The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) 6th National Tourism Investors Meet (NTIM) concluded on Friday, 24th September.
Gujarat Tourism participated in the investors meet. The objective of the 2-day event is to encourage investment in travel & tourism and to re-launch India’s tourism industry in the post-Covid era.
The second day of the event was filled with business engagement between investors and the states.
Ms. Trupti Vyas, GM HR Admin Skill IT & Investment, Govt of Gujarat, emphasised upon colourful Gujarat, having spiritual destnations such as Dwarika and Somnath, nature wildlife and beaches with BlueFlag certification, oldest to newest city , Dholavira to GIFT City, talked about architect of Gujarat, Unesco World Heritage sites.
“Gujarat Tourism Policy 2021-2025 focuses on foreign medical tourism, special tourism zones, MICE, caravan tourism, and also payroll assistance for guides. Incentives of 15%-20% are eligible capital investment for eligible tourism unit. Land on lease is available if needed. 100% FDI allowed, 100% reimbursement of registration fee as well as stamp duty is given.”
Shri Rakesh Kumar Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. Of India, in his opening address said, “If you look at the potential of India it is unrealised beyond the words. The Development of Iconic Tourism destination is a new scheme of GOI , which will support capital incentive investment. In Ease of doing business, Maharashtra has practised this. We also need to look at the public interest. Instead of an archiac basis ,there are much niche for the tourism as eco-tourism etc. Investment should not only be financial but of collaborations and knowledge. Country like Thailand, are working hard towards golf tourism.”
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairman of FICCI’s Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Committee and CMD, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said, “This meet was a huge success and will prove to be a turning point for stakeholders of tourism industry. Post covid, this is a tremendous initiative led by FICCI to revive tourism across the country.”
Theme state Bihar in its presentation pitched their progressive, competitive and investment friendly policies in the tourism sector and appealed the investors to come to Kaimur, Rohtas, VTR for Rajgir as the state is an emerging hub of eco tourism. The state is thriving upon the abundance of its flora and fauna to strengthen the eco-circuit in terms of footfalls.
An entrepreneur from hospitality sector Bhawana Chopra participated in the second day of the investor’s meet. The Delhi-based wedding planner saw immense opportunity in states like Karnataka and Rajasthan to boost travel and tourism. “We can explore different states their culture and put it in our theme. It’s a lovely initiative by FICCI.”
A Noida based stakeholder opined that the state governments are keen to invite investors and provide them all possible resources to let the wheel of hospitality sector once again move at fast pace. “It’s a wonderful initiative.”
Vikas Ahluwalia from Appejay-Surrendra Park Hotels Limited said, “The 6th Investors summit was quite helpful for us. It was a good opportunity to interact with states like Bihar and it was enlightening for us to understand their vision and hospitality. After Covid, people have been looking for opportunity in tourism sector. All the partner states showcased their policies which were quite helpful for us.”
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