The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has officially unveiled the G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard in a virtual inauguration ceremony presided over by Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DONER.
This dashboard, developed under India’s G20 Presidency and in collaboration with UNWTO, underscores India’s resolute dedication to sustainable tourism. It serves as a repository of best practices, case studies, and insights drawn from G20 countries, all tailored to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard represents an enduring legacy of India’s G20 Presidency, embodying our commitment to global cooperation and sustainable growth within the global tourism sector.
Functioning as an expansive online public platform, the G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard amalgamates the collective wisdom of the G20 Tourism Working Group. It consolidates the GOA Roadmap, survey findings, case studies, and best practices from G20 nations. This dashboard not only provides valuable insights into sustainable tourism practices but also facilitates knowledge exchange, collaboration, and industry advancement.
The virtual launch witnessed active participation from G20 member countries, invited nations, international organizations, Indian states and union territories, and key industry stakeholders.
The event commenced with opening remarks from the Additional Secretary (Tourism), Government of India, emphasizing the pivotal role of the G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard. It was highlighted that the dashboard aligns with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision to make India’s Presidency inclusive, ambitious, and action-oriented. UNWTO expressed, “G20 countries represent over 70% of tourism worldwide. Their leadership in the transformation of the sector is decisive. The G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard is a concrete outcome of the G20 Tourism Working Group and a reference tool for all. UNWTO is very happy to have joined hands with the Ministry of Tourism of India to make this possible.”
Union Minister of Tourism, Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “The G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard is a testament to our nation’s digital advancements and serves as a beacon of knowledge for all public and private stakeholders worldwide. It offers a wealth of knowledge and showcases best practices, all aimed at steering the tourism industry towards greater sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.”
Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping, and Waterways of India, Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik, during his address, affirmed that the G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard represents a pivotal step in our journey. It aligns perfectly with our commitment to leverage digitalization for the betterment of the tourism sector and the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
During the event, Mr.Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa, Mr. Atul Bagai, Country Head, India – United Nations Environment Programme, Secretary of tourism from the state governments of Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir, and various industry stakeholders shared their insights on the global implications of this initiative.
In today’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape, the G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard emerges as a collaborative knowledge-sharing platform, guiding the global community toward more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism practices. Its launch signifies a significant milestone in the journey toward achieving the SDGs and reflects the collective commitment of the global community under India’s G20 Presidency.
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