- Leaders call for unified reforms, global branding, and tourism-led diplomacy to position India as a global powerhouse
New Delhi, August 13, 2025 – The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) successfully concluded the two-day FAITH Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, uniting industry leaders, policymakers, and global voices under the theme “Indian Tourism – Invincible Spirit”. The landmark gathering outlined Tourism Vision 2047 – a shared roadmap to create a $3 trillion tourism economy, host 100 million inbound tourists, drive 20 billion domestic visits, and generate 200 million tourism-driven jobs by India’s centenary of independence.
Policy & Sectoral Reforms
On Day 1, FAITH leaders pushed for transformative reforms, including:
- Granting infrastructure and industry status to tourism across all states and UTs.
- Bringing tourism onto the concurrent list for coordinated governance.
- Adopting Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India guidelines.
- Expanding heritage tourism incentives, MICE promotion, and hotel sector reforms to streamline approvals and boost talent development.
Mr. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, urged a ₹20,000 crore global branding campaign, GST simplification, and urban renewal projects. FAITH Chairperson Puneet Chhatwal called tourism India’s greatest soft power and job creator.
Tourism as Diplomacy & National Identity
Day 2 saw External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasize tourism’s role as a strategic foreign policy tool, alongside trade and technology. He spotlighted India’s growing UNESCO recognitions and the global success of Heal in India in wellness and medical tourism.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat urged raising tourism’s GDP share from 6% to 10% through skilled manpower and sustainability. Aviation giant Peter Elbers (IndiGo) announced expansion to 50+ global destinations with Airbus A350s, stressing visa reforms and ease of travel.
Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor proposed a Four-Pillar Model of border tourism—focusing on infrastructure, telecom, skilling, and tourism—introducing initiatives like the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Portal and the Army Adventure Cup.
Unified Industry Commitment
FAITH’s 10 member associations—including IATO, FHRAI, TAAI, TAFI, and IHHA—presented a joint recommendations document for submission to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Ministry of Tourism.
“This is India’s century,” said Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary, FAITH. “Achieving our tourism potential requires shared vision, coordinated action, and industry accountability.
