JAMMU: Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi said that tourism is a powerful and transformative force that can make a genuine difference in the life of millions through socio-economic transformation.
The minister said this while inaugurating the fourth International Conference on ‘Sustainable Destination Excellence: Empowering Communities for Inclusive Tourism Development’ which began at School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, here on Friday.
Secretary Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah was also present on the occasion.
Academicians, policy makers, travel editors and industry professionals from across the country and 6 countries are taking part in this two-day International Conference.
Priya Sethi while speaking on the occasion said that a proper way to analyze sustainable tourism is to scrutinize how it can meet the needs of the host population in terms of improving standards of living in the short and long term.
The minister hoped that this conference acts as a medium for sharing and spreading knowledge on policy, practical technology and mechanism for increasing sustainability, innovativeness of all inclusive growth of tourism.
Farooq Ahmad Shah emphasized that tourism development can be inclusive and assist towards poverty reduction and community empowerment only if a broad array of stakeholders contributes to creation of opportunities as well as share the potential benefits from tourism. Deputy Director-General, Tourism Bureau, Taiwan Dr Hsi Lin Liu, in his key note address discussed how sustainable tourism has been developed in Taiwan and the role of stakeholders in promoting the same. He promoted the concept of Green Destinations and how sustainability can touch the lives of a common man. Vice Chancellor University of Jammu Prof. R.D Sharma emphasized that tourism nurtures peace binding relationships among government and various stakeholders.
Earlier, Director School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, University of Jammu Prof Parikshat Singh Manhas, highlighted the relevance of collaborative efforts among academia, policy makers and industry needed for tourism development.
Prof Keshav Sharma, Prof Deepak Raj Gupta along with many Academicians also expressed their views on the topic.