Summary:
- India’s Ministry of Tourism held a two-day Ministers’ Meet in Udaipur on Oct. 14-15.
- It aims to develop at least one tourist destination per state under Viksit Bharat roadmap.
- The ministry plans to develop 50 destinations under “One State: One Global Destination.”
INDIA’S TOURISM MINISTRY hosted a two-day State Tourism Ministers’ Meet in Udaipur on Oct. 14-15 to plan the next phase of tourism development. The initiative aims to establish at least one tourist destination in each state and union territory, in line with India’s Viksit Bharat roadmap.
The consultation advanced the ‘One State: One Global Destination’ vision, a Union Budget 2025–26 initiative, the Tourism Ministry said in a statement. The ministry outlined a roadmap to develop 50 destinations under this vision.
“This meeting marks a defining moment for Indian tourism,” said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s tourism minister. “By pooling our resources, expertise and vision, we are committed to creating a portfolio of destinations that not only showcase India’s diversity but also compete globally in experience, infrastructure and sustainability.”
The inaugural session began with remarks by V. Vidyavathi, India’s tourism secretary.
Over two days, the meeting focused on two pillars of India’s national tourism strategy: Destination Development and Destination Management, the statement said. States and territories presented proposals for developing destinations, outlining strategies for infrastructure, experience and sustainability.
The sessions explored two strategies: developing 50 tourism hubs led by private investment and introducing performance-linked incentives through a Destination Maturity Model to reward excellence in management and visitor experience.
Suman Billa, additional secretary and director general for tourism, appreciated the collaborative contributions of states and stakeholders and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to incorporating these insights into the final design and rollout of the new schemes.
Regional presentations allowed states and territories to highlight one potential site for global destination development. A special consultation on the draft Integrated Tourism Promotion Scheme Guidelines was also held to guide India’s global tourism positioning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport, India’s largest greenfield airport.
