Tag Archives: Ministry of Tourism

As part of the Three Hundred Seventy Ninth Report on Demands for Grants (2025–26) of the Ministry of Tourism, a Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended forming a Fund Utilisation Task Force. Comprising financial and project management experts, the task force will conduct monthly reviews to track fund usage and identify bottlenecks, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency in tourism projects.

“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, 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.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, said, “One of the targets we could perhaps place for ourselves is how to double tourism’s GDP contribution from 5% to 10% in the next ten years and probably add 25 million jobs in the next five years.” He emphasised the need for strategic efforts to achieve this growth.

MOT is set to make Maha Kumbh this year a landmark event not only for spiritual gatherings, but also for global tourism with luxury tents, cultural pavilions and flights. To ensure seamless travel for tourists, it has partnered with Alliance Air to enhance air connectivity to Prayagraj from multiple cities across India.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, has shared that the Ministry of Tourism has confirmed participation at FITUR and urged members to participate in the same. He also announced that their 2025 convention will be held in August at Swosti Premium Beach Resorts, Puri. He was speaking at the monthly IATO luncheon.

Officials from the Ministry of Tourism informed that Indians recommending a visit to India to their non-Indian friends will be rewarded if the trip gets materialised. Such Indians on their return may be received at the airport by the ministry representatives. Now, Indians abroad can register and claim rewards at ‘Chalo India’ portal.

The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a key player in India’s hospitality sector under the Ministry of Tourism, observed ‘Vigilance Awareness Week,’ themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” from October 28th to 3rd November, 2024. The campaign emphasised the importance of integrity in our society. During this week, hotel units and divisions of ITDC organised various activities to raise awareness about corruption and how various stakeholders can work together to combat it. The organisation’s Director Finance and Chief Vigilance Officer led the integrity pledge, taken at ITDC Headquarters in Delhi. ITDC also hosted an important session on ‘Cyber Hygiene & Security’ at the Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management (AIHTM) at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi. This session brought together AIHTM students and ITDC employees to highlight the importance of staying safe online. Additionally, ITDC organised a “POSH Session” for its officials to promote awareness and adherence to the organisation’s rules and regulations. A training session on “Preventive Vigilance” was also held at ITDC Headquarters, aimed at educating employees about integrity in their work. A highlight of the week was a walkathon involving AIHTM students and ITDC employees. The students also performed a powerful street play “Say No to Corruption.” Lokesh Kumar Aggarwal, Director Finance and CFO, ITDC, said, “Promoting a culture of integrity is vital for both our organisation and the nation. By raising awareness about corruption and its impact, we empower people to contribute to a more transparent society.” To engage AIHTM students, ITDC held fun activities such as poster making, slogan writing, essay contests, and debates, all focused on the theme of fighting corruption. The week concluded with a ‘Vendors Interaction Meet,’ where ITDC officials, including …

In a first-of-its-kind initiative to attract more foreign tourists to India, the Ministry of Tourism is all set to launch the Chalo India promotional campaign on the sidelines of the ongoing World Travel Mart in London. Under the initiative, the government will allow one lakh free e-visas for “friends” of diaspora members. Five foreign nationals nominated by each Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder on a special portal will be eligible for a gratis e-visa (visa granted without fees).