World Tourism Day is being celebrated across the globe today. The day highlights the importance of tourism in connecting people, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting economic development.
The theme for this year is Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism. It highlights the role of technology in shaping the future of tourism.
Talking to Akashvani News, Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar said that tourism is a major contributor to the economy and employment generation.
Highlighting the message of Unity in Diversity, he said that from the Himalayas in the north to the ocean in the south, along with the Northeast, this country offers rich wildlife, culture and heritage.
Akashvani correspondent reports that initiatives such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, cruise tourism and tourism skill development are expanding destinations, improving visitor experiences and creating livelihood opportunities.
India’s tourism sector is emerging as a significant driver of economic growth, employment and livelihoods, contributing more than five per cent to the country’s GDP. Domestic Tourist Visits crossed 428 crore in 2025, while Foreign Tourist Visits rose to 2.53 crore.
The country is also strengthening its digital tourism ecosystem through initiatives such as e-Visa and the Incredible India Digital Platform. It has steadily simplified international travel through the e-Visa facility in 2014, which is now available to nationals of 172 countries.
As part of the central celebration in New Delhi today, Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will unveil a series of key new initiatives to strengthen India’s tourism ecosystem and enhance opportunities for sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has extended his greetings on the occasion of World Tourism Day. In a social media post, Mr Birla said, tourism is more than just traveling and sightseeing-it’s an opportunity to learn about and connect with the country’s heritage, culture, nature, and traditions.
He added that India, embodying Unity in Diversity, and Rajasthan, with the ethos of Welcome to Our Land, are today the preferred choice of tourists across the globe.
Mr Birla emphasised that from forts, palaces, and temples to folk arts, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, everything captivates the heart. ‘
He further noted that in Rajasthan’s rich heritage, Kota-Bundi and the entire Hadoti region hold a unique identity of their own.
Mr Birla said that the beauty of the Chambal, historic forts and palaces, stepwells, paintings, Kota Doria, and its vibrant folk culture touch every soul.
