Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat delivered a powerful keynote at the 40th IATO Convention in Puri, underlining India’s remarkable growth in tourism and the government’s vision to transform the sector into a true pillar of the economy.
Addressing delegates, Shekhawat said Odisha’s cultural capital, Puri—home to Lord Jagannath—not only represents India’s faith but also its rich art and heritage. “This land is a living symbol of India’s heritage, faith, and cultural excellence. It is my privilege to be here among industry leaders and stakeholders shaping the future of tourism,” he said.
IATO as a Bridge Between India and the World
He applauded the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) for its four-decade-long contribution to the industry. “Since 1982, IATO has not just been an organisation—it has been a bridge between India and the world. With more than 2000 members, it has amplified India’s tourism voice across global platforms,” Shekhawat noted.
Expanding Tourism Beyond Traditional Circuits
The minister reflected on how India’s tourism map has transformed. Earlier restricted to icons like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Ranthambore, today tourism has spread to regions once unimaginable—such as Bastar in Chhattisgarh, the far Northeast, Gujarat and deep South India.
“The scope of possibilities is expanding at a rapid pace. From medical tourism to MICE, from adventure to sports tourism—India is establishing itself as a major global player in every vertical,” he said.
Aviation and Infrastructure Growth
Highlighting India’s infrastructure boom, Shekhawat cited the aviation sector as a driver of change. “Today, less than 1,000 aircraft fly in Indian skies. But in the next three years, more than 3,000 aircraft are set to be delivered to Indian carriers. This expansion will connect new destinations, including Odisha, to the world like never before,” he remarked.
He praised Odisha’s growth in connectivity—where flights at Bhubaneswar airport have already doubled in recent years—adding that such developments will create unprecedented opportunities for states like Odisha.
Tackling Challenges: Over-tourism & New Destinations
While celebrating growth, the minister also flagged concerns of over-tourism. He stressed the need to develop new destinations beyond the already saturated ones. “It is the joint responsibility of government and industry to create fresh destinations, spread tourism benefits, and ensure sustainability,” he said.
Government’s Roadmap for Tourism
Shekhawat emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tourism has become a national priority. From improving amenities at monuments to upgrading facilities under various schemes, the government has sought to enhance visitor experiences. Yet, he admitted India’s global ranking on the Travel and Tourism Development Index (35th position) needs significant improvement.
“Despite our vast potential, India ranks at 35. This shows we cannot stop at infrastructure alone. We must take a holistic approach—improving services, enhancing experiences, and creating globally competitive destinations,” Shekhawat said.
Call for Collective Action
The minister concluded by urging industry stakeholders and state governments to work hand-in-hand with the Centre:
“Tourism is not just about economic growth—it is about cultural pride, job creation, and India’s identity in the world. Together, we must build new circuits, empower communities, and ensure that Incredible India shines as the world’s preferred destination.”
