth of the tourism sector in the country.

India’s G20 presidency provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage, and the potential of the tourism sector in contributing to the global economic growth and development. With a focus on sustainable tourism practices, the sector can play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

 

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