Jaipur, Sep 6 (NationPress) The Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, remarked on Saturday that the tourism sector possesses significant potential to further enhance the economy and create substantial employment opportunities.

While speaking at the 12th Annual Convention of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) hosted at Castle Kanota, Shekhawat emphasized, “Tourism is the engine of our economy. Our economic growth is anticipated to double every 7-8 years, with tourism already accounting for 5-6 percent of the GDP, in contrast to nearly 10 percent globally. Given India’s rich cultural heritage and diversity, this sector has substantial capacity to further propel economic growth and generate extensive job opportunities.”

He observed that tourist preferences have shifted in the aftermath of COVID, with visitors now seeking immersive and experience-driven adventures. He encouraged hoteliers and those in the tourism industry to improve the overall experiences for visitors. The Minister announced the creation of a comprehensive collection of photos and videos under the Incredible India platform aimed at highlighting tourism attractions.

He also advocated for the increased promotion of alternative destinations to alleviate congestion at popular sites and to foster the exploration of lesser-known treasures.

Stressing the significance of heritage tourism, Shekhawat pointed out that it transcends mere monuments, playing a crucial role in storytelling and narrative creation. “Heritage tourism positions India firmly on the global tourism stage by illuminating our identity as a civilization,” he added.

Meanwhile, Diya Kumari, the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, shared, "Rajasthan will soon introduce a mobile application designed to assist tourists with tailored recommendations on dining and shopping, alongside swift access to essential services like helplines and police stations. This app will be particularly beneficial for women traveling throughout the state." In conjunction with the app, the Government is set to unveil a new Tourism Policy, Film Policy, and Adventure Tourism Policy. Initiatives are also being undertaken to amplify concert tourism, develop circuits in under-explored areas such as Banswara, Barmer, and Karauli, and revive the painted havelis of Shekhawati. This year's Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) event revolves around the theme of 'Romantic Heritage.'

The Deputy CM remarked that tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors within the economy. In 2024, India’s Travel and Tourism sector is expected to contribute around Rs 20.9 trillion (approximately 6.6 percent of GDP), marking about a 20 percent increase from pre-pandemic figures, and supporting 46.5 million jobs (near 9.1 percent of total employment). As India transitions to a simplified two-slab GST system from September 22, it is anticipated to further invigorate the tourism and hospitality sectors by lowering costs and enhancing affordability.

Maharaja Gaj Singh, President Emeritus of IHHA, stated, "This convention is more than just a gathering of hoteliers; it represents a unified commitment to safeguard, preserve, and promote our heritage for future generations. The journey of IHHA over the years has been remarkable. From its humble beginnings, it has evolved into a distinctive platform with over 200 members, representing a diverse range of heritage properties that collectively embody the essence of India's history and hospitality."

Earlier, in his welcoming address, Secretary General of IHHA, Captain Gaj Singh Alsisar, highlighted that the IHHA’s request made last year for granting infrastructure status to the hospitality sector has been accepted and announced in the Union Government’s budget, and has now been duly notified.

He further reiterated IHHA’s appeal for GST exemption for foreign tourists and urged the Deputy CM to include the association as a member of the committee being established to finalize the Heritage Conservation Bill.

During the event, the magazine 'Romantic Heritage - The Enduring Kanota Legacy' published by IHHA was launched by the dignitaries.

In the inaugural session, Prof Sanjeev Vidyarthi delivered a thought-provoking presentation on 'Revival of Heritage Architecture', stressing the importance of preserving heritage structures and their relevance today. This was followed by a screening of a documentary on Rajasthan’s folk music by Abhimanyu Singh Alsisar, which received high acclaim from the audience.

In the second session, Veer Vijay Singh Dundlod will lead a discussion on ‘Hotel Operations'. In the evening, attendees will tour General Amar Singh’s Library and Museum at Castle Kanota, followed by a documentary screening on General Amar Singh at the Mardana Bagh.

Similarly, on September 7 (Sunday), the inaugural ceremony of the 24th IHHA Annual General Meeting will occur, during which the IHHA meeting and elections will also take place.

This will be followed by engaging panel discussions and presentations on significant topics such as 'Bera Jackets', 'Old City of Jaipur', and 'Reviving the Dying Art and Craft'.

Around 150 heritage hoteliers from across India are participating in this two-day event. Notably, India has a total of 206 heritage hotels, with nearly 140 located in Rajasthan.