Category Archives: MOT

Udaipur will host a two-day national tourism conference, bringing together Tourism Ministers and officials from all States and Union Territories. Scheduled for 15–16 October and chaired by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, the event will focus on shaping India’s tourism policies and roadmap. Key discussions will include sustainable and digital tourism, alongside presentations on ongoing schemes from various state tourism departments. The conference aims to create a collaborative framework for enhancing India’s tourism ecosystem.

The World Tourism Day celebrations marked major strides for India’s tourism sector with the signing of MoUs with Netflix, Atithi Foundation, and leading Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). The Netflix partnership aims to promote Indian destinations through cinematic storytelling, with curated trailers and global outreach. MoUs with Atithi Foundation and OTAs seek to bolster strategic research, innovation, capacity building, and post-travel visitor feedback collection to enable data-driven policy decisions by States and Union Territories.

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.”

The Ministry of Tourism has appointed Harkishore S, IAS as the new Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, for a tenure of five years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Speaking at the 12th Convention of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “Tourism already contributes 5-6% to India’s GDP, compared to nearly 10% globally. With our cultural richness and diversity, the sector can further boost the economy.” He called upon industry stakeholders to focus on promoting lesser-known destinations and enriching visitor experiences.

For the first time, the Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, has invited proposals from investors to develop and operate farm stay accommodations across the state. Jaiveer Singh, Tourism Minister, UP, said that the state is taking rural tourism to the next level with a vision that is entirely new. “This initiative is not just about creating farm accommodations — it is about turning our villages into vibrant centres of culture, livelihood, and learning. Tourists today are eager to escape concrete jungles and experience authentic farm life — from milking cows at dawn to sharing meals in rural kitchens. We are ready to provide that warmth, simplicity, and authenticity,” he said.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, delivering an inspiring keynote address at the India Travel Awards 2025, highlighted tourism’s vital role in national development and India’s global positioning as a leading travel destination. “India’s tourism growth is inevitable — the true challenge lies in how we grow. To achieve our vision of becoming a $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047, we must focus not just on numbers, but on excellence and quality that make India a proud global service leader,” he said.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister, Tourism and Culture, said, “We must focus on private sector–led tourism hub development and a Product-Linked Incentive (PLI)-based Destination Maturity model. These insights will guide the final design and rollout of these schemes, strengthening our shared vision of sustainable and world-class tourism.” He was addressing a gathering at a day-long national consultation, convened by Ministry of Tourism with participation from states and UTs, industry leaders and investors. Nearly 200 stakeholders came together to chart the roadmap for developing destinations of global standards.

Speaking at the India Travel Awards 2025, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister, Tourism & Culture, said, “Tourism is not just about travel; it is a force for inclusive growth, sustainability, and cultural exchange. With public-private partnership and innovation, India can emerge as a global model where diversity, heritage, and modernity converge.” Shekhawat said the government has encouraged states to develop at least one destination to global standards, creating new circuits and spreading benefits across the nation. “Tourism today must be sustainable and responsible, as they are not a choice but the foundation of tomorrow’s tourism. India’s commitment to mission life ensures that travel becomes a force for protecting the environment, conserving heritage, wildlife, and empowering communities.”  

The India Travel Awards 2025, held on September 9 at Le Méridien New Delhi, brought together leading voices from the travel and hospitality industry for an evening of recognition and celebration. The presence of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister, Tourism & Culture, graced the prestigious event. Honouring achievers who have driven growth, innovation, and excellence in India’s tourism sector, the event sets new benchmarks for the industry. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, was the Honoured Guest at the event. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the India Travel Awards coffee table book. The event also saw the presence of eminent industry leaders, including Ashwani Lohani, Director, Prime Ministers’ Museum & Library, and Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India.