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Key Points

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced India's ambitious plan for tourism to contribute 10% to the national GDP by 2030 during the CII Annual Business Summit 2025. The focus is on leveraging India's rich cultural heritage and expanding infrastructure to fuel this growth. The minister highlighted a shift in tourism post-Covid, with a surge in interest for experiential travel. India is positioning itself as a global soft power, supported by new infrastructure status for hospitality projects across key destinations.

Key Points: Shekhawat Targets 10% GDP Boost Through Indian Tourism by 2030

  • Shekhawat aims for tourism to hit 10% of GDP by 2030
  • Infrastructure status granted to 50 destinations fosters investment
  • Post-Covid tourism shift towards immersive experiences boosts sector
2 min read

Tourism to contribute 10 pc of national GDP by 2030: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reveals plans for tourism to comprise 10% of India's GDP by 2030, emphasizing cultural heritage and infrastructure growth.

"“India is reclaiming its position with confidence.” - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat"

New Delhi, May 30

India is aiming to align the contribution of tourism to national GDP as per global benchmarks, targeting 10 per cent of the national GDP by 2030, Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Friday.

Speaking at the ‘CII Annual Business Summit 2025’ here, the minister highlighted that India’s rising stature on the global stage is a result of renewed national pride and a transformed self-image.

“With its deep-rooted cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and spiritual depth, India has historically been a global centre for knowledge and wisdom — and is now reclaiming that position with confidence,” he told the gathering.

The minister noted a paradigm shift in tourism post-Covid, with travellers increasingly seeking immersive and experiential journeys.

India’s tourism sector, supported by robust infrastructure development—airports, roads, and railways — is witnessing significant growth, particularly in spiritual and domestic tourism.

Destinations like Ujjain’s Mahakal corridor have attracted over 10 lakh visitors in a month, illustrating the sector’s resurgence, the minister informed.

He apprised the government’s move to grant infrastructure status to hospitality projects across 50 select destinations as announced in Budget 2025, paving way for newer investments. With growing influence and participation on international platforms, India is emerging as a global soft power, the minister added.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, underscored India’s unique civilisational journey and its diverse cultural expressions as the foundation of the country’s growing global soft power.

The Secretary emphasised how ancient legacies like the Natya Shastra and Vedas, along with storytelling epics, music and mudras, continue to shape India’s vibrant creative economy.

He highlighted the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), envisioned as the creative counterpart to IITs and IIMs, in Mumbai as a landmark initiative for institutionalizing India’s cultural and creative strengths.

Jaju emphasised that India is a storytelling superpower, with many untapped narratives waiting to be transformed into immersive, global experiences.

He also reaffirmed India’s potential to become a creative superpower, urging the industry to harness this opportunity through unity, innovation and a shared cultural vision.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the tourism GDP target article:
R
Rahul K.
Great vision by the government! Our spiritual tourism alone can drive massive growth - just see how Mahakal corridor has become a game changer. But we need better cleanliness at tourist spots and trained guides who can explain our heritage properly. #IncredibleIndia 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While 10% GDP target is ambitious, we must ensure tourism growth benefits local communities. Too often big hotels get contracts while small shopkeepers and artisans struggle. Hope the new infrastructure status includes homestays and rural tourism projects too.
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Amit S.
The creative economy angle is interesting! Our temples, dance forms and festivals can be major tourist draws if packaged well. But first fix basics - why do foreign tourists still complain about scams and overcharging? We need tourist police in all major cities.
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Sunita R.
As a travel agent, I've seen domestic tourism boom post-Covid. Middle class families now prefer Indian destinations over foreign trips. But we need better last-mile connectivity - many heritage sites still lack good roads or public transport. Hope Budget 2025 delivers!
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Vikram J.
The IICT idea is brilliant! We've been wasting our cultural capital for decades. Imagine combining tech with our ancient wisdom - digital recreations of historical events, AR temple tours, AI-powered heritage guides. This could make Indian tourism truly world-class. ✨
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Neha T.
Good plans but implementation is key. Many projects get delayed or funds get misused. Also, we must preserve our heritage while modernizing - no more ugly concrete around ancient monuments please! Learn from countries like Japan how to balance tradition and progress.

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