Tourism sector aims to contribute 10% to India's economy by 2047
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announces ambitious goal for tourism to contribute 10% to India's economy by 2047.
In a major vision for the nation's future, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has announced that the tourism sector aims to contribute 10% to India's economy by 2047. Speaking on the occasion of World Tourism Day at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Minister outlined a roadmap to align India with global benchmarks as the country approaches its centenary of independence.
A New Era of Domestic Travel
The Minister highlighted that India's immense cultural diversity, paired with massive infrastructural expansion, is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for domestic travel. According to Shekhawat, the combination of economic growth and expanding infrastructure is turning India's diversity into a core strength, creating potential that far outweighs current challenges.
Digital Revolution in Tourism
To support this ambitious growth, the government is heavily focusing on technological integration. A key highlight of the event was the launch of the National Digital Tourism Stack. This initiative is designed to address previous gaps in digital infrastructure and is expected to significantly improve India's global standing in tourism rankings.
The National Digital Tourism Stack is being developed in collaboration with ONDC and supported by the International Centre for DPI Innovation and Advancement (ICDIA). The goal is to make India's tourism offerings more:
- Discoverable
- Accessible
- Trustworthy
Beyond Sightseeing: The Shift to Authentic Experiences
The Minister emphasized that the modern traveler's needs are evolving. "Tourism is no longer just about visiting places," Shekhawat remarked. He noted that today's travelers are searching for authentic connections, such as local cuisine, traditional arts, and meaningful cultural experiences that create lasting memories rather than just photographs.
Looking toward the future, the Minister stressed that the next phase of growth must be inclusive and sustainable. The objective is to ensure that tourism benefits reach beyond the well-known hotspots to include:
- Local communities
- Entrepreneurs
- Women
- Youth
The Role of AI and Digital Infrastructure
The event also saw the launch of the National Mission for Alternative Destinations — Dekho Apna Desh Campaign 2.0. Industry experts at the event discussed how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven management can make travel more personalized and seamless.
Vivek Raghavan, Co-Founder of Sarvam AI, highlighted that AI has the potential to transform every single stage of the traveler's journey—from the initial discovery of a destination to the final sharing of experiences. By leveraging India's expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure, the government aims to create a more responsive and accessible tourism ecosystem for everyone.