Category Archives: MOT

At a recent PATA forum, Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, delivered a compelling message to the country’s travel trade. She emphasised to empower Indian tour operators, convert global partners into India ambassadors and think beyond destinations by thinking of markets. Sinha called on tourism associations to offer consistent, high-quality training to equip Indian tour operators with deeper knowledge of their own country. “It is not just about showcasing India. It is about understanding it well enough to package it meaningfully,” she said.

India is set to expand its presence at the Arabian Travel Market 2025, which will take place from 28 April to 1 May in Dubai. The country’s participation this year is likely to grow by 41% compared to last year. India’s MOT, along with key exhibitors such as Air India, Air India Express, and regional tourism boards from Goa, Karnataka, MP, and UP, will all be present at the event, showcasing India’s diverse tourism offerings.

Emphasising on actionable efforts at individual level towards Sustainable Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, urged the hospitality sector view sustainability as a key parameter that will shape the growth of both the industry and the Indian economy.” Speaking at FHRAI’s 2nd edition of Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025, he called on each stakeholder to take responsibility and invest in sustainable actions before climate change negatively impacts business and livelihoods.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, has said that the public sector should look at sustainability, not as a compliance but commitment. “The private sector should look at green buildings, creating offerings that are carbon neutral and creating community which has ethical and local sourcing. These things must be built in business. Then sustainability will not be a trade-off, but a big strategic advantage for us,” he said.

Highlighting that an India Tourism Stack can establish India as the world’s most seamless and digitally advanced travel destination, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, MOT, said, “It is time for policymakers, industry leaders, and digital innovators to come together and build the India Tourism Stack — a public good that can catalyse inclusive economic growth and elevate India’s global tourism stature.”

Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism said that the country is likely to witness its next peak in foreign tourist arrivals in 2028-2029. She added that over the next three years, the government is investing ₹120 billion ($1.4 billion) in developing infrastructure creating only alternative and detour destinations.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has said, “The Ministry of Tourism had earlier been working towards formulating a draft National Tourism Policy with a view to keep the sector updated with the latest developments. However, in due course of time, elements and action areas highlighted in the draft policy document have been suitably incorporated in all the schemes and guidelines and Ministry is open to continuous engagement with all stakeholders. In view of this, a separate tourism policy is not envisaged at this point in time.”

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “The government has approved the initiative to develop tribal homestays under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. The intervention includes the development of 1000 homestays with support of up to ₹5 lakh per unit (for new construction), up to ₹3 lakh (renovation), and ₹5 lakh for village community requirements.”

Foreign tourist arrivals in India soared by a whopping 124% in 2023 at 1.92 crore informed Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal were some of the key states where foreign tourist footfalls were high.

Addressing the HRAWI conclave in Nashik recently, Dr Sagnik Chowdhury, Regional Director, India Tourism, Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, said, “The hospitality industry stands at a transformative crossroads, driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer expectations, and a renewed focus on sustainability. Collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and policymakers will be crucial in shaping a globally competitive hospitality sector. This conclave serves as a vital platform to exchange ideas, drive innovation and collectively work towards strengthening India’s position as a leading tourism destination.”