The speech of Union Minister Piyush Goyal at the Annual Plenary Session of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in New Delhi carried a strong message. It is India’s future in tourism and startups hinges on leveraging global networks as well as overcoming traditional barriers.
The emphasis of Goyal on tourism is timely as India still remains a relatively underutilized global tourism destination even with its vast cultural and natural resources. International tourism is booming in other parts of Asia. India has often struggled to capitalize on its full potential. The focus of Goyal is on removing language barriers by enhancing skills in interpretation and tour operations is a pragmatic solution to the issue. Language skill is the main barrier. The other barriers which need to be addressed include regulatory, infrastructural and accessibility.
The speech of Goyal was not just about tourism. His emphasis on startups signals the role that these new ventures play in shaping India’s economy. India’s position as a rising global tech hub is clear and it is equipped with advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning as well as data analytics. The focus of startups must shift to strengthening a supportive ecosystem equipped with mentorship, funding and global networking opportunities. Industry associations like the ICC must act as bridges by connecting Indian startups with international markets and investors.
One of the most powerful parts of his message was the call for inclusivity. He praised the efforts of ICC to involve young professionals and support women entrepreneurs. India’s startup ecosystem still faces challenges in gender equality and providing leadership roles for the next generation of innovators.
