Mr. Amitabh Kant is presently in charge of Policy Planning, Overseas Marketing, Promotion and Publicity, International Cooperation and Information Technology in the Tourism Sector. Mr. Kant is responsible for positioning, branding and marketing India as a destination of choice for the discerning traveler in the key source and emerging markets. Mr. Kant is also the National Project Director of the Rural and Endogenous Tourism Project being implemented in 55 villages of India in collaboration with UNDP. The project aims at providing enhanced and improved living and livelihood environment for low-income communities in rural areas by focusing on indigenous crafts, culture and protecting and preserving the ecological environment of these areas.

Mr. Kant has extensive experience in Destination Promotion and Marketing. He has been responsible for positioning and branding Kerala as God's Own Country. This initiative led to Kerala emerging as India's fastest growing tourism destination. Subsequently he launched the "Incredible India" campaign in collaborative partnership with the private sector through an integrated communication strategy. The campaign has enabled India to penetrate key markets.

Mr. Kant has had experience of structuring several Private - Public Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects through technical and financial engineering. Chief amongst these are the Calicut Airport, the Mattanchery Bridge and the BSES Kerala Power Projects.

Mr. Kant also has extensive experience of working with communities for enhancing rural livelihoods. He has worked closely with Self-Help Groups in the Fisheries Sector for introduction of modern technology, introducing auction at the beach level and ensuring higher returns for the fishermen. In his capacity as Secretary and Commissioner - Rural Development, Mr. Kant has worked in collaboration with NGOs, Self Help Groups and elected Panchayats in structuring projects for social advancement, enhancement of earnings and alleviation of poverty in Kerala State. During his tenure in Tourism Ministry a paradigm shift has been made by using a participative, consultative process to involve local communities and establish tourism enterprises at village level.

Prior Posting

· Chairman & Managing Director, India Tourism Development Corporation
· Chairman, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation
· Secretary (Tourism & Non-Resident Keralities)
· Secretary & Commissioner - Rural Development & CEO
  Sanitation Mission, Government of Kerala
· Managing Director, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Government of Kerala
· Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India
· Managing Director, Kerala Fisheries Cooperative Development Federation