Srinagar, May 22: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy on Monday said that Union Government will soon declare a national tourism policy and is also planning a global tourism investment summit.
He, along with Union minister Jitendra Singh and India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, was addressing a press conference at SKICC after the culmination of a side event on ‘Film Tourism for Economic and Cultural Preservation’ as part of the three-day third Tourism Working Group Meeting of the G20.
The Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said “Govt of India is planning the first global tourist investment summit. Without private investments, we cannot become a global tourist destination. We are encouraging and allowing 100 percent FDI in the tourism sector,” he said.
Union Minister Reddy said the government and the Ministry of Tourism are closely working with all the ministries and the state governments to encourage tourism.
On the occasion, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said India is hosting G20 presidency at a time of “global turbulence”. “Seventy per cent countries are facing debt crisis. People have lost jobs. But, India sees G20 as an opportunity,” he said.
“We are growing at a high rate of around seven per cent. We have built 40 million houses, provided toilet connections to 110 million people, and drinking water connections to 240 million people. We have made 55,000 kilometres of road. Inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth is our priority. If there is growth, we will be able to lift people out of poverty,” he said.
Kant said there is a need to transform multilateral financial institutions to ensure that resources flow to emerging countries.
On the occasion, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said holding the G20 event in Srinagar was an achievement in itself.
“I am sure the delegates coming here will be able to falsify the perception that is sought to be created by vested interests. The common man wants to move on,” he said.
Earlier during the occasion, Draft National Strategy for Film Tourism was unveiled in presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Kishan Reddy, K. Ram Charan, Amitabh Kant, Secretary MIB, Sh. Apurva Chandra and G20 chief coordinator, Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
On the side-lines, a panel discussion aligned with the 5th priority of the Tourism Working Group, highlighted the challenges associated with country-specific enablers adopted for promoting destinations through films and also emphasised the impact of film tourism on these destinations.
Earlier, speaking at the event, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said the government is aiming at reviving film tourism not only in Kashmir but all over the country, adding, there is a tremendous scope for promoting spiritual tourism in Jammu and Kashmir..
Addressing G20 delegates on the side event on ‘Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation’ during 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting at SKICC, Srinagar, Union Minister Reddy said the government is also chalking out a comprehensive strategy for its growth in Jammu and Kashmir, as film tourism has emerged as a powerful medium to promote the tourism industry.
He said India will be one stop for film production having beautiful locations, talented technicians, and the start of art post production facilities that can create amazing visuals with world-class sound effects.
The union minister said Srinagar is India’s one of the most beautiful cities. “We would like to highlight the beauty and cultural heritage of the host destination,” he said.
“Our country India offers every kind of location to filmmakers to shoot films. From sun-kissed beaches to mountains,” he added.
Quoting Kalhana’s Rajtarangini, he said, the Gods often descended to sit on the banks of lakes of Srinagar as this place has captured the imagination of artists, nature lovers and now film makers who will revive film making in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Many famous national and international films have been shot in Jammu and Kashmir and the biggest aim of the government is now to revive film tourism not only in Kashmir but all over the country,” he said.
He said winning two Oscars this year was a historic moment for us for ‘Naatu Naatu Song’ and for ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ documentary.
