Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Tourism Summit Highlights India’s Aviation and Travel Growth
Tourism leaders met in New Delhi to discuss how travel is changing.
They said more Indians are travelling abroad because they have more money to spend.
These travellers also want better and more memorable experiences.
Younger people are choosing destinations based on safety, activities and how easily places can be connected.
India’s domestic tourism has grown strongly, especially since the Covid period.
Air India said new airports and aircraft could help India become a major aviation hub.
Speakers also said India needs cleaner destinations, better-trained workers and improved airport connections.
Qatar and Sri Lanka want more tourism and people-to-people travel with India.
Tourism leaders said rising Indian incomes are driving demand for better international travel experiences.
Domestic tourism remains a major growth engine, while younger travellers increasingly seek safe, destination-led and connected experiences.
Air India said India’s airport expansion and large aircraft orders support its ambition to become a global aviation hub.
Speakers called for better airport transit facilities, tourism skills, cleanliness and year-round promotion of India.
Qatar and Sri Lanka urged stronger two-way tourism, transport and professional links with India.
- Who
- Tourism and hospitality executives, policymakers, diplomats and industry representatives, including leaders from Air India, IHCL, Sterling Holiday Resorts, Visit Qatar and Sri Lanka’s hotel sector.
- What
- The WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 examined India’s tourism potential, aviation expansion, infrastructure and changing travel patterns.
- When
- September 23, during the 2026 summit.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The summit aimed to discuss tourism growth, emerging opportunities, travel trends and challenges affecting the sector.
- Event
- WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026
- Location
- New Delhi
- Domestic tourism
- Speakers described domestic tourism as a major driver of India’s tourism growth and said it rebounded first after Covid.
- Aviation infrastructure
- Air India cited new airports, including Jewar and Navi Mumbai, and major aircraft orders by Indian carriers.
- Tourism target
- Muktesh Pardeshi said India receives around 20 million foreign tourists, including about 10 million NRIs, while Türkiye attracts 65 million.
- Qatar tourism
- Visit Qatar said the country is promoting family, leisure, business, sports and short stopover travel.
- Sri Lanka connectivity
- Sri Lanka highlighted ferry connectivity inaugurated in 2024 and called for broader two-way tourism links with India.