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India's Tourism Growth Hinges on Investment and New Destinations
India wants tourism to grow in a stronger and more organized way.
Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said private companies should invest more in tourism.
He also said India should develop new places for visitors to explore.
Better roads, trains, airports and other transport can help more people travel.
The country also needs better hotels, cleanliness, safety and trained workers.
A report highlighted opportunities in spiritual, wellness, cruise, rural and wildlife tourism.
Technology and artificial intelligence may make trips easier for visitors.
Hotel occupancy rose from 42% in 2021 to 64.1% in 2025.
Government and businesses are being encouraged to work together to create jobs and regional growth.
Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called for greater private investment and new destinations to sustain India’s tourism growth.
He said improved infrastructure, destination management, hospitality and workforce development will be needed to meet rising travel demand.
An ASSOCHAM-CBRE report identified spiritual, MICE, wellness, cruise, rural and wildlife tourism as major opportunity areas.
Expanded expressways, railways, ropeways and river-based circuits are opening tourism markets, while technology and AI could improve travel experiences.
Organised hotel occupancy increased to 64.1% in 2025 from 42% in 2021, according to the report.
- Who
- Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, ASSOCHAM, CBRE and tourism-industry leaders.
- What
- Participants discussed expanding India’s tourism sector through private investment, new destinations, better infrastructure and improved visitor experiences.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- When
- The proposals were discussed on Thursday at the ASSOCHAM National Tourism Conclave 2026; the report cited hotel occupancy data for 2021 and 2025.
- Why
- To meet rising travel demand and increase tourism’s contribution to economic growth, employment and regional development.
Key facts
- Event
- ASSOCHAM National Tourism Conclave 2026
- Location
- New Delhi
- Tourism Minister
- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
- Report
- Joint report by ASSOCHAM and CBRE
- Tourism opportunities
- Spiritual, MICE, wellness, cruise, rural and wildlife tourism
- Hotel occupancy
- Organised hotel occupancy rose from 42% in 2021 to 64.1% in 2025
- Long-term goal
- A $1 trillion tourism economy, according to ASSOCHAM President Nirmal K. Minda
Quotes
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
India's Union Tourism Minister
“The next phase of tourism growth will require us to look beyond increasing tourist numbers and focus on building new destinations, creating new experiences and improving destination management.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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