Ministry of Tourism and Mastercard Sign MoU to Strengthen India's Position as a Global Tourism Hotspot

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India and Mastercard have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost India’s appeal as a premium destination for domestic and international travelers.

Partnership Overview
- Duration: 24 months (two years).
- Goal: Strengthen India’s position as a premium global tourism destination.
- Approach: Leverage Mastercard’s global platforms, especially its Priceless™ program, to showcase India’s cultural, spiritual, natural, and culinary treasures worldwide.

Key Initiatives
- Curated Experiences: Priceless.com will feature rare experiences starting with Goa, then expanding to Varanasi and interiors of Andhra Pradesh, followed by more destinations.
- Marketing Campaigns: Joint campaigns to attract diverse domestic and international travelers.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with State Tourism Boards, Archaeological Survey of India, and Ministry of Culture to design immersive experiences.
- Digital Payments: Promote secure and seamless payment practices across the tourism ecosystem, encouraging adoption of innovative co-branded payment products linked to Indian destinations.

Broader Impact
- Tourism Value Chain: Strengthens local communities’ participation by expanding digital payment acceptance.
- Global Positioning: Elevates India’s image as a must-visit destination through storytelling and curated travel corridors.
- Economic Growth: Encourages tourist spending while supporting India’s digital economy.

Voices from the Collaboration
- Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Minister of Tourism): India offers a wealth of experiences rooted in heritage, culture, spirituality, and landscapes.

- Raja Rajamannar (CMO, Mastercard): Priceless will highlight India’s diverse heritage and modern aspirations.

- Gautam Aggarwal (President, India & South Asia, Mastercard): Expansion of secure digital payments will empower local communities and strengthen the tourism value chain.

Takeaway:
This MoU blends tourism promotion with digital innovation, positioning India as a global hotspot while ensuring travelers enjoy secure, seamless, and memorable experiences.