The valedictory session of the ‘Incredible India Tourism Investors’ Summit (IITIS)- 2016’ organized by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry and the Tourism Finance Corporation of India, further paved the way for boosting the infrastructure growth for the India’s travel and tourism sector. The session witnessed states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh exchanging 86 MoUs and many more are in the pipeline, aggregating close to Rs 15,000 crores.
According to the Ministry, IITIS-2016 had met the desired objectives and highlighted tourism investment potential in the country. Gujarat exchanged MoUs close to 9000 crores, Karnataka with 2600 crores, Rajasthan with 1000 crores, Uttarakhand with 500 crores and Chhattisgarh with 12 crores. Also, B. R. Shetty Group is keen to invest Rs 450 crores and Costa Cruise Rs 750 crores and Triveni Singapore close to Rs 800 crores in the country.
Speaking at the valedictory session, Vinod Zutshi, Secretary – Tourism, Govt. of India announced that IITIS will be held annually with the next Summit to be organized in September 2017. He also said that a task force will be set up to undertake strategic planning. The task force will be headed by Secretary, Tourism, with membership from relevant ministries, state governments, and industry associations. Moreover, an investor facilitation desk will be set up to handhold investors and facilitate projects.
Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism and Culture assured the investors that his ministry will assist and support investors for making India the tourist destination of choice and for promotion of investment projects in tourism sector. He referred to the tourist helpline in 12 languages and highlighted that a portal is being opened for inviting suggestions. “Let us join hands to give tourists a memorable experience,” he added.
World Bank is supporting India’s Buddhist Circuit development and will provide support for sustainable tourism development including through funds, said Cecile Fruman, Global Director, Trade and Competitiveness, World Bank.
