India and Italy to Boost Tourism via Cine-Tourism and Twinning
India and Italy held their 2nd Joint Working Group meeting to discuss cine-tourism, destination twinning, and cultural exchanges for 2027.
India and Italy have taken a significant step toward strengthening their bilateral ties through the successful conclusion of the 2nd India–Italy Joint Working Group (JWG) on Tourism. Held on Tuesday, the meeting focused on innovative ways to boost travel and cultural exchange between the two nations.
A Strategic Partnership for Global Travel
The high-level meeting was co-chaired by Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Emanuela Tripi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Italy. The discussions aimed to create a more robust framework for tourism cooperation, moving beyond traditional travel to embrace modern trends.
The Indian delegation featured key representatives from:
- Ministry of Tourism
- Ministry of Culture
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Embassy of India in Rome
- Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO)
The Italian side was represented by senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi, and the Italian National Tourism Board (ENIT).
Key Focus Areas: Cine-Tourism and Destination Twinning
The discussions moved beyond standard travel protocols, exploring niche sectors that could drive significant growth. One of the most exciting areas discussed was cine-tourism, which leverages the popularity of film locations to attract international travelers.
Other major pillars of the cooperation include:
- Destination Twinning: Creating direct links between specific cities or landmarks in India and Italy to encourage targeted tourism.
- Promotion of Lesser-Known Destinations: Moving travelers away from overcrowded hotspots toward hidden gems in both countries.
- Data Exchange: Sharing vital tourism statistics to better understand market trends.
- Skilling and Capacity Building: Enhancing the professional expertise of the tourism workforce.
- B2B Engagement: Strengthening business-to-business connections to facilitate easier travel for tourists and investors.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The meeting laid the groundwork for a massive cultural milestone: the proposed India–Italy Year of Culture and Tourism 2027. This initiative is expected to serve as a major catalyst for deepening the cultural and tourism exchanges between the two nations.
To ensure these discussions lead to tangible results, both sides have agreed to establish focused technical groups and designate specific points of contact. These groups will be responsible for managing the identified areas of cooperation and ensuring sustained engagement between industry stakeholders and government bodies.
This second meeting reaffirms a shared commitment to building stronger institutional and industry linkages, ensuring that the tourism sectors of both India and Italy continue to grow in tandem.