The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh Government, is hosting the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Conference on sustainable tourism development.
The meeting to be held at Hyderabad, city of pearls, will also have a joint meeting of UNWTO Commissions for Far East and Asia Pacific and South Asia during April 12-14.
The events of the United Nations body are coming to Hyderabad after a gap of nine years. The city was earlier host to the 73{+r}{+d} session of its Executive Council in July 2004.
Addressing a press conference, Union Minister for Tourism K Chiranjeevi said, "This will be a major event where delegates from over 29 nations will partake and help the country and the State to present opportunities in the tourism sector and work collaboratively."
The Tourism Minister said, "It is now well known that tourism sector can have a big impact on the country’s and state gross domestic product. It also helps create immense job opportunities. The Centre was willing to fund projects and help accelerate the growth of tourism sector."
He said that the Centre had agreed to provide funding of about Rs 221 crore during 2013-14 to Andhra Pradesh helping its create necessary infrastructure. These projects include mega tourism circuits and strengthening and development of infrastructure.
In an innovative initiative, the Tourism Minister has facilitated creation of a video that provides the itinerary of the event while also highlighting the historical and cultural aspects of Hyderabad.
Ahead of the conference, UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai will hand over an ‘Open letter’ to the Vice President of India on April 11 to appraise him about the campaign and seek India’s support for making tourism as an important political and economic agenda.
The open letter will be submitted along with testimonials of head of states and governments who have joined the campaign. This has been compiled in the form of "Golden book of Tourism Campaign."