PHDCCI to host 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave in Shirdi on 12-13 June 2026
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Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28 to take centre stage in deliberations on Maharashtra’s spiritual tourism growth. The PHDCCI-KPMG Report titled ‘From darshan to destination: The transformation of spiritual tourism in India’ will be released during the conclave.
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Maharashtra Tourism, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC); and Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, is organising रूह mantic: PHDCCI’s 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave on June 12–13, 2026 at the Auditorium of Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi.
The conclave will bring together senior policymakers, tourism leaders, temple administrators, hospitality stakeholders, destination planners, travel companies and spiritual organisations to deliberate on the future of India's rapidly expanding spiritual tourism sector. This year’s edition places special emphasis on Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28 in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, positioning it not merely as a mega religious gathering, but as a transformative opportunity to strengthen Maharashtra’s spiritual tourism ecosystem and global tourism appeal.
The conclave will be attended by Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as the Chief Guest with other dignitaries including Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC; Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), CEO, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi; Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director – Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra; Jayashri Vishnu Thorat, President, Shirdi Nagar Parishad; and Abhay Shelke Patil, Vice President, Shirdi Nagar Parishad.
The conclave will feature a virtual keynote address by Amrit Abhijat (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary – Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, sharing perspectives from one of India's most successful spiritual tourism destinations.
A highlight of the conclave will be the release of the PHDCCI-KPMG Report on Spiritual Tourism, titled ‘From darshan to destination: The transformation of spiritual tourism in India’. The report will provide valuable insights into evolving pilgrim behaviour, emerging travel trends, infrastructure requirements, digital transformation and the growing economic impact of faith-based travel in India.
The day-long deliberations will feature a series of sessions, including Simhastha 2027 – From Kumbh to Spiritual Tourism Corridor, the discussion will explore how Simhastha can drive destination development, regional growth and the creation of a world-class spiritual tourism ecosystem for Maharashtra; Creating Round-the-Clock Spiritual Experiences, which will examine how pilgrimage destinations can evolve beyond day visits through night tourism, cultural programming and enhanced visitor engagement; The Architecture of Faith will explore how temple architecture, heritage conservation and storytelling can deepen cultural understanding and enrich visitor experiences and Roohmantic Reflections, the session will examine the growing convergence of spirituality, wellness and mindful travel.
The conclave is supported by Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board; Jharkhand Tourism; IRCTC; DigiDevalaya; Vama; Ramalaya; Hotel Radisson Individuals, Shirdi; Mann Fleet Partners; KPMG; Temple Connect; Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI); Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO); and Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).
