'Even if this sector alone is promoted to its full capacity and maintained, it can prove to be enough for sustaining higher economic growth. This segment can certainly counter the negative impact of the global meltdown and give a push to the economy,' she said.

Selja said if the sector is effectively promoted, it can 'act as a catalyst for the furthering the economic growth in view of its wide ranging linkage effects and multiple impacts.'

Quoting figures, she said the sector offers tremendous job opportunities and pointed out that the number of manpower employed increased from 44.7 million to 51.1 million during period 2004-05 to 2006-07.

'It not only has the capability and capacity to take country's economy ahead but also sustain it for the time to come. For example, its contribution to Gross Domestic Product has increased from 5.83 percent to 6.11 percent during the period 2002-03 to 2007-08,' she added.

The minister said the idea behind the conference was to 'ensure holistic and integrated tourism development in close cooperation and coordination with the states' and similar conferences are also planned for the eastern and northeastern states and the southern and western states.

Highlighting the steps taken by the ministry to promote tourism, Selja said they are making efforts to develop wayside amenities in the identified tourist circuits, developing 142 rural sites for rural tourism and planning mega shopping festivals.

Selja said the states should monitor projects that are sanctioned by the ministry, and suggested that a state level committee take up the task and send a quarterly report to the tourism ministry.

'Last but not the least, tourist flow shall remain poor if the assets created are not only properly maintained but kept clean and in the hygienic conditions,' she added.