While inaugurating Travel India 2012 — an exposition & conference on tourism Industry organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata, Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay said tourism was a major driver of India’s economic growth. It contributes six per cent of the GDP and provides employment to about 41.8 million people, which is 8.78 per cent of total country’s employment.
He further said that the G20 has recognised the role of travel and tourism as a vehicle for job creation, economic growth and development. The Planning Commission has also considered tourism sector as the second largest sector in the country in terms of providing employment opportunities for low-skilled workers.
He reiterated that the endeavour of Ministry of Tourism is to take India’s share to at least one per cent of the world from the present 0.6 per cent in next 5 years period (target for the 12th Plan) with an average growth of over 12 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals and to sustain the growth of domestic tourism at over 12.
He further added that the tourism is a potential not only be the economy driver, but also become an effective tool for poverty alleviation and ensuring growth with equity and hence could become the engine of growth in years to come.
He added that the growing hospitality industry of the country is facing shortage of skilled manpower. The Ministry of Tourism has, therefore, launched a programme of training of youth (Hunar Se Rozgar Tak) to create employable skills. The programme is delivered through training programmes organised by the Institutes of Hotel Management,
Food Craft Institutes and private sector hotels.
He also said that his focus is to integrated development of tourism through development of mega projects, circuits and destinations, based on India’s unique civilisation, heritage and culture, in partnership with States, private sector and other agencies. He said that one aspect that has adversely affected tourism in India relates to unsatisfactory hygiene and cleanliness.
Keeping this in mind, I have decided to put in place, a comprehensive strategy to effect cleanliness specific to tourist destinations under the name ‘Campaign Clean India’. I would request all Corporate Houses to adopt monuments and important tourist destinations for their 24x7 upkeep all round the year.
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