Marking a historic milestone, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), now in its centenary year since its inception in 1925 under the inspiration of Mahatma Gandhi and with G.D. Birla as its first president, hosted the landmark ICC Aviation & Tourism Conference 2025 at Le Meridien, New Delhi. Themed “Viksit Bharat 2047: Transforming Indian Aviation & Tourism” brought together policymakers, global thought leaders, industry captains, and stakeholders to chart India’s aspirational roadmap toward becoming a leading international hub for aviation and tourism by 2047.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, described India’s tourism sector as a “sweet spot,” emphasising its potential to contribute up to $3 trillion to the Indian economy. His remarks set a visionary tone for the day’s deliberations.

Welcoming delegates, Mr. Abhijit Jindal, President of ICC, along with Dr. Subhash Goyal, Chairperson of ICC’s Expert Committee on Aviation & Tourism, reiterated ICC’s legacy in nation-building and its continued commitment to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Their outlined goals included attracting 100 million inbound tourists, mobilising 15 million domestic tourism investors, and ensuring the year-round viability of tourism across all Indian states.

Boosting State Tourism Through Aviation

The first plenary session, titled “Role of Aviation in Developing Tourism to Indian States,” saw Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, spotlight India’s transformative aviation trajectory. In the last decade alone, passenger traffic and airport infrastructure have doubled. He highlighted the UDAN scheme as a critical enabler—connecting 88 unserved airports and paving the way for 120 more destinations, unlocking travel access for over 40 million new flyers, many of whom are first-time tourists.

Mr. Vualnam unveiled the government’s upcoming sea plane initiative, describing it as a “game-changer for last-mile connectivity.” He confirmed full-scale rollouts by the end of the calendar year with successful trials conducted in Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Kerala, and the Andamans. He invited partnerships from tour operators and hotel chains to ensure the model’s long-term viability.

He also stressed fast-tracking connectivity to India’s Buddhist Circuit—Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini—proposing end-to-end tourism packages encompassing air travel, accommodations, and local experiences.

Industry Leaders on India’s Aviation Vision

Mr. Manish Puri, Vice President of Air India, spoke about the airline’s aggressive growth under the Tata Group. The company has an order for 570 new aircraft, including 90 wide-body jets, to revolutionise India’s long-haul and regional connectivity. “This expansion isn’t just about capacity—it’s about establishing seamless international access that catalyses tourism,” he noted.

He proposed creating integrated stopover packages for travelers transiting through India on routes to Europe or Southeast Asia, converting layovers into immersive experiences and boosting short-stay tourism. Air India’s strategy also includes expanding direct connections between Indian spiritual destinations and countries such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, aligning with the Civil Aviation Ministry’s push for Buddhist Circuit promotion.

Jammu & Kashmir: Repositioning a Paradise

In a special address, H.E. Mr Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, called for strategically repositioning the Union Territory as a high-value experiential destination, moving away from volume-driven tourism. He announced the conceptualisation of nine new tourism circuits to ease the burden on hotspots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

Stressing the need for better infrastructure, affordability, and sustainable aviation, Mr Abdullah welcomed the upcoming Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar. He called for rationalising high domestic airfare, especially during peak travel seasons. “J&K must focus on retaining repeat travelers rather than treating tourists as one-time footfalls,” he asserted.

Private Sector Participation & Global Collaborations

The conference also featured impactful insights from representatives of SpiceJet, United Airlines, and other private aviation stakeholders. Mr Kamal Hingorani of SpiceJet advocated for decentralised international connectivity beyond metros, calling for direct international routes from emerging cities like Bhopal and Goa.

Mr. Harvinder Singh of United Airlines discussed strategic marketing to second-generation Indian Americans, encouraging heritage travel and long-term engagement with India’s cultural roots.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Mansharamani of ICC summarised the shared outlook: “Tourism and aviation are twin engines of India’s economic transformation. Today’s insight is a brick in the foundation of a globally competitive and inclusive India.”

A Vision Set in Motion

The ICC Aviation & Tourism Conference 2025 did more than celebrate a century of impactful legacy. It laid a robust foundation for India’s integrated growth in tourism and aviation as envisioned under *Viksit Bharat 2047*. With the alignment of state governments, civil aviation authorities, the private sector, and tourism professionals, the stage is set for India to soar—literally and figuratively—towards its goal of becoming a global leader in tourism and aviation excellence.

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