Additionally, the Ministry released the 66th edition of the India Tourism Data Compendium, marking record international and domestic arrivals, employment generation, and economic contributions. India now ranks 20th globally in international tourist arrivals and continues strengthening its tourism infrastructure. These outcomes were a part of Ministry’s celebration of World Tourism Day 2025.

As per an official notice, his tenure at the ministry will be of five years.

Lower taxes to support tourists and craftsmen. The new GST rates will make hotel stays more affordable for middle-class and budget travellers and will boost weekend travel, pilgrimage circuits, heritage tourism, and eco-tourism. For transport, it will help bring down ticket fares, especially in semi-urban and rural routes.

To develop iconic tourist centres, the govt. of India gave out 100% central funding under SACSI. Implementation of projects under the scheme is expected to boost local economy and creating opportunities for local artisans and community.

As per the ministry data, the economic impact of tourism has been notable too, with Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) rising from INR 1,69,917 crore in 2022 to INR 2,93,033 crore in 2024. For the January-April period of 2025, FEEs have already reached INR 98,289 crore, according to provisional estimates.

This information including other initiatives by the Ministry of Tourism were shared by the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during a recent Rajya Sabha session.