The FAITH Conclave 2025 concluded at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, after two days of impactful deliberations, high-level policy discussions, and a renewed commitment from the industry and government to transforming India into a global tourism powerhouse, in line with the Viksit Bharat mission.

Organised by the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), the conclave brought together Union ministers, policymakers, state tourism leaders, global industry veterans, and association heads under the theme “Indian Tourism: Invincible Spirit”.

The shared goal: elevate tourism’s share of GDP from 5% to 10% and unlock $3 trillion in economic value by 2047.

Day 1 – Building the Foundations for Growth

Shri Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG, Ministry of Tourism, outlined strategies to double tourism’s GDP share, generate 40 million jobs, and secure $140 billion in foreign exchange. He called for seamless visitor experiences, tripling hotel room capacity, granting infrastructure status to the hospitality sector, and launching joint promotional initiatives to strengthen the Incredible India brand.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Chairman of FAITH, urged the industry to achieve uniform status for tourism across all states and to launch a globally visible marketing campaign. At the same time, Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI & Vice Chairman, FAITH, presented the TOPS model (Teamwork, Optimism, Planning, Support) to steer the industry toward the $3 trillion milestone.

Mr. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa & former CEO of NITI Aayog, seized a rare moment of global volatility as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to drive radical reforms. He recommended GST rationalisation, personal tax simplification, dedicated ₹20,000 crore global marketing spend, and a pivot to high-value experiential tourism—forecasting up to 63 million jobs from the sector. Kant urged a shift toward private-sector destination development, with infrastructure like Yashobhoomi and Mandalam powering major MICE events, and called for a private-sector national tourism board to execute the strategy.

State Spotlight – Gujarat

Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Gujarat, called for strategic marketing, global-standard infrastructure, safety measures, perception management, and large-scale skilling. He cited the Rann Utsav’s zero-plastic success story and rapid visitor growth as a model for sustainable tourism.

The FAITH Board tabled a collective agenda featuring visa facilitation, creation of 50 world-class destinations, sustainable hospitality, centralised MICE promotion, and uniform policy benefits across states.

Day 2 – Strategic Roadmap & Policy Alignment

Hon’ble Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, reaffirmed government support for infrastructure development, international marketing, and sustainable models. Shri Omar Abdullah, former CM of Jammu & Kashmir, highlighted the importance of security and connectivity in unlocking the region’s year-round tourism potential.

Industry Champions & Innovators

From embedding traveller safety (Dev Karvat, ASEGO) and streamlining visa facilitation (Jiten Vyas, VFS Global) to large-scale skilling and sustainable hospitality (KB Kachru, Radisson Group) and safeguarding the business viability of travel agents (Ajay Prakash, TAFI), the panel mapped practical strategies for competitiveness.

In the MSME & Niche Tourism session, Ankush Nijhawan (TBO Tek) emphasised digital distribution, Dr. Gyan Bhushan highlighted authentic product development, Sandeep Dwivedi (Amadeus) called for ease of compliance and access to finance, and Anoop Bali (TFCIL) advocated for strengthening local supply chains to benefit communities.

State Spotlight – Arunachal Pradesh

Ms. Yashaswini B, Director of Tourism, presented “Beyond Mists and Mountains” – from Tawang Monastery and Ziro Valley to wildlife-rich Namdapha National Park – showcasing responsible tourism, improved access, and rich cultural immersion.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar – Tourism as a Tool of Global Diplomacy

Delivering the valedictory address, Dr. Jaishankar reframed tourism as more than an economic or cultural force—it is diplomacy’s most potent connector. Backing Prime Minister Modi’s 3T framework (Tourism, Trade, Technology), he highlighted India’s rapidly growing infrastructure—doubled airports, upgraded railways, expanded highways, the UDAN program, and easy e-visas—all of which enhance global mobility and tourism appeal.

He reflected on how India’s G20 leadership showcased its diversity via off-beat venues near heritage sites, strengthening people-to-people ties. He noted India’s consistent additions to UNESCO’s heritage roster, including the Maratha Military Landscape and Moidams of Assam, and promoted India’s medical tourism push, notably the Heal in India initiative. In a world shaken by recent supply disruptions, Jaishankar reminded that nations with robust domestic demand and vibrant tourism sectors stand second to none.

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