National Consultative Workshop and Review Meeting on 'Developing Tourist Destinations to Global Standards'

The National Consultative Workshop on “Developing Tourist Destinations to Global Standards” held at Kevadia, Gujarat (11–12 May 2026) brought together central and state tourism officials, industry stakeholders, and experts to chart a roadmap for globally competitive, sustainable, and experience-driven destinations.

Ministerial Vision:
Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stressed that while the Centre will continue supporting infrastructure, States/UTs must actively contribute through integrated planning, destination management, ease of doing business, sustainability, and stakeholder participation.

Collaborative Approach:
Minister of State Shri Suresh Gopi highlighted the importance of joint efforts to strengthen India’s tourism ecosystem.

Concept Note:
Presented by Shri Suvasish Das, focusing on integrated destination planning, infrastructure, sustainability, and visitor experience enhancement.

Case Study:
Ekta Nagar & Statue of Unity showcased as a model of integrated planning, visitor management, and sustainability-oriented development.

Technical Sessions:
Covered topics like:
- National Adventure Tourism Framework
- Ease of doing business in tourism
- City-level MICE Promotion Bureau Guidelines
- State collaboration for marketing via Incredible India Digital Platform and social media

State Presentations:
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu shared strategies on infrastructure, destination-specific initiatives, and sustainable tourism.

Why It Matters
This workshop signals a shift towards global benchmarking in Indian tourism. By combining central support with state-level innovation, India aims to transform its destinations into world-class experiences that balance growth with sustainability.