The number of foreign tourists who arrived in India this year during January-April is 166 per cent more than the figures for the corresponding period in 2022, Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy said today.

He said this in his address at the inaugural session of the fourth G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in Panaji.

Mr Reddy also said that after the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign tourist arrivals in India have increased.

“The number of foreign tourists who arrived in India this year during January-April is 166 per cent higher than the figures for the corresponding period in 2022,” Mr Reddy said. “India’s inbound travel is expected to reach to pre-pandemic level in 2023,” he asserted.

Later at a press conference, Mr Reddy said it was a “matter of happiness” that the concluding meeting of the TWG is taking place in Goa.

“India is hosting over 200 G20 meetings at 55 locations across the country. It is happening with ‘janbhagidari’ (people’s cooperation). And, tourism sector is benefitting the most from these meetings,” he said.

In keeping with the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhav’, India is hosting G20 delegates with great warmth.

“Each of these delegates… we want them to go back as ambassadors of India,” the minister said.

Earlier interacting with members of a Yuva Tourism Club after the opening session here, Mr Reddy said the G20 meetings are taking place across the country “akin to a festival”.

During the TWG meeting on Tuesday, sustainable tourism, climate change, among other subjects were discussed.

The fourth and the final meeting is discussing various challenges that tourism sector is facing globally.

Hailing India as the “mother of democracy” and ancient land of spirituality, Union minister Reddy urged the global community to work together to build a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector.

India is currently chairing the G20, and “mother of democracy” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, are also one of the key taglines used by the central government in its posters and other visuals means of comunication on it.

The Union minister also said that currently the Indian government has two priorities: sustainable infrastructure creation, to cater to the growing needs of  the  tourists,  and raising awareness among the tourists,  for responsible consumption and adoption of an environmentally conscious lifestyle and through the launch of the “G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard, a legacy has been created”.

“The number of foreign tourists who arrived in India this year during January-April is 166 per cent higher than the figures for the corresponding period in 2022,” Mr Reddy said. “India’s inbound travel is expected to reach to pre-pandemic level in 2023,” he asserted.

Later at a press conference, Mr Reddy said it was a “matter of happiness” that the concluding meeting of the TWG is taking place in Goa.

“India is hosting over 200 G20 meetings at 55 locations across the country. It is happening with ‘janbhagidari’ (people’s cooperation). And, tourism sector is benefitting the most from these meetings,” he said.

In keeping with the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhav’, India is hosting G20 delegates with great warmth.

“Each of these delegates… we want them to go back as ambassadors of India,” the minister said.

Earlier interacting with members of a Yuva Tourism Club after the opening session here, Mr Reddy said the G20 meetings are taking place across the country “akin to a festival”.

During the TWG meeting on Tuesday, sustainable tourism, climate change, among other subjects were discussed.

The fourth and the final meeting is discussing various challenges that tourism sector is facing globally.

Hailing India as the “mother of democracy” and ancient land of spirituality, Union minister Reddy urged the global community to work together to build a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector.

India is currently chairing the G20, and “mother of democracy” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, are also one of the key taglines used by the central government in its posters and other visuals means of comunication on it.

The Union minister also said that currently the Indian government has two priorities: sustainable infrastructure creation, to cater to the growing needs of  the  tourists,  and raising awareness among the tourists,  for responsible consumption and adoption of an environmentally conscious lifestyle and through the launch of the “G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard, a legacy has been created”.

Source PTI