PM Modi: Concert Economy Boosts Tourism and Creates Jobs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's enormous tourism potential in new sectors such as wedding destinations, natural healing, and "concert economy" as well as spiritual, faith, heritage, and pilgrimage sites. With growing interest in India over the last decade, there is a thriving market and enormous opportunities for revenue generation and job creation in these fields in India.

Speaking at the Utkarsh Odisha conclave, which promotes Make in India, the prime minister described eastern India as a growth engine, with this state playing a key role. The prime minister emphasized the importance of industrial hubs, ports, and trade centers as growth opportunities in east India.

"Odisha used to be an important centre in South Eastern Asian trade, and the ports were a gateway to India," Modi said, adding that the Bali Yatra is still celebrated in Odisha today. Recalling the President of Indonesia's recent visit to India, the Prime Minister stated that the President's words indicated that there were likely traces of Odisha in his DNA. He also mentioned Odisha's ties to South East Asia and the President of Singapore's recent visit to explore ways to promote the heritage sector.

ASEAN countries have also expressed an interest in strengthening trade and traditional ties with Odisha.

The prime minister also stated that India has significant potential in Artificial Intelligence and industries such as food processing, petrochemicals, port-led development, fisheries, IT, edu-tech, textiles, tourism, mining, and renewable energy.

Modi, who met Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh weeks after his highly successful concert with Ed Sheeran, emphasized the "concert economy"'s numerous avenues for earning money and creating jobs. "With a vast pool of young talent and a massive audience for concerts, India has great possibilities for a thriving concert economy," the government's leader stated.

Concert tours by various bands, such as Coldplay and CAS, have taken place or are planned for later this year. While Coldplay played in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, Dosanjh held concerts in non-metros like Lucknow.

The rich heritage of India in music, dance, and storytelling, as well as the large pool of young concertgoers, demonstrate the enormous potential for the concert industry, which has seen a surge in the last decade as the trend and demand for live gigs has grown.

Modi emphasized that Coldplay's concerts in cities such as Ahmedabad demonstrate the potential for live concerts in India. Prominent global artists are flocking to India today, and the concert economy not only boosts tourism but also creates a large number of jobs.

The prime minister insisted that states and the private sector focus on developing the necessary infrastructure and skills to promote the concert economy. 

This includes event management, artist grooming, security, and other arrangements in which new opportunities arise, he added. Modi stated that people all over the world are interested in India's heritage and history. Spirituality, forests, mountains, and seas, as well as impressive ancient temples and architecture, are all unique attractions.

Aside from the famous Konark Sun Temple, Odisha has a 500-kilometer coastline, more than 33% forest cover, and numerous opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure tourism. India's focus is on 'Wed in India' and 'Heal in India,' and the prime minister stated that Odisha's natural beauty and environment provide ample support for these sectors.

According to the prime minister, new centres in the national capital, such as Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, have emerged as major conference tourism destinations.

Modi announced in February that India will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time. He emphasized that this important event will showcase India's creative power to the world, and that such events generate revenue and shape perceptions, thereby contributing to economic growth.

WAVES will provide a platform for aspiring digital music creators, fashionistas, advertising professionals, and designers to showcase their talent.