FAITH Conclave to spotlight tourism's economic contribution, inbound revival at 2nd edition on July 16
Rajiv Mehra_General Secy. FAITH
Over 350 delegates to participate across the two-day event, with representation from multiple state tourism departments, private sector companies and national and international stakeholders. Chief Minister Delhi, Union Tourism Minister, LG Delhi, Former Chief of Defence Staff General and international leaders expected to attend.
With India aiming to position tourism as a key pillar of its economic growth, the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) is all set to organise the second edition of its Tourism Conclave on July 16-17 at Taj Palace, New Delhi, under the theme "Incredible India, Invaluable Economy."
The conclave will bring together policymakers, tourism industry leaders, state tourism boards and private sector stakeholders to deliberate on tourism's contribution to GDP, employment generation, investment and the policy interventions required to accelerate growth, particularly in the inbound tourism segment.
Speaking exclusively to T3, Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary, FAITH, said the tourism industry has long highlighted its ability to generate employment and drive economic activity, but believes stronger policy backing is now needed to unlock its full potential. He stressed that while several states have introduced incentives for the travel and tourism sector, India must complement these efforts with sustained destination marketing and international promotion.
His comments come at a time when the Ministry of Tourism has initiated the process of appointing an integrated tourism promotion agency to revive the inbound campaigns in key international markets as well as also focus on the booming domestic segment. When asked on his expectations from this exercise, Mehra said the initiative has the potential to strengthen India's global positioning but stressed that the process should remain transparent and independent.
“The objective must be to promote India as a destination, not any individual travel company or commercial interest. The agency selected should work in the larger interest of the country's tourism sector,” he said, adding that the industry would closely watch how the process evolves.
Speaking on the conclave, Mehra confirmed participation from senior government leaders, including Union ministers, state chief ministers, senior bureaucrats and industry representatives. Confirmed officials include Chief Minister Delhi, LG Delhi, former Chief of Defence Staff General, CM J&K, Omar Abdullah, while invitations have also been extended to international leaders from organisations like WTTC. In 2025, the event was attended by Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs (EA) of India, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, CM of J&K Omar Abdullah, Suman Billa IAS, AS & DG, Ministry of Tourism, Amitabh Kant, Former NITI Aayog CEO & G20 Sherpa, among other top officials.
This year, alongside policy discussions and exhibitor set up, the conclave will feature presentations and fireside chats by FAITH's member associations, focusing strategies to enhance India's competitiveness as a global tourism destination. Additionally, a press conference has been scheduled for July 16 ahead of the conclave. Like last year, Mehra expects around over 350 delegates to participate across the two-day event, with representation from multiple state tourism departments, private sector companies and national and international stakeholders.
Another event highlight as shared in an official FAITH statement will be the keynote address by Gloria Guevara, CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The Conclave will feature a Keynote Address by Anurag Singh Thakur, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha). A special Fireside Chat with Gen. Anil Chauhan PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Former Chief of Defense Staff, will explore the theme "Unlocking the Strategic Potential of India's Border Destinations", Address by Additional Secretary & Director General – Tourism, Government of India, Suman Billa.
The programme will also include an engaging discussion with Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India, on "Reimagining India's Inbound Tourism Strategy – Global Learnings," and an insightful session with Dr. Neeraj Kharwal, IAS, Managing Director, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Hari Kishore IAS, Joint Secretary, Min. of Tourism & Chairman ICPB – India Convention Promotion Bureau on Strengthening India's leadership in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
There will also be special sessions featuring acclaimed actor Boman Irani and veteran actor Anupam Kher, along with an engaging session titled "The Fun Side of Incredible India" by renowned author, poet and television personality, Shailesh Lodha.
The tourism and hospitality industry will be represented by respected business leaders, including Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL; Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip; Zubin Karkaria, Founder & Group CEO, VFS Global; Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; K.B. Kachru, Chairman Emeritus, Radisson Hotel Group – South Asia; Nipun Agarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India; Aloke Singh, Chief Strategy Officer, IndiGo; Kevin Markette, Senior Director – Regional Sales, South Asia, Lufthansa Group and senior leaders from several other organisations across the travel, tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
