AIRDA Advocates Destination-Led Growth for India’s Tourism Economy at FAITH Tourism Conclave 2026

At the FAITH Tourism Conclave, Vikram Lalvani, Chairman of the All India Resort Development Association (AIRDA) and MD & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, called for a more integrated tourism ecosystem that connects policy, infrastructure, hospitality investment, consumer trust, and destination development.

Vacation ownership & leisure hospitality:
Positioned as drivers of recurring demand, regional employment, and investment in emerging destinations.

Domestic tourism as economic infrastructure:
With 2.95 billion domestic tourist visits in 2024, Lalvani urged policymakers to treat leisure tourism as a catalyst for regional growth.

Differentiated policy support:
Wildlife, wellness, pilgrimage, heritage, and remote resort markets require tailored infrastructure and environmental planning.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0:
53 projects worth ₹2,208.31 crore sanctioned, reflecting a destination-centric approach.

Policy recommendations:
Last-mile connectivity, streamlined approvals, sustainability-linked incentives, and public-private partnerships to strengthen emerging leisure markets.

Quote
"India’s tourism opportunity cannot be unlocked through room supply alone. Domestic leisure must be recognised as economic infrastructure, supported by policies designed around complete destinations rather than individual assets." – Vikram Lalvani

This positions AIRDA as a key voice in shaping India’s tourism future, advocating for destination-led growth rather than property-level interventions, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and regional economic development.