Dr. R.K. Suman, Regional Director (North), Ministry of Tourism, inaugurated the conference with a keynote address, welcoming participants and outlining the Ministry’s guidelines and policies. He underscored the importance of diversifying Agra’s tourism appeal by showcasing its lesser-explored historical and cultural sites, ensuring sustainable and responsible tourism growth.
The conference featured distinguished speakers, including Shri Rajiv Narain, Vice President of SPHEEHa; Shri Ved Khanna, President of ADTOI and former President of the Tourism Guild of Agra; Mr. Shakti Singh, RTO of Agra & Aligarh Region, UP Tourism; Mr. Pankaj Gupta from SPHEEHa; Mr. Arun Dang, former President of the Tourism Guild of Agra; Ms. Soity Banerjee from the Outlook Responsible Tourism Initiative; Mr. Ashu Gupta, a sustainability expert; Mr. Ram Pratap, Chairman of Chambal Safari, Agra; and Mr. Sandeep Shukla, Assistant Director, Indiatourism Agra. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Rajiv Saxena, President of the Tourism Guild of Agra.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring thought-provoking insights from industry leaders, culminating in an interactive Q&A session with over 150 tourism stakeholders, media professionals, and influencers from Delhi NCR and Agra.
The event extended into the evening with a visit to the vibrant Taj Mahotsav at Shilp Gram, where attendees were treated to captivating cultural performances and an array of handicraft stalls. Participants also explored the Taj Mahal and other lesser-known heritage sites, reinforcing the conference’s message of broadening Agra’s tourism spectrum.
The initiative continued with a familiarization (FAM) tour the following day, covering Fatehpur Sikri Monuments, Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, and Lohagarh Fort in Rajasthan. The tour aimed to highlight these underappreciated gems and encourage extended stays for visitors to Agra and its neighboring areas.
This comprehensive initiative reaffirms the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to fostering sustainable heritage tourism while ensuring travelers experience the full richness of Agra and beyond. By promoting a more holistic tourism narrative, the Ministry aims to enhance visitor experiences and drive economic benefits for local communities.
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