Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 30: India is targeting to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to 10% of the national GDP by 2030, aligning with global benchmarks, union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced on Friday at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025.
Highlighting India’s rising global stature, Shekhawat said the transformation is driven by renewed national pride and confidence. “With its deep-rooted cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and spiritual richness, India is now reclaiming its place as a global centre for wisdom and knowledge,” he said.
The minister noted a significant shift in travel preferences post-Covid, with tourists increasingly seeking experiential and immersive journeys. Spiritual and domestic tourism have witnessed strong growth, aided by improved infrastructure in airports, roads and railways.
Citing the Mahakal corridor in Ujjain, which recently recorded over 10 lac visitors in a month, Shekhawat said such developments underscore the sector’s revival. He also mentioned the government’s 2025 Budget move to grant infrastructure status to hospitality projects in 50 selected destinations, aiming to attract fresh investments.
“With India’s growing presence on international platforms, tourism is helping the country emerge as a global soft power,” the minister stated.
Sanjay Jaju, secretary, ministry of information and broadcasting, also addressed the summit, stressing the country’s civilisational depth and cultural diversity as the foundation of its expanding creative economy.
He highlighted the influence of ancient Indian texts like the Natya Shastra and Vedas, as well as storytelling traditions, music and mudras, in shaping India's vibrant cultural identity.
Jaju announced the upcoming Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai, envisioned as the cultural and creative counterpart to institutions like IITs and IIMs. He described India as a ‘storytelling superpower,’ with immense potential to turn untold narratives into immersive global experiences.
Calling for unity and innovation, Jaju encouraged the industry to harness India’s cultural wealth to establish itself as a global creative superpower.