Goa Roadmap To Pave The Way For Sustainable Tourism

After the successful conclusion of the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting and the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Panaji, the capital of Goa, the tourism ministry is gearing up to share the comprehensive Goa Roadmap document. This initiative aims to foster sustainability and resilience across various sectors, setting a visionary path for the future. The meetings, held from June 19th to 22nd, witnessed the participation of around 130 delegates from prominent countries and international organizations.

Key Points

During the ministerial meeting, delegates from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, South Africa, Russia, and other nations endorsed five interconnected key priorities green tourism, digitization, destination management, skills development, and tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). All G20 countries have unanimously agreed upon these priorities as crucial for achieving sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism.

Union Tourism Secretary V Vidyavathi expressed her excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead, stating, "For the tourism ministry, this marks the beginning of a new chapter to sustain the momentum achieved." The Goa Roadmap and Action Plan, along with an Outcome Document and Chair's Summary, were issued as a result of the discussions and deliberations held during the G20 meetings.

Focus of the Roadmap

The roadmap, aimed at providing voluntary tools and recommendations, will serve as a valuable resource for national governments within the G20 countries and beyond. The roadmap aims to drive progress toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by leveraging the tourism sector's potential. Embracing the "Travel for LiFE" vision, which promotes a lifestyle respectful of the environment, the Goa roadmap aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative and embodies India's commitment to sustainable tourism.

Bilateral Meets for Sustainability

Moreover, bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting and the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting facilitated productive exchanges between delegates from various nations. These interactions further strengthened collaborative efforts to promote sustainable practices and enhance the tourism sector's resilience.

Looking ahead, the G20 Dashboard, developed in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), will provide a platform to track progress and measure the impact of sustainable tourism initiatives. The dashboard, with inputs received from G20 countries, is expected to be operational within the next two to three months. 

As the tourism ministry works on formulating the upcoming National Tourism Policy, the Goa roadmap's five pillars will serve as a foundation for its vision. These pillars, which stem from the draft National Tourism Policy, will ensure a holistic and progressive approach towards sustainable tourism practices in India. The G20 meetings in Goa have set the stage for a collective effort to promote sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism. With a focus on green initiatives, digitisation, destination management, skill development, and support for tourism MSMEs, the tourism sector is poised to contribute significantly to the nation's sustainable development agenda.

(With PTI inputs)

Cover photo credit Shutterstock

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