South Africa proposes BRICS panel on tourism

Tourism Minister of South Africa D A Hanekom today proposed constitution of a permanent 'BRICS Working Stream on Tourism' comprising government and private stakeholders for mutual growth of the sector in the member countries.
The proposal was mooted at the two-day BRICS convention on tourism that began today in the temple town of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh.
The minister said India with a long tradition, history, ancient civilisation and culture has a large number of World Heritage Sites like Khajuraho that should be visited again and again by tourists.
"He (Hanekom) proposed constituting a permanent BRICS Working Stream on Tourism comprising the stakeholders of the government and private sector," an official release said.

Delegation of China and Russia emphasised greater cooperation among the member countries for the mutual benefit for the growth of tourism and looked at the convention as a platform to interact with the travel industry partners.
Union Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi stressed the importance of the tourism sector as a major catalyst for economic growth and a source of job creation, thus contributing to the economy.