After assuming charge as the Union minister of tourism and culture, former AICC general secretary Ambika Soni on January 30 underlined the need to place India in the high class tourist destination.

Ms Soni was introduced to senior officials of the tourism ministry by outgoing tourism minister Renuka Choudhury, who has now taken charge of the Department of Women & Child Welfare.

Ms Soni ensured continuation of vital initiatives taken by the ministry in the last 18 months, and directed officials to work out an effective plan of action for future in order to realise the potential of this sector, both for growth and employment generation.

The minister noted the tourism ministry has to interact constantly with other ministries such as External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Home, Health, Railways, Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, and the state governments. She called for better coordination with all of them in order to sustain the high rate of growth in the tourism sector.

(www.financialexpress.com)