Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Tourism Leader Urges Vision and Partnerships for India’s Heritage Sites
Iqbal Mulla says India has many places, cultures, and foods that could attract tourists.
He believes the country is not making it easy enough for visitors to enjoy them.
Roads and other facilities near famous sites need improvement, and travellers need to feel safe.
He suggests letting businesses and the government work together to improve heritage sites.
He also wants visas and flights to be easier for visitors to arrange.
Tourism experts, he says, should help decide how tourism money is spent.
India could promote trips that connect several states and destinations.
Mulla believes tourism can bring money and jobs to the country.
Global Tourism Council President Iqbal Mulla says India has substantial tourism potential but attracts fewer international visitors than it could.
He calls for tourism experts to guide policy, better use of allocated funds, and a proposed Chamber of Tourism.
Mulla says heritage attractions need improved infrastructure, safety, cleanliness, connectivity, and public-private partnerships.
He argues that simpler, longer-duration visas and better international flight access could help attract visitors.
He recommends promoting India as an integrated destination and serving both budget-conscious and high-end travellers.
- Who
- Iqbal Mulla, President of the Global Tourism Council, discusses India's tourism sector.
- What
- Mulla calls for tourism leadership, improved infrastructure and promotion, simpler visas, and public-private partnerships at heritage sites.
- When
- The interview refers to tourism allocations and arrivals in recent years, but gives no interview date.
- Where
- India, including its World Heritage sites and tourism destinations.
- Why
- Mulla says India is not fully converting its heritage and cultural strengths into international tourism and economic gains.
- Interviewee
- Iqbal Mulla, President of the Global Tourism Council
- World Heritage sites
- Mulla says India has around 45.
- Tourism ranking
- The article says India ranked 31st in the WEF Travel and Tourism Development Index 2026.
- Tourism funding
- The article cites annual allocations of around Rs 2,400–2,500 crore in recent years, with utilisation below Rs 1,000 crore in several years.
- Pre-pandemic arrivals
- The article says foreign tourist arrivals remain below the 10.93 million recorded in 2019.
- Suggested visa changes
- Mulla proposes visas valid for two or three years or longer, alongside simpler procedures.
- Suggested budget travel
- Mulla says a week of budget travel in India could cost around $500–600, depending on accommodation choices.