Under the planned version, the shortlisted destinations will be developed into marketable packages by the industry, with the government, state governments and industry jointly promoting them. The Ministry of Tourism is also working on creating a Digital Tourism Stack that could allow international visitors to navigate India with fewer touchpoints and less friction.

The Union Minister for Tourism confirmed that Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale, financial assistance was provided to states during 2024-25 for tourism projects.

The launch took place alongside a day-long workshop focusing on four key themes aimed at improving India's tourism ecosystem. Discussions centred around single-window clearances, addressing visa challenges, sustainable development, digitised approvals and streamlined project timelines, among others.

The bid submission deadline has been set for July 13, 2026, with the agency expected to help drive a more integrated and outcome-oriented approach to promoting India as a tourism destination, as per Ministry of Tourism's tender document.

Thoughts & perspectives by Raj Bajaj- Chairman Perfect Travels & Tours Pvt Ltd

The return of this flagship event to the northeastern state represents a strategic pivot in India's ambitious plan to transform the region into a unified, world-class tourism circuit. With infrastructure and connectivity strengthening, tourism seeing an upsurge, over INR 3,000 cr invested in 65 projects, the Ministry of Tourism is betting big on this year's event.

Currently being held in Udaipur, this conference by MoT, aims to foster greater policy convergence in implementing the tourism transformation agenda, ensuring that every region contributes to building a globally competitive and sustainable tourism ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat.

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.