Tag Archives: Ministry of Tourism

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), has launched the Beyond Tourism initiative — a global, multi-sector effort aimed at shaping the future of travel and tourism. Developed around ten core principles, the initiative underscores tourism’s vital role as a bridge between cultures, a driver of community empowerment, and a source of opportunity for future generations. Beyond Tourism seeks to establish a new framework for the industry, encouraging collaboration across governments, private sectors, and civil society to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. Positioned as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to contribute to global tourism leadership, the Beyond Tourism initiative aligns with broader goals to strengthen cross-cultural connections and ensure the long-term resilience of the sector.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG Tourism, GoI, revealed that the Ministry of Tourism will soon launch a revamped global promotion and marketing plan to strengthen inbound tourism. The strategy targets key source markets with focused promotions, collaborations with global brands and influencers, and enhanced synergy with states under the unified Incredible India brand, alongside a renewed push for MICE tourism.

The Union Ministry of Tourism and its allied bodies are actively implementing the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM) 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, governance, and efficiency. With 6,429 monitored targets, cleanliness drives at 413 tourism sites, and large-scale digitisation efforts, the initiative aims to streamline operations and enhance India’s tourism infrastructure to give a more organised and welcoming experiencefor domestic and international tourists.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, highlighted that GST rationalisation will aid India’s tourism industry. “Reduction of tax rates from 12 per cent to 5 per cent will result into notable consumer savings,” he said, acknowledging that minor issues around Input Tax Credit require coordination with the GST Council. “The government’s overall policy direction strongly supports the sector’s expansion.”