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. Speakers and sessions will be finalised soon.
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.
