The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, marked World Tourism Day 2025 with a high-profile event themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, aligning with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s global call to action.
Held in New Delhi, the celebration brought together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to reaffirm India’s commitment to building a green, inclusive, and resilient tourism sector.
Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog Shri Suman Bery served as Chief Guest, while Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum & Natural Gas, presided over the event. Shri Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, delivered the welcome address.
🌍 Tourism as a Catalyst for Transformation
In his keynote, Shri Bery emphasized that tourism is more than leisure—it’s a driver of economic transformation, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion. He called for convergence across transport, urban development, digital infrastructure, and public-private partnerships to unlock India’s tourism potential and reduce pressure on overcrowded destinations.
🛤️ Connectivity and Infrastructure
Shri Gopi highlighted India’s strategic investments in airports, highways, railways, and inland waterways, noting that initiatives like UDAN and multi-modal transport hubs are making tourist sites more accessible. He stressed that tourism must be integrated with allied services to drive regional development.
🎥 Partnerships and Innovation
Key outcomes included the signing of MoUs with Netflix, Atithi Foundation, and leading OTAs. Netflix will promote Indian destinations through cinematic storytelling, while other partners will support research, capacity building, and feedback-driven policy design.
The Ministry also launched the Project Management Information System (PMIS) for real-time monitoring of tourism infrastructure, and released the 66th edition of the India Tourism Data Compendium, showcasing record growth in arrivals and employment. India now ranks 20th globally in international tourist arrivals.
🏡 Empowering Homestays and Communities
A new booklet titled “Guide to MUDRA Loans for Homestays” was unveiled, offering step-by-step guidance for loan applications via the Jan Samarth portal. The campaign aims to empower local entrepreneurs and promote rural tourism.
🧠 Technology and Planning
A high-level panel featuring officials from road, aviation, railways, and shipping ministries discussed seamless multimodal connectivity. Thematic sessions explored AI, AR/VR, digital twins, and case studies like Mahakumbh 2025 and the Statue of Unity, emphasizing smart planning and immersive visitor experiences.
The event concluded with a resounding message: India’s tourism sector is evolving into a movement for sustainable, inclusive, and people-centric development, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
