Ministry of Tourism Celebrates World Tourism Day with the Theme 'Tourism and Sustainable Transformation'

On September 27, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India marked World Tourism Day with the powerful theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, aligning with the UNWTO’s global focus on tourism as a driver of inclusive and eco-conscious development.

Key Highlights from the Celebration
- Chief Guest: Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog
- Presiding Minister: Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum & Natural Gas
- Venue: National-level event with participation from government, industry, academia, and civil society

Vision for Sustainable Tourism
- Tourism is seen not just as leisure but as a tool for economic transformation, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion.
- Emphasis on convergence across transport, urban development, digital tech, and infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity and equitable growth.
- Focus on community participation, making locals not just stakeholders but beneficiaries of tourism.

Strategic Initiatives Announced
- Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD schemes to promote eco-friendly accommodations and rural tourism
- Launch of Project Management Information System (PMIS) for real-time monitoring of tourism infrastructure
- Release of the 66th India Tourism Data Compendium, showing record domestic and international arrivals

Notable Partnerships
- Netflix: To promote Indian destinations through cinematic storytelling
- Atithi Foundation & OTAs: For strategic research, innovation, and post-travel feedback collection

Impact Snapshot
- India now ranks 20th globally in international tourist arrivals
- Tourism contributes ₹15.73 lakh crore to GDP (5.22% of the economy)
- Over 84 lakh outbound and 16.5 lakh inbound tourists recorded as of June 2025

This celebration wasn’t just ceremonial—it was a bold reaffirmation of India’s commitment to building a green, inclusive, and future-ready tourism sector.