THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

• Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji,

• Chief Executive Officer, World Trade & Tourism Council (WTTC), Ms. Gloria Guevara Ji,

• Chairman FAITH, Shri Puneet Chhatwal Ji,

• Chairman FAITH Conclave, Padma Shri, Shri Ajeet Bajaj Ji,

• Distinguished delegates from the travel, tourism and hospitality industry

Tourism, is often viewed primarily, through the lens of travel, and hospitality. However, its significance extends, far beyond that. Tourism, is one of the most important drivers, of economic growth, employment generation, cultural preservation, and international engagement. Few sectors connect, economic development with social opportunity, as effectively as tourism.

The economic impact of tourism, extends across, a wide ecosystem. A visitor contributes, not only to hotels, and airlines, but also to restaurants, transport services, local markets, artisans, cultural institutions, guides, and small businesses. This makes tourism, one of the most inclusive sectors, of economic activity, creating opportunities, across regions, and communities.

Tourism, also enables societies, to share their histories, traditions, and identities, with the world. Every monument, festival, cuisine, craft, and cultural practice, tells a story. When preserved, and presented responsibly, these become, not only symbols of heritage, but also sources, of sustainable economic value.

The global tourism landscape, is evolving rapidly. Travellers increasingly seek, meaningful experiences, rather than, simply destinations. Heritage, spiritual, wellness, medical, adventure,  eco,  culinary,  and  business  tourism,  are  all

expanding, as people look for deeper engagement, with places and cultures.

India is uniquely positioned, to benefit, from this transformation. Few countries possess, such a rich combination of civilisational heritage, cultural diversity, natural landscapes, spiritual traditions, and modern infrastructure. From the Himalayas, to the coastline, from ancient monuments, to vibrant cities, India offers experiences, that are diverse, authentic, and distinctive.

The task before us, is to transform this potential, into a globally competitive tourism ecosystem, through improved connectivity, stronger infrastructure, better visitor experiences, sustainable practices, and greater collaboration, among stakeholders. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, has said: “Tourism has the potential, to bring prosperity, to the lives of many. Our Government will keep focussing, on enhancing

India’s   tourism  infrastructure,  to  ensure,  more  people   can experience, the wonders of Incredible India.”

Over the past decade, India has made significant progress, by expanding air connectivity, improving highways, and railway networks, promoting digital initiatives, conserving heritage, introducing the e-Visa framework, and strengthening regional connectivity, through the UDAN Scheme.

The next phase of tourism growth, will require, closer cooperation, between governments, industry, and communities. The visitor experience, depends upon, transportation, infrastructure, safety, cleanliness, hospitality, heritage management, and public services, working together.

Delhi occupies, a particularly important place, in this landscape. As the National Capital, it is not only the seat of governance, but also the gateway, through which millions of visitors, experience India. It represents, the convergence of
 

history,   diplomacy,   culture,   commerce,   and   contemporary urban development.

Our objective is, to further strengthen Delhi's position, as a global tourism hub, by enhancing connectivity, public infrastructure, hospitality services, cultural programming, digital accessibility, safety, and sustainability.

Delhi has already demonstrated, its ability, to host the world. The successful G20 Leaders' Summit, in 2023, showcased India's capacity, to organise international events, of the highest standard, while leaving lasting improvements, in urban infrastructure, and visitor facilities.

Beyond its iconic monuments, Delhi's museums, performing arts, religious sites, cuisine, heritage markets, and cultural festivals, present the many layers, of India's civilisational   journey.   Strong   partnerships,   between