‘Tourism Leadership Summit’ being organized by the US-India Partnership Forum in collaboration with the Sankala Foundation

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata- The Most powerful and the most Merciful. Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawatji, other dignitaries on the dais and Bhaiyon and Behnon – Sabko Namaskaar.

It is a privilege to address this distinguished gathering at the Tourism Leadership Summit being organized by the US-India Partnership Forum in collaboration with the San-kala Foundation. I appreciate both institutions for convening a platform that celebrates the promise of tourism. It also charts a strategic roadmap for strengthening the US–India economic corridor in travel and hospitality.

Tourism is more than an industry. It is a bridge between cultures, a driver of economic opportunity, and a powerful instrument of soft diplomacy. The travel corridor between India and the United States reflects not only growing economic engagement but also deep people-to-people ties — rooted in shared values, entrepreneurial spirit, and a vibrant diaspora.

In recent years, we have witnessed tourism evolve beyond traditional sightseeing. Today’s traveler seeks experiences—authenticity, sustainability, culture, heritage, wellness and meaningful connection. This transformation presents an extraordinary opportunity for both our nations to collaborate in building resilient and responsible tourism ecosystems.

India stands at a turning point. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji under his vision and foresight has last year announced India’s Tourism Vision 2029. It is a transformative vision to develop at least one tourist destination in every State at par with global standards by ensuring world-class facilities and robust infrastructure. This call is not merely about beautification, but about creating holistic tourism ecosystems with seamless connectivity, smart amenities, safety, sustainability, digital integration, and enriched visitor experiences.

It seeks to transform places into destinations, that reflect the spirit and uniqueness of each State while meeting international benchmarks in hospitality and service excellence. This call also aligns with the global confidence India demonstrated while hosting the G20 New Delhi Summit, where the nation’s infrastructure, cultural richness, and organizational excellence were showcased before the world.

With its civilizational heritage, diverse landscapes, spiritual traditions, and youthful demographic dividend, India is poised to redefine tourism for the world. From heritage circuits and eco-tourism initiatives to digital tourism platforms and sustainable hospitality models, innovation is reshaping the sector at an extraordinary pace. As we strengthen tourism infrastructure across the country, special focus must also be given to the preservation and world-class development of our UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which represent India’s civilizational depth and cultural leadership.

By upgrading visitor amenities, interpretation centres, last-mile connectivity, sustainable tourism practices, and digital storytelling around these sites, we can ensure that heritage conservation goes hand in hand with enhanced visitor experience. Tourism growth must align with environmental goals. Climate-conscious infrastructure, community-led tourism models, and preservation of natural and cultural heritage must be central to our agenda.

Alongside heritage and natural destinations, India must also develop new-age tourism sites that showcase our technological advancement and innovation capabilities. By curating immersive experiences around India’s achievements in space, digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, we can project a confident, future-ready nation — one that honors its heritage while leading the world in innovation.

The integration of AI, data analytics, immersive technologies, and seamless mobility solutions will define the next decade of travel. As we build world-class destinations, we must leverage emerging technologies to ensure ease of tourism and seamless visitor experiences. Artificial Intelligence–powered multilingual digital guides, smart chat-bots, predictive crowd management systems, and personalized travel assistance can transform the way tourists explore India. By embedding AI into tourism governance and service delivery, India can set new global benchmarks in smart and future-ready tourism. Joint innovation platforms between Indian and American enterprises can accelerate this transition.

Tourism is also one of the largest generators of employment. By investing in training, entrepreneurship, and women-led enterprises, we can also ensure that growth is inclusive and community-driven. The future of tourism is not just about numbers—it is about impact. It is about how responsibly we grow, how inclusively we develop, and how strategically we collaborate.  May this Summit mark a new chapter in our collaborative story—one defined by sustainability, innovation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. Thank you, and I wish you all a highly productive and forward-looking Summit.

Jai Hind!

ong Live Mother Bharat!