1 hr ago
Tourism Secretary Hails Unsung Heroes at WION Awards
At the WION Iconic Awards 2026, tourism official Bhuvnesh Kumar praised people who work in tourism.
He called them unsung heroes because they help visitors enjoy India even when they are not widely recognized.
Kumar said tourism does more than make money.
He said it helps strangers become friends and lets people learn about different cultures.
He explained that travelers are visiting more parts of India, not only the Golden Triangle.
He mentioned Kerala and the North East as examples.
He also said domestic tourism has grown three times since COVID.
Kumar encouraged tourism businesses to be sustainable and offer genuine experiences.
Bhuvnesh Kumar praised tourism workers and businesses for helping build India’s tourism economy.
Kumar said tourism connects people, cultures, and destinations while creating lasting memories.
He highlighted the diversification of travel beyond the Golden Triangle to Kerala and the North East.
Domestic tourism has grown threefold since COVID, according to Kumar.
He urged the industry to focus more on sustainability, authenticity, and meaningful experiences.
- Who
- Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Tourism, addressed tourism industry representatives and award attendees.
- What
- Kumar praised the tourism industry’s unsung heroes and discussed changing travel trends, growth, sustainability, and authenticity.
- Where
- At the WION Iconic Awards ceremony; the article does not specify the venue.
- When
- At the WION Iconic Awards 2026.
- Why
- To recognize contributions to tourism and discuss how the industry is changing and shaping perceptions of India.
Key facts
- Event
- WION Iconic Awards 2026
- Speaker
- Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
- Domestic tourism
- Kumar said domestic tourism has grown threefold since COVID.
- Travel destinations
- Travelers are increasingly visiting places including Kerala and the North East, rather than focusing only on the Golden Triangle.
- Industry priorities
- Kumar called for greater sustainability and authenticity in travel.
- Tourism’s role
- Kumar described tourism as a bridge connecting people, cultures, and destinations.
Quotes
Bhuvnesh Kumar
Secretary of India’s Ministry of Tourism
“Whether you run a boutique hotel in Rajasthan, operate a large civil aviation company, manage logistics in Ladakh, or curate culinary skills in Kerala — you all are custodians of that bridge which is termed as tourism.”
wionews.com
“Tourism is not merely an economic activity, it is a great bridge; it connects strangers into friends, converts culture into conversation, and turns destinations into long-standing memories.”
wionews.com
Sources
Related news
India's Tourism Minister Says Experiential Travel Is Next Major Trend
Tourism Summit Highlights India’s Aviation and Travel Growth
WION Iconic Tourism Awards 2026 Honour Leading Industry Achievers
Shekhawat Invokes Vedas While Backing India’s Developed-Nation Goal
Tourism, Gen Z And Politics: Shekhawat On India’s Challenges
Why India Struggles to Attract Foreign Tourists
India's Golf Tourism Opportunity Rests on Courses, Culture, and Infrastructure
IHM Hyderabad Launches Books Exploring Food and Culinary Culture
Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains to Depart Bengaluru October 21
Tourism Department Opens Hotel Management Course Applications
