FAITH Conclave 2025 Charts Unified Roadmap for a $3 Trillion Indian Tourism Economy by 2047

New Delhi –The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) concluded its two-day FAITH Conclave 2025 in New Delhi with a powerful demonstration of unity, vision, and national ambition. Under the theme “Indian Tourism – Invincible Spirit”, the event brought together leaders from government, defence, aviation, and the tourism industry to define a shared strategy to position India as a global tourism powerhouse.

The Conclave—chaired by Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, Vice Chair of FAITH—was attended by the presidents of India’s 10 major tourism and hospitality associations, senior policymakers, state tourism officials, and global industry leaders. Together, they unveiled Tourism Vision 2047: a roadmap to build a $3 trillion tourism economy, attract 100 million inbound tourists, facilitate 20 billion domestic visits, and create 200 million tourism-driven jobs by India’s centenary year of independence.

Key Highlights – Day 1 (August 12, 2025)

Strategic Policy Priorities
FAITH leaders outlined a set of transformative reforms: granting infrastructure status to tourism, placing it on the concurrent list, securing industry status across all states and UTs, and implementing Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India guidelines.

Sectoral Recommendations included:

Cleanliness & Sanitation drives to enhance visitor experience at minimal marketing cost.

Destination Development with thematic and experiential tourism circuits.

Heritage Tourism incentives through tax rebates, low-interest loans, and visa-free travel.

Hotel Sector Reforms with streamlined approvals and talent development.

MICE Tourism incentives and city-level convention bureaus to make India a global events hub.

Prominent Voices

Mr. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and architect of Incredible India, called for a ₹20,000 crore global marketing push, GST simplification, and major urban renewal for an elevated visitor experience.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, FAITH Chairperson, underlined tourism’s role as India’s soft power and the world’s leading job creator.

Senior tourism officials from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh presented state-led innovations and unique tourism offerings.

Key Highlights – Day 2 (August 13, 2025)

Tourism as a Foreign Policy Lever – Dr. S. Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar positioned tourism as a strategic pillar of India’s diplomacy, alongside Trade and Technology. He celebrated UNESCO recognitions, intangible heritage promotion, and the success of initiatives like Heal in India for medical and wellness tourism.

Holistic Growth Approach – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praised FAITH’s role as a “strong think tank” and stressed raising tourism’s GDP share from 6% to 10% through skilled manpower, sustainability, and cultural preservation.

Aviation as a Catalyst – Peter Elbers
Peter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo and Chair-elect of IATA, highlighted aviation’s role in tourism growth. He outlined three enablers—visa reforms, ease of travel, and targeted global promotion—and announced IndiGo’s expansion to over 50 international destinations with wide-body Airbus A350s.

Border Tourism for National Identity – Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor
Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor, AVSM, VSM, championed border tourism through a Four-Pillar Development Model: Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Education & Skilling, and Tourism. Initiatives include the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Portal, battlefield tourism hubs, and the Army Adventure Cup.

Unified Industry Commitment

Representing IATO, FHRAI, HAI, ADTOI, ATOAI, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI, and AIRDA, FAITH reaffirmed its dedication to a whole-of-nation approach for tourism growth, integrating central and state policies, private partnerships, and community participation. A joint recommendations document will be submitted to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Ministry of Tourism.

“This is India’s century,” said Mr. Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary, FAITH . “Achieving our tourism potential requires shared vision, coordinated action, and industry accountability.”