India marked World Tourism Day 2025 with a renewed call to make tourism the engine of a sustainable and inclusive national transformation. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the celebration in New Delhi brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
The day’s discussions and announcements underscored how tourism one of India’s fastest-growing sectors can drive change across the economy, environment, and society as the country moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
A vision for balanced growth
In his address, Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog and the event’s chief guest, stressed that sustainability must lie “at the core, not the margins” of India’s tourism strategy. He emphasized that future growth must balance accessibility with preservation, ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend beyond established destinations to local communities and lesser-known regions.
Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum & Natural Gas, who presided over the celebration, highlighted the government’s commitment to positioning India as a model for responsible tourism. He noted that the tourism sector is central to India’s efforts to combine economic development with cultural and environmental stewardship.
Earlier, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, welcomed participants, setting the tone for a day of reflection and forward-looking dialogue on how India can leverage its tourism potential for long-term transformation.
Building the framework for transformation
Several key initiatives were launched during the event, reflecting a shift towards data-driven governance and digital efficiency. The Project Management Information System (PMIS) was unveiled to enable real-time monitoring and management of tourism infrastructure projects, promoting greater transparency and coordination.
The 66th edition of the India Tourism Data Compendium was also released, providing valuable insights into trends in international arrivals, domestic tourism, and employment generation crucial tools for policymakers and stakeholders to chart the industry’s progress.
In a bid to empower local entrepreneurs, the Ministry released a new booklet titled “Guide to MUDRA Loans for Home-Stays,” which details how small and medium tourism enterprises can access credit facilities through the Jan Samarth portal.
Partnerships for storytelling and innovation
A highlight of the event was the signing of MoUs with diverse partners, including Netflix, the Atithi Foundation, and major online travel agencies (OTAs). These collaborations aim to showcase India’s destinations through cinematic storytelling, promote responsible travel, and strengthen the country’s global tourism brand.
By connecting creative industries with tourism, the Ministry is tapping into new ways of engaging audiences and inspiring travel that respects both culture and ecology.
A people-centred approach
Speakers throughout the event reiterated that India’s tourism growth story must be inclusive. Infrastructure development and digital innovation, they said, must go hand-in-hand with community participation. Rural and heritage tourism, home-stays, and skill development initiatives are now being aligned with schemes like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD, ensuring that local residents become stakeholders and beneficiaries in the tourism value chain.
Towards Viksit Bharat 2047
As India looks ahead to becoming a developed nation by 2047, tourism is emerging as a key driver of sustainable transformation one that unites economic ambition with environmental consciousness and cultural pride.
The World Tourism Day 2025 celebration made it clear that India’s approach is evolving from destination promotion to destination management from numbers to narratives, and from growth to good growth.
With stronger data systems, strategic partnerships, and a deepening focus on sustainability, India is charting a tourism model that the world will watch closely one that promises not only to attract travelers, but to transform lives.