Kashmir, May 23 : The G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) gathering entered its second day on Tuesday in the picturesque city of Srinagar. Taking place from May 22nd to 24th at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), the meetings have been warmly embraced by the people of Kashmir, who anticipate significant boosts to the tourism and business sectors. Delegates are expected to explore various renowned attractions in Srinagar during their stay.
Today’s agenda includes multiple sessions held at the SKICC, with delegates also being taken to notable locations such as Nishat Garden, Cheshma Shahi, Pari Mahal, Kashmir Arts Emporium, and Polo View Market. Furthermore, a grand dinner will be hosted, allowing for networking and discussions in a more relaxed setting.
The magnitude of the G20 tourism summit in Srinagar has garnered international attention, as media outlets worldwide highlight India’s efforts to showcase the restoration of stability and normalcy in Kashmir. However, the first day of the meeting saw China and Pakistan boycotting the event, according to Taiwan News.
Under India’s G20 Presidency, a series of meetings are being held across the country as a precursor to the G20 Summit scheduled for September in New Delhi. As the mega event commenced, G20 delegations arrived at the Sheikh-ul Alam International Airport in Srinagar, where they were greeted by the sight of lamp posts adorned in the colors of the Indian national flag and billboards featuring the G20 logo, as reported by Nikkei Asia.
Hosting a significant international gathering in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, India showcases its enthusiasm for the region’s role in its G20 presidency. The city of Srinagar has undergone renovations and beautification efforts as part of a smart city scheme, with refurbished footpaths and freshly painted roadside walls in peach and white, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
During the third G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in Srinagar, India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, expressed his conviction that Kashmir offers an ideal setting for filming movies, envisioning an upsurge in film productions in the region. Kant stated, “There is no better place than Kashmir to shoot a movie and to capture romance.”
Given the three-day duration of the G20 summit from May 22nd to 24th, Kashmir is under a three-tier security grid, which includes aerial surveillance drone monitoring. The National Security Guard (NSG) and MARCOS (Marine Commandos) have been deployed around the venue, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s special operation group (SOG) is stationed at various locations to ensure security and prevent any potential terror incidents.
Among the participating countries, Spain, Singapore, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, and India will engage in discussions on the global perspective of film tourism, as well as its economic benefits and impact on Jammu and Kashmir.
