The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted its 6th Global Film Tourism Conclave with the theme “Transforming Location into Vacation” at Novotel, Juhu, Mumbai.
Esteemed speakers, including the event’s Guest of Honor, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and various state tourism boards, were present on Friday.
The conclave also celebrated the contributions of notable industry figures such as the acclaimed filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan, celebrated scriptwriter and filmmaker Rumy Jafry, renowned singer Hariharan, acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Grammy-winning flutist Rakesh Chaurasiya, recognizing their profound impact on the Indian film industry.
Guest of Honor, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, said, “I am delighted to attend an event that focuses on film tourism. The film tourism sector is emerging and gaining recognition, and it’s encouraging to see several states and union territories participating in it with great enthusiasm, leading it towards success. Today’s film production is not just dependent on technology but also requires a well-developed infrastructure, skilled talent, and manpower. It’s a matter of pride for all of us that our film industry is a global name, and at this opportune moment, this discussion on elevating film tourism is highly significant.”
“The entertainment colossus of India is a major contributor to the Indian film industry in terms of the number of films produced and released. Apart from its commercial status as the biggest trade and commerce center in the country, Mumbai is also home to the Bollywood film industry. Over 70% of Indian motion pictures, television serials, and commercials are produced in Mumbai itself. India needs to step up its efforts to attract foreign film producers to come and shoot in India. India has a great opportunity to promote inbound tourism beyond popular destinations,” said Mahesh Singhi, Chair, Maharashtra Chapter, PHDCCI, Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, Anil Parashar, Chair, Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said, “There has been a significant increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting India in the year 2023, with 7.24 million footfalls till October 2023 as compared to 6.44 million for the corresponding period in 2022. Currently, India is gaining momentum as a film shooting destination, providing unexplored and mystic locations as well as generating employment and cultural exchange with local communities. PHDCCI is committed to creating such meaningful platforms to enable the tourism industry to grow and flourish further.”
Speaking at the conclave, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Executive Director, PHDCCI, said, “Film tourism is not a new concept; we at PHDCCI see a great opportunity in the sector for employment generation. India is full of great, undiscovered destinations and has the largest road network in the world today. With all this development, we want to invite people from around the world to make films at Indian destinations. This will attract great tourism.”
