New Delhi, Feb 18 (.) Talking about the potential of tourism as an employment generator, former Secretary-Tourism, Government of India, Dr Lalit Panwar said that tourism was the only sector which can create jobs in places where no other job opportunity exists.
Releasing a coffee table book – Jewels of India: Bharat Ki Shaan, Bharat Ka Abhiman – in the national capital on Wednesday, Dr Panwar cited the example of India’s desert destination of Rajasthan and the high altitude Ladakh to drive his point as to the livelihood opportunities created by tourism sector.
Dr Panwar highlighted tourism’s transformative role as a driver of employment, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth, calling for stronger integration between academia, industry and skill development systems to harness India’s demographic dividend.
Addressing policymakers, entrepreneurs and members of the Indian diaspora, Dr Panwar emphatically said, “Tourism is the only sector that creates jobs where no other jobs are possible. With over 55 per cent of India’s population below 35 years, the challenge is not opportunity but alignment. We must connect classrooms with the shop floor and education with enterprise,” he said.
A retired IAS officer with extensive experience in tourism policy and governance, Dr Panwar played a key role in strengthening India’s global tourism positioning through heritage, experiential and high-value tourism.
Referring to technology’s growing influence, he noted, “Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool, but Human Intelligence must lead it. Technology should empower our youth, not replace their relevance. He added that with the right alignment of skills, policy and enterprise, India can emerge as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.”
. KK RSA