Significant decisions to enhance cooperation in the tourism sector among BRICS nations were taken at the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ meeting in Jaipur on Friday, with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration aimed at creating a framework for practical collaboration.
According to an official release, 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 in Jaipur on August 19-20, discussions focused on four key priorities: artificial intelligence and tourism; sustainable and responsible tourism; skill and capacity building in the tourism sector; and tourism exchanges alongside seamless travel facilitation.
He said the Jaipur Declaration, formulated to foster tourism cooperation among BRICS nations, establishes a comprehensive framework for practical collaboration. It emphasises the responsible use of artificial intelligence, human-centric tourism, capacity building, tourism investment, the exchange of data and best practices, and the strengthening of people-to-people ties.
Discussions were also held on seamless travel to make tourism among BRICS nations more accessible. While visa regimes are determined by individual countries based on their own regulations, all nations are working together to minimise inconvenience and maximise convenience for travellers. Through India’s e-visa system, tourists from many countries can apply online from the comfort of their homes or offices, he said.
The Union Minister highlighted the rapid growth of domestic tourism in India, noting that the number of domestic tourist visits has more than tripled over the last decade. He said India’s geographical and cultural diversity offers unique opportunities in the global tourism landscape.
Sustainable and responsible tourism was also discussed in detail during the meeting, the release said.
He observed that many major global tourist destinations are facing challenges related to sustainability and the environment due to overtourism. Consequently, he said, it is essential to ensure responsibility towards local communities, the environment and natural resources alongside tourism development.
He said efforts are underway to strengthen the Destination Management Organization (DMO) system in India and implement it at key tourist destinations by drawing upon the experience gained at Ekta Nagar.
He also stressed the importance of developing a skilled workforce for the tourism sector. Cooperation among BRICS nations will be enhanced to train young people and those associated with the tourism sector, aligning with evolving technologies and the changing needs of tourists.
The Minister said the Jaipur Declaration paves the way for advancing tourism investment, developing diverse tourism products, exchanging data and best practices, and fostering cultural cooperation. Cooperation will also be strengthened through the exchange of artists and cultural groups, as well as the preservation of shared cultural heritage among BRICS nations.
Foreign delegates attending the meeting in Jaipur were introduced to Rajasthan’s rich heritage and culture. The delegates visited prominent tourist attractions including Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Amer Fort. They were also given a glimpse of Rajasthan’s traditional arts and crafts, including Bagru printing, Meena weaving, lac bangle making, and handicrafts made from clay and paper.
The Ministry of Tourism said the cultural showcase offered BRICS delegates a glimpse of “Incredible India” and Rajasthan’s rich traditions.
He said that for India, tourism is not merely about visiting monuments but is a powerful medium to showcase the country’s culture, traditions and diversity to the world. He expressed hope that hosting the BRICS tourism meetings in Jaipur would further strengthen the city’s and the state’s position on the global tourism map, leading to an increase in tourist numbers and tourism investment in the future, the release further said.
He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari for their support in organising the event.
He said the primary objective of BRICS tourism cooperation is to link tourism with the economy while creating employment opportunities, empowering local communities and bringing people and civilisations from different countries closer together.
“Tourism should strengthen the economy, create opportunities, empower communities, and bring people and civilisations closer to one another,” he said.
