Doha, Qatar: Ambassador of India to the State of Qatar, H.E. Vipul, emphasized the enduring and friendly bilateral relations between Qatar and India, highlighting the expanding cooperation across diverse sectors. During an event commemorating India's National Tourism Day, organized by the Embassy of India in collaboration with the Indian Business and Professionals Council, Ambassador Vipul underscored the importance of fostering tourism exchanges to strengthen people-to-people connections.
The ambassador noted the existing connectivity between the two nations, with over 200 weekly flights linking Qatar and India, facilitating potential growth in tourism. Despite the strong fundamentals, he encouraged increased visits from Qatar to India, leveraging the significant air traffic.
Ambassador Vipul commended India's remarkable progress in the tourism sector, ranking 22nd globally in terms of visitor numbers. With a target of attracting 30 million foreign tourists by 2028 and 100 million by 2047, he expressed confidence in achieving these figures sooner with India's economic growth and collaborative efforts.
Highlighting India's diverse offerings, including heritage tourism with iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, Red Fort, and Charminar, the ambassador stressed the need for effective promotion. The tourism sector is expected to contribute around $250 billion to India's GDP by 2030, becoming a major employment generator for 137 million individuals.
The event featured discussions on various facets and prospects of tourism in India, with speakers emphasizing the significant role of the travel and tourism industry in India's economy and its potential for further growth. Social media influencers and a keynote presentation on luxury tourism in India contributed to the event's comprehensive exploration of India's tourism landscape.
