TravTalk India Online Magazine
With its young population and diverse offerings, India’s tourism sector presents a unique opportunity for economic expansion, job creation, and social equity in the country, says Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa for India.
Janice Alyosius
Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa for India, speaking at the ASSOCHAM’s India Tourism Conference held recently, highlighted the challenges faced by the world in the post-COVID era. He emphasized that every challenge presents an opportunity for radical change and progress. India’s hosting of the G20 presidency with the motto of “Vasudev Kutumbakam” reflects the country’s commitment to unity and progress in the face of global challenges, he said.
Digital transformation:
A key driver of growth
India, as the fifth-largest economy, has embraced digital transformation, leading to significant economic growth. With a digital identity for every citizen and millions of bank accounts opened, India has become a global leader in digital payments. “From 2015 to 2017, India opened 500 million bank accounts, accounting for 55 per cent of global bank account openings. Mobile devices have become virtual banks for many Indians, leading to digital payments in India being 11 times higher than Europe and America, and 46 per cent of real-time digital payments worldwide. India believes that digital transformation will be a critical driver of growth in the future,” shared Kant.
India Tourism to redefine global travel patterns
India recognizes the transformative power of tourism in driving economic growth and job opportunities. As India strives to become the world’s third-largest economy, it is essential to comprehend the evolving landscape of travel and tourism, he said.
Tourism serves as a crucial catalyst for India’s progress, generating employment and fostering economic expansion, Kant said. “Despite India’s pursuit of becoming the third-largest economy, it will continue to possess the world’s youngest population, with an average age of around 30 even by 2047. Indian workers are projected to contribute nearly a quarter of the global workforce. The hospitality sector has undergone a transformation, witnessing Indian professionals assuming leadership positions in renowned hotels across the globe,” he said.
Rediscovering India: Building unique experiences
While Indians explore the world, it is equally important for them to rediscover India and its diverse offerings. “By promoting unique experiences across the country, India can enhance the quality of its tourism infrastructure. This includes improving the standards of accommodations and leveraging platforms like Airbnb to provide exceptional experiences to travellers,” he said.
Positioning India as a unique and sustainable destination Kant said, “India’s diverse heritage and cultures make it a unique destination with high-value offerings. India should position itself as an experiential and sustainable green destination to attract visitors.
