New Delhi: Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday held bilateral talks with his Brazilian, Spanish and Saudi Arabian counterparts in Brazil to discuss enhancing cooperation in the sector and people-to-people ties.
The meetings took place on the sidelines of the G20 Tourism Ministerial Conference in Brazil, the current chair of the influential grouping.
“Glad to have concluded a productive bilateral meeting with Brazil. Discussion was held about prospects to boost tourism between our nations, including a joint cooperation agreement, visa on arrival, free visa facilities, and enhanced air connectivity with direct flights,” Shekhawat posted on X.
Shekhawat added, “These initiatives will not only strengthen our economic ties but also foster cultural exchange and people-to-people connections. Looking forward to implementing these measures and welcoming more Brazilian visitors to India!”
The meeting with Brazilian Tourism Minister Celso Sabino took place on September 20. Shekhawat later detailed additional bilateral discussions and events he attended during the G20 conference.
“Participated in a very enlightening discussion between public and private sector stakeholders in the tourism sector organized by the World Travel and Tourism Council at the G20 Tourism Ministerial Conference earlier today. Spoke of the need for collaboration between public & private sectors to drive sustainable tourism, promote cultural exchange & preserve heritage fostering growth & development,” he said in another post.
Shekhawat shared insights from his meeting on Saturday with Spain’s Tourism Minister Jordi Jordi Hereu. “Had a fruitful discussion on enhancing tourism ties between our countries through direct connectivity, tourism trade fairs & people-to-people exchange. Looking forward to interesting opportunities ahead.”
In a separate post, the Indian minister provided details about his discussion with Czech Republic’s Deputy Prime Minister for Digitisation and Minister of Regional Development Ivan Bartoš. “Boosting tourism ties with Czech Republic! Pleasure meeting to discuss eco-friendly travel, cultural exchange & innovative infrastructure in our countries and cooperative mechanisms to facilitate greater tourist interactions between the two,” he wrote.
During his visit to Brazil, Shekhawat also met with Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Alvin Tan Sheng Hui. “Tourism that helps the world grow, together & sustainably! Pleased to have had a meeting with Mr. Tan. Our discussions explored bilateral tourism cooperation, focusing on sustainability, cultural exchange & infrastructure development,” he shared.
