The International Golf Summit, organized by FICCI on March 23, brought together key in dustry leaders and policymakers to discuss the potential of golf tourism in India.
Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, emphasized that the Indian government views golf as a crucial tourism infrastructure. He highlighted that golf tourists, being high-value travelers, tend to stay longer, spend more, and contribute significantly to local economies. By promoting golf tourism, India can attract premium visitors and enhance overall tourism growth.
Billa proposed creating a structured strategy for golf tourism promotion, including the formation of an inter-ministerial task force to oversee the sport’s development and tourism efforts. He also stressed the need to establish golf circuits across India and take a focused approach to marketing the country as a global golf destination.
Kunal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and sports federations to develop golf tourism. He underscored the need for sustainable golf courses and a proactive role by the government in facilitating more golf tournaments.
Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI, and CMD of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, spoke about golf’s role in driving high-value tourism, economic growth, and global networking. She called for greater synergy between golf and tourism to elevate both the sport and the visitor experience.
PKSV Sagar, Chairman of the FICCI Sports Committee and President of GMR Sports, emphasized making golf more inclusive and aspirational, particularly for India’s youth. He stressed that broader access to the sport could inspire the next generation of golfers and further strengthen India’s position in the global golf landscape.
The discussions at the summit reinforced India’s potential as a golf tourism hub, with stakeholders advocating for strategic investments, collaboration, and enhanced infrastructure to tap into this lucrative market.
