BRICS nations have taken significant steps to strengthen cooperation in tourism with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration at the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ meeting held in Jaipur.
The declaration aims to establish a framework for practical collaboration among BRICS countries, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, skill development and seamless travel. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the theme for the tourism track under India’s BRICS presidency is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.”
During the Tourism Working Group meeting held on August 19 and 20, discussions focused on four key priorities: Artificial Intelligence and tourism, sustainable and responsible tourism, skill and capacity building, and tourism exchanges along with seamless travel facilitation.
The Jaipur Declaration emphasises the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, human-centric tourism, capacity building, tourism investment, exchange of data and best practices, and stronger people-to-people connections.
Discussions also focused on making travel among BRICS nations more convenient. While visa policies remain under the jurisdiction of individual countries, member nations are working towards reducing inconvenience for travellers. India’s e-visa system was also highlighted as an important step in making travel more accessible.
Shekhawat also highlighted the growth of domestic tourism in India, noting that domestic tourist visits have more than tripled over the last decade. He said India’s geographical and cultural diversity provides significant opportunities in the global tourism landscape.
Sustainable and responsible tourism was another major focus of the meeting. With several global destinations facing challenges linked to overtourism and environmental pressures, the discussions stressed the importance of protecting local communities, the environment and natural resources.
India is also working to strengthen the Destination Management Organization (DMO) system at key tourist destinations, drawing on the experience of Ekta Nagar. BRICS cooperation will further focus on developing skilled talent for the tourism sector and preparing young people and tourism professionals for evolving technologies and changing traveller expectations.
The Jaipur Declaration also provides a platform for tourism investment, development of diverse tourism products, exchange of data and best practices, and cultural cooperation. BRICS nations will also explore greater exchange of artists and cultural groups and the preservation of shared cultural heritage.
As part of the meeting, foreign delegates experienced Rajasthan’s cultural and heritage offerings, including visits to Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Amer Fort. They were also introduced to traditional arts and crafts such as Bagru printing, Meena weaving, lac bangle making, and clay and paper handicrafts.
Shekhawat said the BRICS tourism meetings in Jaipur could further strengthen the city and Rajasthan’s position on the global tourism map, while creating opportunities for increased tourist arrivals and tourism investment.
He added that the primary objective of BRICS tourism cooperation is to connect tourism with economic development, employment generation and community empowerment.
“Tourism should strengthen the economy, create opportunities, empower communities, and bring people and civilisations closer to one another,” he said.
