by P. Krishna Kumar
New Delhi, Feb 25 (UNI) union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Wednesday that Tourism, a sector which has been lurking on the margins of the national policy making for decades, has moved into the centre of national development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shekhawat said that the government understands that Tourism is not merely about travel, but is an activity which stimulates livelihood, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth of the economy.
Inaugurating the 33rd annual edition of the South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE), a premier travel and tourism exposition of India, in the capital, Shekhawat said that the future belongs to countries which assimilate culture with commerce.
He said that globally, tourists are not merely searching for destinations, they are searching for stories, ethnic and authentic cultures, wellness, human connections and experiences. India as a nation of living heritage and rich civilisation and a land of vibrant and thriving democracy is best suited to satiate the hunger for authentic experiences of travelers, he said.
India is not just a land of geographical diversity, but a country with diversity in terms of spiritual journeys, adventure, nature, etc., the minister said.
Speaking about the unprecedented infrastructural and other changes the country has seen over the last decade, Shekhawat said that the government is “transforming tourism through comprehensive national approach” with focus on conservation of heritage, protection of nature and empowering the communities.
India’s greatest tourism assets are its culture and rich hospitality, the tourism minister said, adding that the focus is to build India as an “experience-led” destination and a global leader in “responsible tourism”.
Around 2000 exhibitors from both India and abroad are participating in the 33rd edition of SATTE 2026, which has started in Yashobhoomi International Exhibition Centre. There are representatives from 60 countries who will participate in the B2B meetings.
UNI KK RKM