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{/googleAds} “The employment generation in tourism & hospitality sector is three times more than manufacturing sector”, he further highlighted.

“Creating an enabling environment for Tourism’s growth would lead to rise of foreign tourists, their spending in India and foreign investments as well. This would also lead to creation of a lot of jobs in the tourism, travel and hospitality sector which would create opportunities for all sections of the society and in turn lead to attaining an all inclusive development of the society.” Davar added.

In order to take it forward, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Northern Region has planned to organise a Mega Event ‘CII Tourism Fest’ from 5-7 December in Chandigarh to bring all critical stakeholders like State Chief Ministers, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, Hoteliers, Hospitals, Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Golf Courses & Resorts, Central & State Government Tourism Agencies, Tourism Board of various Countries, Airlines, Airports, Air Charters Companies, IRCTC, Industry experts in hospitality and tourism etc on one platform to boost tourism and hospitality industry and showcase tourism potential in the eight Northern states and UT of Chandigarh.

“There is a need to include more countries in the list of Visa on Arrival, enabling easier tourist inflow to the country, a more liberal open sky policy which would permit more airlines to land in the country, simplification of the tax rules, so that tourists do not struggle with multiple tax structures and experience a more seamless movement across the country and above all safety and security of the overseas tourists in India."

“India has the potential to be amongst World’s best tourist destinations. What is needed is effective and aggressive marketing and branding strategies to let the World know, what we have to offer. The share of inbound tourism in India was less than 1% of our GDP last year, so we need to put huge impetus on tourism and travel, enhance the facilities, services, amenities and promote India as a preferred tourist destination. In India, Medical Travel & Tourism has immense potential as well. Medical facilities in India are cheaper than countries in Europe and America. But they are not aware of it. The GoI and all state governments, especially in North India have to make tourism as one of their top priorities and bring out State Tourism policies and initiatives to publicize India’s scope in tourism”, he added.

CII would create a Chief Ministers’ Forum to address various issues like infrastructure, connectivity, security, cleanliness, Information sharing, accommodation, food, travel and policies etc. which hinder the growth of tourism.

The Tourism Sector grew at a rate of 4% last year globally as compared to the manufacturing sector which grew at less than 2%. The total estimated spend on infrastructure would be $1 Trillion in the 12th plan as against just $600 Billion since independence; hence Tourism sector is bound to flourish. There is an immense potential of tourism in India, considering our great heritage, beautiful locations and cheaper medical facilities. We just need to brand it well”. The Fest would comprise a lot of Buyer Seller Meets; deliberations on required Policy initiatives; International Dance Shows; National and International Food Festivals, Golf Tournament; International Chef Meets; Leisure & Excursion Trips etc.

According to CII, The Conference would dwell on aspects like participative role of Central & State Governments and agencies, Demand & Supply Scenario in India, Tourism Development: Destination Marketing, Urban and Regional Tourism Development, Sustainable Tourism, Economic Sustainability and impact of tourism on economy, Marketing and branding strategies, Human resources management strategies for tourism & hospitality industry, Case studies of good practices in tourism governance, policy making and management.