India and Austria on Wednesday recognised the importance of tourism and cultural sector and stressed the need to increase tourist flows by expanding flight connectivity. PM Modi arrived in Vienna on Tuesday evening for a day-long State visit. The visit holds special significance as it marks several decades since an Indian Prime Minister last visited Austria, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Notably, this is the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Austria in 41 years. Indira Gandhi was the last PM to visit Austria in 1983. Recognising the significance of tourism in generating economic, sustainable and inclusive growth, both nations encouraged efforts by relevant agencies to work together to expand tourist flows in both directions, including by expanding direct flight connectivity, the lengths of stay and other initiatives, an official release by the PMO said.
Appreciating the tradition of cultural exchanges, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and PM Modi also noted the growing interest among Austrians in yoga as well as Ayurveda. The press release informed that the nations welcomed efforts to promote bilateral cultural ties in music, dance, opera, theatre, films, literature, sports and other fields, including in the framework of the recently signed MoU on Cultural Cooperation. Both the leaders also recognised the importance of skill development along with the mobility of skilled personnel to support an expanded en.
