India’s Tourism Ministry outlines global destination development vision to boost inbound travel

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The Ministry of Tourism has announced a long-term strategic framework aimed at transforming India into a globally competitive travel destination through targeted investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and digital innovation.

The initiative, part of the government’s broader goal to make India one of the world’s top five tourism economies by 2035, focuses on destination-based planning — ensuring that iconic and emerging sites receive coordinated support across transport, hospitality, and local community engagement.

Tourism Secretary V. Vidyavathi said the ministry is moving towards a “Destination Development Approach”, prioritising regions with high potential for international appeal while maintaining environmental balance. The approach includes developing thematic circuits such as wellness, heritage, adventure, and rural tourism, backed by public-private partnerships.

The ministry will also leverage digital platforms for smarter visitor management, integrated ticketing, and immersive experiences through technologies like AR and AI, strengthening India’s appeal to global travellers.

Sustainability remains a core focus — with new guidelines for eco-friendly infrastructure, community-based tourism models, and carbon footprint monitoring at major tourist sites. Officials confirmed ongoing collaboration with state governments and international agencies to align India’s tourism standards with global benchmarks.

Experts say this initiative reflects India’s maturing travel ecosystem — shifting from promotional campaigns to strategic, experience-driven development, with the goal of increasing India’s share in global tourist arrivals.