India, June 9 -- In today's interconnected global landscape, with rapid air travel, pervasive social media, and ubiquitous digital platforms, tourism is a vital means of fostering international connections.

We have seen at the just-concluded UN-Tourism Executive Council meeting and the Secretary-General election in Madrid how tourism, governments, and foreign policies overshadow the independent work of tourism ministries.

If this is the case, and foreign relations takes over tourism, and there is no money to fund a tourism ministry or tourism office, embassies and consulates can effectively take over the task of promoting a destination to visitors, investors, and cultural exchanges.

No money to open a tourism board What occurs when a ...