India’s rich cultural heritage presents a golden opportunity for the tourism industry to grow and boost the economy, said Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Speaking at the 12th Annual Convention of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) held at Castle Kanota in Jaipur, Shekhawat emphasized that tourism is a key driver of India’s economic growth.
He explained that India’s economy is expected to double every 7-8 years, and tourism already contributes around 5-6% to the country’s GDP — a figure that can increase with India’s vibrant heritage, culture, and diversity. Globally, tourism makes up nearly 10% of economies, highlighting India’s huge potential to compete on the world stage.
Shekhawat also pointed out that traveler preferences have shifted after COVID-19. Tourists now want more immersive and experience-based trips. To keep up, hoteliers and travel operators need to improve visitor experiences. The Minister announced that a dedicated photo and video archive is being created under the Incredible India platform to showcase India’s tourism attractions more effectively.
Another focus was promoting lesser-known destinations to avoid overcrowding at popular tourist spots and encourage visitors to explore new places. Shekhawat stressed that heritage tourism is not just about monuments — it’s about sharing stories of India’s civilization and culture, which helps strengthen the country’s identity on the global tourism map.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari shared exciting plans for the state’s tourism. She announced that a new mobile app will soon be launched to help tourists find the best places to eat and shop, along with quick links to police stations, helplines, and other essential services. The app will be especially helpful for women travelers. She also revealed plans for a new Tourism Policy, Film Policy, and Adventure Tourism Policy to attract more visitors.
Rajasthan aims to develop tourism circuits in less-explored areas like Banswara, Barmer, and Karauli, and restore historic painted havelis in Shekhawati. The state is also pushing to boost concert tourism and promote adventure activities.
India’s travel industry is booming, with the sector contributing an estimated Rs 20.9 trillion (about 6.6% of GDP) in 2024 — which is around 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels. It also supports over 46.5 million jobs across the country. With upcoming GST reforms starting September 22 aimed at reducing costs, tourism is expected to grow even further.
Maharaja Gaj Singh, President Emeritus of IHHA, highlighted the importance of protecting India’s heritage. He said that the annual heritage hotels convention is a symbol of India’s commitment to preserving its history for future generations. IHHA now has over 200 members, showcasing the soul of India’s heritage hospitality.
Earlier, IHHA’s Secretary General Captain Gaj Singh Alsisar noted that the government has officially accepted their request for infrastructure status for the hospitality sector, a move that will benefit hoteliers nationwide. He also called for GST exemption for foreign tourists and for the inclusion of IHHA in key heritage conservation discussions.
The event featured the launch of the magazine ‘Romantic Heritage – The Enduring Kanota Legacy’ and a talk on ‘Revival of Heritage Architecture’ by Prof Sanjeev Vidyarthi. A documentary on Rajasthan’s folk music was also screened, earning praise from attendees.
Over the two days, around 150 heritage hotel owners from across India are participating in discussions and tours, including visits to Castle Kanota’s library and museum, and a screening on Rajasthan’s heritage.
India has 206 heritage hotels, with nearly 140 located in Rajasthan, making this a major hub for preserving and promoting India’s cultural treasures. The convention continues on September 7 with more panels, discussions, and the upcoming IHHA annual general meeting.
This event underscores India’s rich heritage and the growing importance of sustainable, experience-rich tourism to fuel the country’s economic future.
