The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, celebrated World Tourism Day 2025 on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with a focus on “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. The event brought together distinguished stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society, reaffirming India’s commitment toward fostering cultural exchange, driving economic growth, and advancing sustainable practices in tourism.

The celebration was graced by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, as the Chief Guest. Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum & Natural Gas, presided over the event, and Shri Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, delivered the welcome address. Reflecting the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) theme, the event highlighted the role of tourism in sustainable transformation and its significance in India’s journey towards “Viksit Bharat 2047”.

Speaking at the event,  the Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog said: “Tourism is not just about leisure; it is a powerful instrument for economic transformation, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion.” Globally, various countries have demonstrated that sustainable tourism can both preserve biodiversity and generate livelihoods. India has the same potential, but we must embed sustainability at the core of our strategy, not at the margins. To unlock this potential, we need convergence: transport, urban development, digital technology, and infrastructure must work hand in hand. Seamless connectivity across road, rail, air, and waterways can make destinations more accessible, spread benefits beyond major hubs, and reduce pressure on overcrowded sites. Public-private collaboration is essential, as it links industry investment with community participation and environmental safeguards.

As we look ahead to Viksit Bharat 2047, our vision must be of a tourism sector that is green, inclusive, and future-ready, where communities are not just participants but beneficiaries, and where India’s cultural and natural wealth is showcased to the world with pride.”

The Minister of State for Tourism emphasised India’s sustained efforts to embed sustainability throughout its initiatives, highlighting schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD, which promote eco-friendly accommodations, rural and village tourism, and technological advancements through revamped online platforms. The Indian tourism authority highlighted the importance of collaboration with states, industry, civil society, and local communities in achieving inclusive and resilient tourism growth.

He stated that tourism cannot thrive in isolation; it requires strong linkages with transportation, infrastructure, and allied services. India has made connectivity a central part of its tourism vision. Investments in airports, highways, inland waterways, and railways are ensuring seamless travel experiences for domestic and international visitors. Initiatives like UDAN, which have improved last-mile connectivity to tourist sites, and the integration of multimodal transport hubs are making tourist destinations more accessible and inclusive. By enhancing collaboration across various sectors, we are transforming tourism into a key driver of comprehensive regional development.

Key outcomes of the celebration included 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 aim to enhance strategic research, innovation, capacity building, and post-travel visitor feedback collection, enabling data-driven policy decisions by States and Union Territories.

During the event, we launched the Project Management Information System (PMIS), which provides a digital platform for real-time monitoring and management of tourism infrastructure projects, enhancing both efficiency and transparency. Additionally, the Ministry released the 66th Edition of the India Tourism Data Compendium, marking record international and domestic arrivals, employment generation, and robust economic contributions. India now ranks 20th globally in international tourist arrivals and continues strengthening its tourism infrastructure.

A booklet titled “Guide to MUDRA Loans for Homestays” was launched, providing a step-by-step guide for stakeholders on how to apply for the loan online through the Jan Samarth portal.

A high-level panel on transportation and connectivity featured senior officials from the ministries of road, aviation, railways, and shipping, emphasising seamless, multimodal links as key to sustainable growth. Thematic sessions featured case studies such as Mahakumbh 2025 and the Statue of Unity, alongside discussions on Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and the application of AI, AR/VR, and digital twins to enhance planning and visitor experiences.

The World Tourism Day 2025 celebration confirmed India’s commitment to make tourism a movement that promotes a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future. This event showcased India’s leadership on the global stage, embracing innovation, fostering cross-sectoral partnerships, and prioritising people-centric development.

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