Sustainable Development, crucial parameter to promote tourism in Uttarakhand

No. PR – 184

January 8, 2022

New Delhi

 Sustainable Development, crucial parameter to promote tourism in Uttarakhand

 PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized its 15th webinar under Border Tourism Webinar Series on 7 January 2022 focusing on Udham Singh Nagar District for the promotion of Border Tourism in Uttarakhand. The webinar was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. 

Mr. Vinod Zutshi (Retd. IAS), Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said that visiting the Border States provide a culturally and historically rich experience. In the light of the fragile nature of Uttarakhand’s environment, it is crucial to promote Sustainable Tourism by adopting measures such as regulation of footfalls, having a robust Disaster Management System ready to act. The state government should also look at developing alternative tourist attractions and promote ‘Winter Sports’ activities which states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir has started. 

Mr. Saurabh Rishi, Joint Adviser – Aspirational Districts Programme, NITI Aayog, informed that Udham Singh Nagar over the past few years has shown significant growth across its different socio-economic indicators. However, with this growth it is crucial to focus on Sustainable Development, especially Sustainable Tourism given the past incidents in the region. The road connectivity of Uttarakhand from the National Capital Region is great and with the new concepts of staycations, the tourism in the region can be further enhanced through homestays. 

Mr. Pawan S. Jain, Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, mentioned that popularly known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, Uttarakhand has several well-known destinations like Nainital, Mussoorie, Corbett National Park, Auli and pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh and Haridwar. It receives tourists from across the globe who visits this great land in the search of physical, mental and spiritual healing. 

Mr. Hemant Kochar, Chair – Uttarakhand Chapter, PHDCCI, mentioned that many Border States allow cultural intermingling through Border Tourism. However, there is a stark need for more engaging forms of tourism to which many private players will also be able to contribute. Uttarakhand has over the years shown immense growth in its connectivity infrastructure thus becoming a hub for spiritual travellers. 

Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, proposed the formal vote of thanks. The webinar was moderated by Dr. Yogesh Srivastav, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI and received participation of senior government officials, travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, tour guides, airline professionals, travel associations and students from the travel and hospitality institutes. 

The next webinar with Focus State – Assam is scheduled for 21 January 2022 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and shall focus on Baksa District. 

The webinar was also supported by PHDCCI’s Annual Sponsors such as, Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Star Wire; P G Industry; Uflex Ltd; DLF Ltd; Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd; Belair Travel & Cargo Pvt Ltd; Radico Khaitan Ltd; Crystal Crop Protection Ltd; Paramount Communications; Superior Industries Ltd; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; Comtech Interio; R E Rogers; AYUSH Herbs Private Ltd; Apeejay Stya Group; DCM Shriram; EaseMyTrip; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; MV Cotspin Ltd; Synergy Environics Ltd; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; P S Bedi & Co.; Indian Farmer & Fertilizers Corporation Ltd; Jindal Steel; Hindware Sanitary; Modern Automobiles; Livit Ltd; Axa Parenteras Pvt Ltd; Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries.

PHOTO CAPTION

From L to R: Mr. Pradeep Multani, President, PHDCCI; Mr. Vinod Zutshi (Retd. IAS), Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India; Mr. Yugal Kishore Pant (IAS), District Magistrate– Udham Singh Nagar, Govt. of Uttarakhand; Mr. Saurabh Rishi, Joint Adviser– Aspirational Districts Programme, NITI Aayog; Mr. Pawan S. Jain, Chair– Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI; Mr. Hemant Kochar, Chair – Uttarakhand Chapter, PHDCCI; Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair– Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI; and Dr. Yogesh Srivastav, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI

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 Warm Regards

Media Division

PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry