Former Tourism Secretary Lalit Panwar has called for deeper integration between tourism, academia and skill development frameworks to position the sector as a key driver of India’s next phase of economic growth.
Speaking at the launch of Jewels of India – Bharat Ki Shaan, Bharat Ka Abhiman in New Delhi, Dr Panwar underscored tourism’s role in employment generation and inclusive development, describing it as “the only sector that creates jobs where no other jobs are possible,” citing examples from Rajasthan’s deserts to Ladakh’s high-altitude regions.
Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, he noted that with over 55% of the population below 35 years, the priority must shift from opportunity creation to alignment between education, enterprise and industry needs. “We must connect classrooms with the shop floor,” he said, stressing that skill mapping and industry collaboration are critical to maximising tourism’s potential.
Dr Panwar, a former Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also addressed the role of technology in sectoral transformation. While acknowledging Artificial Intelligence as a powerful tool, he emphasised that “Human Intelligence must lead it,” asserting that technology should empower youth rather than replace them.
The remarks were delivered at an event organised by Maneesh Media, a Jaipur-founded diaspora publishing house established in 1999. The organisation has documented over 2,000 Indian families across 40 countries and published more than 70 books highlighting global Indian achievements.
