Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Launches New Digital and Alternative Tourism Initiatives on World Tourism Day

A special event was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi to mark World Tourism Day 2026. During the ceremony, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat unveiled the National Digital Tourism Stack and the National Mission for Alternative Destinations, titled 'Dekho Apna Desh 2.0'. The event was attended by senior ministry officials and representatives from the tourism industry.

Minister Shekhawat stated that tourism is no longer limited to visiting locations. Modern travelers seek authentic experiences, including local food, art, and traditions. He emphasized that the next phase of India's tourism journey must extend development beyond popular hubs to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, women, and youth, ensuring a more balanced and inclusive growth.

Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar highlighted the role of digital infrastructure. He noted that artificial intelligence and data-driven management can make tourism more responsive and personalized. Dr. Vivek Raghavan of Sarvam AI also spoke on this year's theme, explaining that technology has the potential to transform every stage of the travel experience, from planning to sharing memories.

Developed in collaboration with ONDC and the International Centre for DPI Innovation and Advancement, the National Digital Tourism Stack aims to make India's tourism offerings more discoverable and reliable. It will include features such as verified supplier credentials, payment facilities, and grievance redressal. A pilot project for this infrastructure is planned for January 2027.

'Dekho Apna Desh 2.0' aims to redistribute tourism demand by promoting lesser-known destinations. The initiative will identify hill stations, coastal areas, cultural cities, and regional pilgrimage sites. In partnership with states, the mission will develop infrastructure and travel packages, ensuring that local artisans, guides, and self-help groups benefit from the influx of visitors.

The ministry also exchanged five memorandums of understanding with industry partners, including Airbnb, FlixBus, Glance, Eicher Group Foundation, and MakeMyTrip. These partnerships focus on non-commercial collaboration in areas such as homestay development, responsible travel messaging, heritage-based sustainable tourism, and the promotion of unexplored villages.

During the event, a new television campaign on cleanliness was launched, featuring the Prime Minister's appeal to citizens to maintain the sanctity of pilgrimage and heritage sites. Additionally, 'India Tourism Statistics 2026' was released, providing a comprehensive overview of the country's tourism sector and its current growth trajectory.