National Tourism Conference in Udaipur Highlights India’s Push for Global Tourism Leadership

A new chapter in India’s tourism renaissance has begun and it starts in Rajasthan. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, hosted a two-day National Tourism Conference in the City of Lakes, Udaipur, uniting tourism ministers from across the country under the theme “One State – One Global Tourism Destination.”

The event marked more than a policy dialogue; it signalled a turning point in India’s collective ambition to join the world’s top ten tourism destinations.

While outbound travel among Indian tourists continues to surge, the focus of the discussion was on encouraging a new mindset “See your own country first, then the world.” Rajasthan, with its blend of culture, craft, and community, embodies this vision. As a senior Rajasthan Tourism official noted, “Rajasthan is not merely a destination — it’s an emotion.”

The conference highlighted Rajasthan’s growing significance in shaping India’s global tourism narrative. The state’s mix of living heritage, innovative policy frameworks, and sustainable tourism models positions it as a leading example of how tourism can drive both economy and culture. The message was clear, Rajasthan is set to evolve from being “Incredible Rajasthan” to “Sustainable and Responsible Rajasthan.”

Speaking at the event, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister of Rajasthan, said, “Every fort and palace in our state tells a story, and Rajasthan is an iconic destination for the entire world.” Her words reflected not only pride but a defined strategic vision for the state’s tourism evolution.

Recent initiatives under the Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy have redefined the sector as an industry of growth and opportunity, providing single-window clearance, land allocation, and incentive schemes to attract investors and create employment. Presentations by Principal Secretary (Tourism) Rajesh Yadav and Tourism Director Rukmani Riyar reinforced the state’s vision to position Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Pushkar as global destinations reflecting Rajasthan’s trinity of valour, culture, and spirituality.

Amid Udaipur’s lakes, palaces, and hills, the conference became a reflection of India’s transformation, from being a land of attractions to a nation of global tourism leadership.

Union Minister for Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat captured this sentiment, saying, “India has every potential for global tourism leadership — we only need to discover and refine it. The time has come for India to be among the top ten nations on the global tourism index and to raise tourism’s share in GDP to 10 percent.”

His statement underscored a bold national goal positioning tourism not just as leisure, but as an essential pillar of India’s economic and cultural diplomacy.

A New Competition, for Growth, not Rivalry

Shekhawat further noted that healthy competition among Indian states should not be about awards or statistics, but about showcasing India’s collective identity through regional excellence.

In 2024, India welcomed nearly 20 million foreign tourists, alongside record domestic travel numbers. Rajasthan alone saw 23 crore domestic and 2 million international visitors, reinforcing the state’s trust and popularity as a preferred travel destination.

New initiatives under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme, including the development of Khatu Shyamji, Keshorai Patan, Karni Mata Temple, and Malaseri Dungri highlight how spiritual, cultural, and experiential tourism are being integrated into a unified national framework.

From the golden sands of Jaisalmer to the spiritual ghats of Pushkar and the tranquil lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan stands ready to lead India’s global tourism movement. It is a land where every journey becomes a story, and every traveller becomes an ambassador.

India’s tourism renaissance has found its compass and its first step forward begins from Rajasthan.