FAST organized a Webinar on the issues concerning travel and tourism Sector

While addressing the participants, Ms Brar said that Government is proactive and working with open mind in considering the various measures for supporting the tourism sector for its survival. She underlined the need to develop the Domestic Circuits , Short Visit Destinations, identifying the Unknown Tourist Areas and Spots For Investment & Development , apart from developing a communication campaign to showcase the Local Art & Culture, Handicrafts. etc. She further said that the government has started the consultation process with Industries , Associates and other stakeholders and also plan to hold 25 Webinars over a period of time to connect with more and more stakeholders involved in the process.

 

Shri M.P.Bezbaruah, IAS (Retd) Former Secretary (Tourism),GOI and Permanent Representative UN-WTO stressed the need to face and fight the challenges collectively and also try to reduce the fear of uncertainty from the mind of stakeholders and focus on Skilling, Communication and Operational efficiency of the Sector. Shri Bezbaruah suggested that we have to develop more Domestic Circuits , places of visit , improve the tourist places and also attract more investments for creating amenities and facilities to attract the visitors.

 

While Moderating the deliberations, Shri Vinod Zutshi , IAS (Retd), Former Secretary ,(Tourism) GOI, said that the Lockdown has provided new opportunities for creating new Business Models including identifying Local tourist places , Intra Region Domestic tourist circuits. Business and Industries are required to work on these areas quickly. Shri Zutshi was optimistic and expressed the hope that the travel & tourism sector will certainly come back to normalcy with more and more opportunities and growth avenues.

 

Earlier, While giving his Welcome Address, Lt. Gen. KM Seth canvassed the travel & tourism scenarios in the country in general and in particular the gloom that has engulfed the sector as an impact of Covid-19. He laid down the foundation for deliberations and revival of the sector by the learned speakers. He emphasized the role of FAST as a key facilitator between the industry, the government and other stakeholders.

 

Shri V.P. Agrawal, Vice President FAST and Former Chairman, Airports Authority of India, while summing up the webinar proceedings thanked the speakers and participants; particularly the large number of attendees who took part in the webinar from across the globe.