New Delhi, Feb 24 (PTI) Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said 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.
While addressing the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s (USISPF’s) Tourism Summit 2026, the vice president said that tourism is more than an industry, calling it a bridge between cultures and a global economic opportunity and a powerful instrument of soft diplomacy.
The VP noted that travellers today seek experiences, authenticity, sustainability, culture, heritage, wellness and meaningful connections.
“This presents an extraordinary opportunity for both our nations to collaborate in building resilient and responsible tourism ecosystems,” he said.
During the event, the USISPF launched its report titled “State of India’s Tourism (2026)”, which was presented to the vice president by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The summit, organised at the USISPF office here, brought together policy-makers, industry leaders and key stakeholders to deliberate on the future of India’s tourism sector.
Referring to India’s forward-looking initiatives, the vice president said that under the vision of PM Narendra Modi, India has announced Tourism Vision 2029, aimed at developing at least one world-class tourist destination in every state with robust infrastructure and global standards of hospitality.
He further emphasised that this initiative goes beyond beautification and focuses on holistic tourism ecosystems with seamless connectivity, smart amenities, safety, sustainability, digital integration and enriched visitor experiences.
Underscoring India’s civilisational heritage, diverse landscapes and youthful demographic dividend, the VP said the country is poised to redefine tourism globally.
The VP called for special focus on the preservation and world-class development of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites through enhanced visitor amenities, interpretation centres, last-mile connectivity, sustainable practices and digital storytelling.
He stressed that tourism growth must align with environmental goals, advocating climate-conscious infrastructure, community-led tourism models and preservation of natural and cultural heritage.
The VP also highlighted the importance of developing new-age tourism destinations that showcase India’s achievements in space, digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. He also emphasised the integration of emerging technologies such as AI to enhance tourism experience.
Describing tourism as one of the largest generators of employment, the VP called for greater investment in training, entrepreneurship and women-led enterprises to ensure inclusive and community-driven growth. PTI KSH GJS KSS KSS
Category: Breaking News
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