The tourism industry is set to become India’s largest contributor to GDP in the coming years, according to Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Speaking at the Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025 in Delhi on March 26, Shekhawat emphasized the rapid growth of tourism and its potential to drive the economy. He urged stakeholders to focus on expanding the sector sustainably, while also addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
India’s Growing Tourism Industry
According to the Ministry of Tourism’s 2024-25 report, tourism contributed 5% to India’s GDP in 2022-23, employing 12.57% of the workforce. With India’s economy growing rapidly, the tourism sector is expected to expand at the same pace.
Key Discussions at the Summit
The summit focused on sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI) in tourism. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, highlighted AI’s role in improving travel planning through digital platforms. He also stated that India aims to become the world’s third-largest tourism market by 2047.
Billa stressed the importance of sustainable tourism and protecting cultural heritage. He encouraged using local materials, promoting handicrafts, and ensuring communities benefit from tourism projects. He emphasized that homestays and community-based tourism should be promoted to empower local populations.
Sustainability in Hospitality & Heritage Tourism
Hemant Jain, President of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), urged hotels and restaurants to adopt sustainable practices to attract international travelers, particularly from the UK and USA. He highlighted Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh as examples of states with successful sustainable tourism models.
Heritage tourism is also seeing massive growth. K. Syama Raju, President of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), noted that India’s natural and cultural wealth can be transformed into global tourism hotspots.
Madhya Pradesh Leads in Sustainable & Rural Tourism
Sheo Shankar Shukla, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Madhya Pradesh, showcased the state’s rich tourism potential, including:
- 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- 12 National Parks & 25% forest cover
- Two jyotirlingas in Ujjain & Omkareshwar
- The Narmada River’s dams & cruise tourism initiatives
Madhya Pradesh is also promoting rural and tribal tourism with homestays in tourism villages. The state is developing 50 new destinations and encouraging cruise tourism to boost visitor numbers across multiple locations.
India’s Tourism Future
With strong government initiatives, sustainability efforts, and increasing global interest, India’s tourism sector is set to grow significantly. By focusing on heritage, rural experiences, and eco-friendly tourism, India can become a top global travel destination while empowering local communities.
