Category Archives: MOT

“India doesn’t need to build artificial attractions—we already have 43 UNESCO sites and unmatched natural beauty,” said Mugdha Sinha, former DG, Ministry of Tourism, GoI. She urged tourism players to repackage existing heritage with modern amenities and narratives. “Take them back to the Taj Mahal—but with better logistics, better storytelling,” she added.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has been appointed as the new Director General, Tourism and has replaced Mugdha Sinha. According to recent appointments released by Department of Personnel and Training, Sinha has now taken over as Managing Director, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

“The Ministry of Tourism will identify a new set of 50 destinations by the end of the year. Informal consultations with states and industry have already begun,” said Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. “We’re currently drafting the first-cut guidelines, which will be shared with both stakeholders for feedback.” He added that the Ministry hopes to identify the first set of 50 tourism destinations within this year.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, said, “From predictive analytics to smart visitor management, digital innovation will define the next era of travel.” He emphasised on government’s push for tech-driven solutions, citing opportunities for collaboration between startups, airlines and tourism bodies.

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.