While addressing the Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025, organized by FHRAI (The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India) in the national capital, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat urged the tourism industry stakeholders to ensure significant expansion in the sector, which is projected to be the largest contributor to the country’s GDP growth in the coming years. He mentioned that tourism is a vital growth engine for the nation, with immense potential for parallel progress.

“The world is captivated by India’s rapid economic growth, a topic of discussion at a recent summit in Davos, where it was noted that the Indian economy might double within eight years.”
(Translation: The world is captivated by India’s rapid economic growth, a topic of discussion at a recent summit in Davos, where it was noted that the Indian economy might double within eight years.)

Shekhawat highlighted the challenges posed by alarming climate change which necessitates immediate action. He pointed out that climate change is becoming an urgent issue that cannot be ignored.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary from the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bolstering the tourism sector, as a significant number of tourists utilize app-based solutions. He articulated India’s aspiration to evolve into the third-largest destination for tourism worldwide by 2047.

Additional remarks were made by Sheo Shankar Shukla, who noted that Madhya Pradesh offers numerous opportunities for domestic and international tourists with 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He described how the state’s investments in tourism are transforming its allure to visitors.

The summit provided a collaborative platform for discussing and addressing the pressing challenges within the tourism industry, with leaders advocating for sustainable practices and community engagement to ensure inclusive growth.