Goyal inaugurates first ever India Tourism Mart 2018

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Union Minister for Railways and Coal Piyush Goyal inaugurated the ‘first ever’ India Tourism Mart (ITM 2018) in the presence of Union Tourism Minister K J Alphons, and the Tourism Minister of Morocco Mohamed Sajid, in New Delhi, on September 17, 2018.

The India Tourism Mart has been organized by the Ministry of Tourism from September 16 to 18, 2018, in partnership with the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) with support of State /UT Governments. The function was held in presence of the Secretary, other senior officials of Tourism Ministry, and Chairman/members of FAITH and also delegates from India and across the world.

Inaugurating the event, Goyal wished the best to the Tourism Ministry to reach the ambitious goal of US$100 billion FTA receipts/year within 5 years. He said that unless the infrastructure/fundamentals are set up, India can’t come up as a well sought after destination and added that the present government has been ensuring 24 hour power supply, promoting renewable energy forms, and improving connectivity by effectively connecting the remotest destinations. The Minister also said that the most important element that will help promote Tourism in a complete way is the Government’s cleanliness drive, the Swachhta Abhiyan, which will ensure India becoming a preferred destination for all international tourists.

Mentioning the income multiplier effect in the Tourism sector, Goyal said that Tourism generates a number of employment opportunities in formal and informal sectors and can change the destiny of the country, according to a PIB release.

Speaking at the event, the Tourism Minister announced that ITM will be an annual event hereafter in line with other International Tourism Marts and it will be held in the month of September. The Minister said that India is so vast that there will be something new for everyone to see and experience in this country with its varied geography, culture, traditions, architectural marvels, religions. Alphons also added that visiting the country has become easier with the new e-visa regime which is now open to 166 countries.

India Tourism Mart (ITM) is being held for the first time and the Tourism industry stakeholders are coming together for such a largescale event with Ministry’s support. Around 225 stalls have been provided to the sellers to enable them interact with the buyers.  These include  pavilion  for  States & Union Territories to  showcase  their  unique  tourism  destinations  and  products.