PM Modi addresses post-budget webinar on boosting India’s tourism

PM Modi addresses post-budget webinar on boosting India’s tourism potential

CITY REPORTER NEWS DESK,03-Feb; Prime Minister Narendra Modi today stressed on the need to think out of the box and do long-term planning to give a new height to the tourism sector in the country.

Addressing a post-budget webinar on boosting India’s tourism potential, Modi said, India’s tourism can be promoted as a coastal, beach, mangrove, Himalayan, adventure, wildlife, eco, heritage, and spiritual tourism. He added that provisions have been made in this year’s Union Budget to develop the tourist destination in a holistic manner.

Speaking from the experience of working as the head of the government for more than 20 years, the Prime Minister emphasized that the desired results are achieved within the stipulated time when all stakeholders align themselves with any strategic decisions taken by the government. He expressed happiness at the suggestions received through the post-budget webinars that have been conducted so far.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the Kankaria lake project in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and informed that skill development for those working in the food stalls was carried out apart from the redevelopment of the lake. He emphasized on cleanliness along with modern infrastructure and informed that about 10,000 people visit the place every day despite the applicable entry fees. “Every tourist destination can also develop its own revenue model”, the Prime Minister said.

“Our villages are becoming centers of tourism”, the Prime Minister remarked as he underlined that remote villages are now coming up on the tourism map due to their improving infrastructure. He informed that the Central Government has started the Vibrant Village Scheme for the villages situated along the border and emphasized the need to support businesses such as homestays, small hotels and restaurants.

Highlighting the basic challenge of the tourism sector, the Prime Minister pointed out the lack of professional tourist guides here and stressed the need for certificate courses in local colleges for guides. He suggested that guides working in a particular tourist destination should also have a specific dress or uniform so that tourists will come to know at first glance. The Prime Minister noted that a tourist’s mind is full of questions and guides can help them find answers to all those questions.

The Prime Minister said, civil amenities, digital connectivity, cleanliness and better infrastructure will be helpful for boosting tourism adding that increased tourist footfall will encourage a huge potential for employment opportunities.

Modi underlined that the country is witnessing unprecedented reception from foreign tourists and emphasized the need to tap this opportunity with better planning. He said there is a need to frame a strategy for promoting more foreign travelers.

The Prime Minister also said all languages should be incorporated while designing the content for tourism and asked to further modernize tourists apps and digital connectivity. He said, it should be available in all UN languages and Indian languages.(CNS)