The stage is set for the 'Third G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting,' scheduled to take place from today in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting will be held from May 22- 24, 2023. Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arvind Singh, said the meeting aims to discuss and finalize two key deliverables: the GOA Roadmap for Tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the G20 Tourism Ministers' Declaration.

G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting Shines Spotlight on J&K's Five Key Priority Areas

The '3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting' will focus on five key priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and Destination Management. These priorities are crucial for the transition and growth of the tourism sector, enabling it to meet the targets set for the 2030 SDGs.

The tourism minister expressed his satisfaction with the excellent response received from G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations for this meeting. It has garnered the highest participation compared to the first two Tourism Working Group Meetings held in Rann of Kutch and Siliguri. This marks the first working group meeting taking place in Srinagar as part of the G20 efforts.

Film Tourism Takes Center Stage at G20 Meeting in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

A significant side event on 'Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation' will be held on 22nd and 23rd May 2023, with a specific focus on promoting film tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. The event will witness the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. During the event, a draft 'National Strategy on Film Tourism' will be unveiled, providing a roadmap for leveraging the role of films in promoting tourist destinations.

G20's Global Message Resonates Locally: J&K's Vital Contribution to G20 Initiatives

Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Chief Coordinator of G20, acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of taking India's G20 Presidency message to the grassroots level through active Jan Bhagidari (public participation). He praised the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Government in creating awareness among the people about the goals and purpose of G20 through various public activities.

Jammu and Kashmir's Tourism Flourishes: Highest Tourist Arrivals in 2022

Chief Secretary J&K, Arun Mehta, highlighted the significant progress in the tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir. With 18.8 million tourists visiting in 2022, the region witnessed the highest number of tourist arrivals. To accommodate the growing influx of tourists, the government plans to establish 300 new tourist destinations, each providing a unique experience to visitors. The rise in the number of foreign tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a positive sign for the region's tourism industry.

Celebrating Local Artisans: G20 Delegates Explore Handicrafts in J&K's Craft Bazaar

As part of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, delegates will visit the Art and Craft Bazaar organized by the State Government, where they can explore local handicrafts and the work of artisans, emphasizing the importance of community participation. The delegates will also have the opportunity to engage in do-it-yourself (DIY) activities at the Craft Bazaar. Furthermore, the Ministry of Tourism is promoting local products from Jammu and Kashmir by presenting delegates with souvenirs such as Paper Mache Boxes, Saffron from Pampore, Kawa Cups and Brass Spoons, and Walnuts from Anantnag, Shopian, and Kupwara.