The two new convention centres would contribute to boosting India's share in conference tourism - PM Modi

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism that the establishment of 'YashoBhoomi' and 'Bharat Mandapam' would contribute to boosting India's share in conference tourism. During the launch of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, he also modified his 'vocal for local' slogan to incorporate a 'global' perspective.

In New Delhi, two modern convention complexes, 'YashoBhoomi' and 'Bharat Mandapam,' have been established. The first phase of 'YashoBhoomi' was officially inaugurated and dedicated to the nation on Sunday. In a similar vein, 'Bharat Mandapam' was inaugurated back in July and went on to serve as the venue for the G20 Leadership Summit during India's presidency.

During his speech on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi expressed that these two new centres will solidify Delhi's position as the largest conference tourism hub in India, with an estimated value exceeding ₹25,000 crore. He emphasized that globally, over 32,000 major exhibitions and expos take place annually, attracting conference tourists who tend to spend considerably more than typical tourists.

Additionally, Modi underscored that India's current presence in the industry stands at a mere one per cent, with numerous large Indian corporations opting to host their events abroad annually. He further highlighted India's active preparations to enter the domain of conference tourism.

A Global Business Destination

The 'YashoBhoomi' project spans an area of over 8.9 lakh square meters, featuring a total built-up area exceeding 1.8 lakh square meters. Constructed at an estimated cost of approximately ₹5,400 crore, boasts a convention centre, multiple exhibition halls, and various other amenities. The convention centre, encompassing over 73,000 square meters, comprises 15 convention rooms, including the main auditorium, the grand ballroom, and 13 meeting rooms, with a collective capacity to accommodate up to 11,000 delegates. Furthermore, the project is connected to the airport metro.

The 'Bharat Mandapam', officially named the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, is situated at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Developed as a significant national project, it required an investment of approximately ₹2,700 crores. The government's primary objective for this complex is to utilize it as a platform to exhibit and endorse India as a prominent global business destination.

“Today I invite people associated with the exhibition and event industry from countries around the world to come to Delhi. I will invite the film industry and TV industry of every region of the country, east, west, north, and south. You hold your award ceremonies, and film festivals here, and hold first film shows here. I invite people associated with international event companies, and the exhibition sector to join Bharat Mandapam and YashoBhoomi,” he said.

The Vishwakarma Scheme

During the inauguration of a scheme aimed at aiding and supporting 18 categories of traditional artisans and craftsmen, the Prime Minister delivered a noteworthy statement. He emphasized that Vishwakarmas would continue to hold immense significance in society, regardless of the advancements in technology. He further stated that the government had stepped forward as a partner with the aim of elevating respect, enhancing capabilities, and fostering the prosperity of the Vishwakarmas.

Discussing the 18 focal areas encompassing artisans and craftsmen, Modi revealed that the PM Vishwakarma Scheme now includes carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, sculptors, potters, cobblers, tailors, masons, hairdressers, washermen, and more. The scheme entails an expenditure of ₹13,000 crores and offers a package consisting of training, a complimentary toolkit, and a collateral-free subsidized loan of up to ₹3 lakh for working capital.

The Prime Minister noted that the fusion of technology and tradition bore fruit in the G20 Craft Bazaar. He also highlighted that the gifts presented to visiting dignitaries were crafted by the skilled artisans associated with the Vishwakarma community. “This dedication to vocal for local is the responsibility of the entire country,” he said. “First, we have to be vocal for local and then we will have to take the local global,” he added.