Summary:
- India must harness technology and storytelling, said a former UN tourism special advisor.
- India’s tourism identity should revolve around one question: Why visit India now?
- The country should showcase initiatives that preserve culture and protect the environment.
INDIA SHOULD HARNESS technology and digital storytelling as travelers increasingly rely on these tools to shape their journeys, said Anita Mendiratta, former special advisor to the United Nations tourism secretary general. She said technology can help India address key traveler concerns such as cleanliness, health and ease of mobility.
Technology also gives visitors a platform to share their experiences, creating a ripple effect of real stories that bring the destination to life, Mendiratta said at the TOURISE Global Summit 2025 in Riyadh, according to ANI.
"Technology brings a heartbeat to information and data in a way that few other platforms can," she said. "Digital tools can showcase not only India's landmarks and attractions but also the warmth of its people and communities."
Mendiratta said India's tourism identity answer the question “Why visit India now?”
“While India's beauty, history and festivals have long drawn global interest, the focus should shift from the sights to the people,” she said. "It's about showcasing incredible Indians. It's not just about visiting this dream destination for the icons, attractions, or architecture—it's the human connection with Indians that makes any visit enduring and authentic."
Mendiratta said that sustainability must remain at the center of this growth.
"What's critical is for India to demonstrate the initiatives that keep culture alive and protect the environment," she said.
According to her, sustainability is no longer just about nature. It also includes the cultural, social and spiritual dimensions that shape how people live and travel responsibly.
Meanwhile, India is considering a harmonized infrastructure status for the hotel industry, which could attract new capital and boost tourism, said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s minister of tourism and culture.
