Tourism industry’s GDP contribution should rise to 10% says Minister

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
| Photo Credit:
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Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday called for ‘strategic collaboration’ between the government and the industry to raise India’s tourism sector GDP contribution to 10 per cent.

At present, the sector contributes six per cent to the GDP.

In his address to the national tourism conclave, the Minister urged stakeholders to aim for a transformative leap in the tourism economy.

The conclave under the aegis of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) brought together the country’s 10 major national tourism and hospitality associations, industry stakeholders and policymakers.

According to Shekhawat, aligning India’s tourism GDP contribution with the global average of 10 per cent is an achievable target.

Besides, he lauded enhanced connectivity across key destinations due to the development of new airports.

However, Shekhawat cautioned that physical infrastructure alone is insufficient to boost the tourism sector.

“Tourism is not just an economic driver—it is a cultural custodian and a major source of employment. By combining modern infrastructure, skilled manpower, and sustainable practices, we can unlock its full potential for India,” he noted.

Furthermore, the Minister noted the need to enhance the skills of the workforce through industry-academia linkages.

He suggested that hotel training centres should be integrated with hospitality brands to produce a steady pipeline of trained professionals.

This move, he said, would not only elevate service quality standards but also provide employment opportunities in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

In addition, Shekhawat cited the importance of digital transformation in the tourism sector.

He said that incorporating advanced technologies—from online booking systems to smart tourism platforms—can significantly enhance visitor experience while improving operational efficiency across the board.

Published on August 13, 2025

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