Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is an Indian politician affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party and has served as Minister of Tourism in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government since 2024. In his speeches and government programs, he presents a relatively coherent vision for the development of tourism in India, based on several key pillars.
During a press conference at the ITB Berlin 2026 trade fair, he outlined his priorities for the development of tourism in India.
1. Tourism as an Economic Engine
Shekhawat emphasizes that tourism should become one of the main growth engines of the Indian economy. According to him, this sector:
- generates millions of jobs, especially in rural areas,
- supports the development of local businesses,
- attracts infrastructure investments.
The government’s goal is to increase tourism’s share of GDP and significantly increase the number of foreign tourists visiting India.
2. Promoting India as a global tourism brand
Shekhawat continues and expands the promotional activities initiated earlier in the Incredible India campaign, which aims to showcase the country’s diversity:
- cultural and religious heritage,
- nature (the Himalayas, jungles, beaches),
- cuisine, and regional traditions. His vision is for India to be perceived as a year-round tourist destination, not just an exotic curiosity.
3. Spiritual and Religious Tourism
One of the most important elements of his policy is the development of religious and pilgrimage tourism. The government is investing in projects related to Hindu and Buddhist places of worship, including:
- developing infrastructure around Varanasi,
- modernizing sites associated with the life of Gautama Buddha,
- developing so-called pilgrimage corridors.
This strategy aims to attract both domestic tourists and pilgrims from Asia.
4. Infrastructure and Accessibility
Shekhawat emphasizes the need for investment in:
- new airports and air connections,
- rail and road transport,
- digital tourist information systems.
This infrastructure development is intended to facilitate travel across India, a vast and diverse country.
5. Sustainable Tourism
The Minister also emphasizes the protection of the environment and local communities. It promotes: rural tourism, ecotourism, cultural heritage protection.
6. New tourism segments
The development strategy also includes new areas: wellness and yoga tourism, medical tourism, film tourism (attracting film productions to India).
