On January 8, 2026, in New Delhi, the PATA India Chapter successfully concluded its 4th Tourism PowerHouse event. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, sponsored the event, which took place at the ITC Maurya. “Accelerating Tourism for Tomorrow: Powered by Data and Knowledge” was the theme chosen for the 2026 edition. Senior policymakers, decision-makers, and leaders in the world of tourism attended the event. PATA CEO Noor Hamid, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL and other tourism industry heavyweights were among the notable speakers. The goal of the fourth edition was to fully utilise India’s enormous potential by utilising international best practices and igniting the minds of the country’s tourist sector leadership.

Over the years, the PATA India Tourism PowerHouse has evolved into a dynamic forum that goes beyond discussions to deliver actionable insights. The fourth edition continued this legacy, offering a robust agenda that addressed some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the tourism sector today. From sustainable destination development and digital transformation to experiential travel and community-led tourism, the sessions reflected the changing contours of global and domestic travel trends.

While sharing his views during the event, Noor Ahmad Hamid urged the travel industry to shift its attention from the “Incredible India” posture towards community-led and sustainable tourism growth, highlighting India’s strength in its multi-layered, emotional, and varied travel experiences. At the forum, he reaffirmed PATA’s commitment to fostering the growth of Indian tourism through strategic engagement and global insights, and he praised the Union Ministry of Tourism and industry partners for their ongoing cooperation and support.

One of the key highlights of the event was the strong emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism. Speakers underscored the need for destinations to strike a balance between growth and conservation, ensuring that tourism benefits local communities while preserving cultural and natural heritage. Several panel discussions explored best practices in eco-tourism, responsible travel frameworks, and policy interventions that can enable long-term sustainability.

The Tourism PowerHouse also served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and industry collaboration. Engaging panel discussions and keynote addresses provided deep insights into emerging markets, evolving traveler preferences, and the role of technology in enhancing visitor experiences. Experts shared case studies showcasing successful destination branding strategies, innovative tourism products, and public-private partnerships that have delivered measurable impact.

Another significant focus area was digital innovation and marketing. With technology increasingly shaping how travelers discover, plan, and experience destinations, industry leaders discussed the growing importance of data-driven marketing, artificial intelligence, immersive content, and social media storytelling. The conversations highlighted how destinations and tourism businesses can leverage digital tools to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded global marketplace.

The event also highlighted India’s growing prominence as a tourism powerhouse, supported by improved infrastructure, policy initiatives, and a renewed focus on domestic tourism. Speakers emphasized the importance of regional tourism circuits, niche tourism segments such as wellness, adventure, and cultural tourism, and the role of connectivity in unlocking new destinations across the country.

Commenting during the 4th PATA India Tourism PowerHouse, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), said, “With solid fundamentals fuelled by policy support, infrastructural expansion, and a renewed emphasis on domestic travel, India is at a pivotal point in its tourism history. In order to bring stakeholders together to share ideas and create a common vision for sustainable tourism growth, platforms like the PATA India Tourism PowerHouse are essential. At IHCL, we firmly think that responsible development, community involvement, and the production of genuine experiences that honour India’s rich natural and cultural legacy are the keys to the future of tourism. Unlocking the next stage of tourism-driven economic growth will require cooperation between the public sector, private sector, and local communities.”

Beyond the sessions, the 4th PATA India Tourism PowerHouse offered valuable networking opportunities, enabling meaningful interactions among industry peers. Delegates engaged in productive conversations, explored potential partnerships, and exchanged ideas that are expected to translate into future collaborations and business opportunities. The presence of senior decision-makers and influencers added significant value, making the event a catalyst for strategic discussions and industry alignment.

In his concluding remarks, the leadership of the PATA India Chapter expressed gratitude to speakers, partners, sponsors, and delegates for their enthusiastic participation and support. They reiterated PATA’s commitment to advancing responsible tourism development and fostering collaboration across the travel and tourism value chain.

As the curtains came down on the 4th edition, the PATA India Tourism PowerHouse once again demonstrated its relevance and impact. With insightful discussions, forward-looking perspectives, and strong industry engagement, the event successfully set the tone for the next phase of growth and innovation in Indian tourism. The momentum generated is expected to resonate well beyond the event, contributing meaningfully to the sector’s continued evolution.