During its G20 presidency in 2023, India identified MSMEs in tourism as one of five key priority areas for sustainable development.
On International MSME Day, June 26, 2024, the Chamber of Service Industry organised a conference in New Delhi, spotlighting emerging ventures within the MSME service industry including tourism. The event showcased the suitability of defence personnel for roles in tourism, hospitality, retail, management, security, wellness, environmental protection, and other service sectors.
Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, served as the Special Guest of Honour. On social media platform, Srivastava expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Delighted to share a plethora of opportunities in the tourism sector with the group of enthusiastic ex-servicemen and industry friends at a conference organized by the Chamber for Services Industry (CSI) with a focus on the reoccupation of defence personnel in the service industry.”
Sharing statistics, he projected that MSMEs constitute almost 80% of all tourism businesses worldwide, reaching up to 98% in some developing economies. The tourism sector in India is largely driven by micro, small, and medium enterprises, spanning accommodation, food and beverages, transportation, recreation, and ancillary services such as handicrafts and tour guides, he said.
“During its G20 presidency in 2023, India identified MSMEs in tourism as one of five key priority areas for sustainable development. In the post-COVID phase, opportunities in the tourism sector have surged, with Indians traveling domestically and internationally like never before. The urgent need to organise services to cater to this demand through sustained and focused efforts underscores the significant role of MSMEs,” he expressed.
The conference also featured addresses by Dr. Subhash Goyal, President of the Chamber for Service Industry, Brigadier Inder Mohan Singh, President of the Indian Ex-Servicemen League, Col. Tejandra Pal Tyagi, President of Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha, and other industry experts.
A large gathering of defence personnel attended the conference. The Chamber for Service Industry (CSI) emphasised its commitment to research and development, training and innovation, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and other segments to enhance service exports from India.
