The 4th Meeting of the G20 Tourism Working Group is held

The last meeting of the Tourism Working Group of the G20, along with the Tourism Ministerial Meeting, will be held from June 19 to 22, 2023 in Goa. On the margins of the main meeting of the Tourism Working Group, the Ministry of Tourism of India is organizing side events on crucial initiatives of cruise tourism, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and the public and private sector, which will involve delegates from G20 member countries, central government ministries, various state governments and international organizations.

The two key outputs of the Tourism Task Force are the Government of India Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals and the G20 Tourism Ministers Declaration. The Ministry of Tourism has made positive progress in finalizing the two key outcomes of the Tourism Task Force.

priority areas

Under India’s G20 Tourism Track, the Tourism Task Force is working on five interconnected priority areas, which are Green Tourism, Digitization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs and Destination Management. These priorities are key elements to accelerate the transition of the tourism sector and achieve the SDG targets by 2030. During the closing meeting, the G20 member countries, invited countries and international organizations will welcome and approve the almost finalized versions of both documents.

The G20 Tourism Task Force meeting and the Goa Tourism Ministerial Meeting aim to bolster economic growth, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable development in the region.

The Ministry of Tourism is committed to creating a lasting legacy of the Indian G20 Presidency by harnessing the potential of tourism to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In line with the aspirations and ongoing work of the G20 Tourism Task Force, the Ministry is pleased to announce the forthcoming launch of the G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard, a pioneering initiative developed in collaboration with UNWTO, an esteemed partner of knowledge for the co-creation of the GOA Roadmap for Tourism, under the G20 Presidency of India.

The third meeting of the G20 Framework Working Group is held

This online dashboard, the first of its kind, is a testament to the commitment to harness the potential of tourism to accelerate progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The public dashboard will showcase best practices and case studies of G20 countries based on the five priorities of the G20 Tourism Working Group.

side events

A side event on “How to make cruise tourism a sustainable and responsible travel model” will be organized on June 19, 2023, which will focus on strategies to promote cruise tourism. G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations and industry stakeholders will participate in the event. The challenges and opportunities posed by the growth of cruise tourism on a global scale will be discussed. A panel discussion, featuring esteemed speakers from G20 member countries and invited countries, will shed light on country-specific policies and initiatives regarding various aspects of cruise tourism, its growth, and the need to make that cruise tourism is sustainable and responsible.

In parallel to the main event on June 20, 2023, a nationwide side event has been organized which will focus on “Making India a Hub for Cruise Tourism”, to discuss the various challenges and opportunities in developing cruise tourism. cruises in the country following the principles of sustainability. The many facets of cruise tourism (coastal, island, regional and yacht), perspectives of coastal States, private and public stakeholders in inland waterways, perspectives of coastal States will be the central topics of discussion during the event. The event will include the participation of the main States and Territories of the Union, interested parties in the sector and national and international experts.

G20 Tourism Task Force meeting and Goa Tourism Ministerial Meeting aim to bolster economic growth, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable development of the region

In addition, a side event entitled “Towards a Circular Economy for Plastics in Tourism: The Global Initiative on Plastics in Tourism” will be held on June 19, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). ) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The side event will focus on fostering the engagement of tourism stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution through circular approaches throughout the tourism value chain. The event will include high-level introductory remarks and a keynote presentation on the framework for action proposed by the Global Initiative on Plastics and Tourism (GTPI). These interventions will be followed by a round table with stakeholders from the tourism sector and a signing ceremony to celebrate the accession of several organizations to the GTPI.

In addition, a “Public-Private Dialogue: Importance of Travel and Tourism to G20 Economies” will be held jointly by the Goa Ministry of Tourism on June 21, 2023 in association with the World Travel and Tourism Council. (WTTC) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Dialogue is an opportunity for participants to share their priorities and concerns and identify opportunities for mutual support and increased public-private collaboration. This discussion will align and provide a private sector perspective on the 5 priority areas set out for the G20 tourism pathway.

Cultural activities

A special Yoga session has been scheduled on the occasion of “International Yoga Day” on June 21, which coincides with the 4th Meeting of the G20 Tourism Working Group and the Goa State Government Tourism Ministerial Meeting. Delegates will also have the opportunity to experience Goa’s rich heritage of tourist attractions. Excursions have been scheduled to the places of the State declared World Heritage by UNESCO, namely, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of San Francisco de Asís and the Cathedral of Se, the Fort of Lower Aguada and the Museum of the Jail etc

The State Government is organizing an Arts and Crafts Bazaar displaying local crafts and artisans, highlighting the importance of community involvement. DIY activities have been planned at the Craft Bazaar to offer a hands-on experience. Goan ODOP products will be presented as souvenirs to delegates to promote local crafts.