Srinagar, May 23: Today, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha delivered a speech at the 3rd Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting of the G20. He emphasized why Jammu and Kashmir was chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G20 gathering, citing the region’s new era of growth and peace under the PM’s leadership.
The Lt. Governor acknowledged that the development schemes initiated by PM Modi, which empower the masses and ensure effective administration, have helped isolate the terror ecosystem fueled by external support. He highlighted the increasing foreign investments in Jammu and Kashmir and the promising signs of progress that the people eagerly anticipate.
Furthermore, Lt. Governor Sinha stated that tourism in Jammu and Kashmir reflects India’s diverse religious and cultural ethos. He stressed the importance of peace in fostering growth and tourism, asserting that hospitality can only thrive when accompanied by the well-being and happiness of the people.
He described how Jammu and Kashmir has achieved significant milestones in various sectors, including strengthened grassroots democracy, the establishment of new industries, agricultural growth, expansion of higher education institutions, skill development for Industry 4.0 technologies, rapid infrastructure development, and the transformation into a digital society. He attributed these accomplishments to the visionary leadership of PM Modi, which has eliminated injustice, exploitation, and discrimination, enabling social equality and equal economic opportunities for all citizens.
Acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism worldwide, Lt. Governor Sinha noted the shift towards sustainable living, inclusive development, and the opportunity to revitalize sustainable tourism. He expressed delight that the G20 Tourism Working Group, under India’s presidency, is focusing on priority areas such as green tourism, digitalization, skills, tourism MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), and destination management. He highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing efforts in these areas and emphasized the importance of promoting environmental awareness, protecting the ecology, improving the economy, and fostering inclusive growth.
Lt. Governor Sinha emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is not just a tourism destination but a land of poetic beauty and energy vibrating with timeless Indian cultural values. He underscored the administration’s commitment to align the tourism sector with the needs of travelers, industry stakeholders, employment generation, and environmental preservation. He mentioned that the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir has been accorded industry status, attracting substantial investment proposals in the hospitality sector. Additionally, he highlighted the revival of ties with Bollywood and the launch of a film policy to attract more investments in the film sector, resulting in a qualitative change in people’s lives.
Expressing confidence, Lt. Governor Sinha envisioned Jammu and Kashmir soon becoming one of the top 50 destinations in the world and a coveted travel destination for global travelers. The inaugural session was attended by Union Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union MoS Ajay Bhatt, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, G20 Chief Coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla, delegates from G20 nations, observer countries, and representatives from various multilateral organizations.
