India’s Global Tourism Vision and Rajasthan’s Leading Role
Udaipur/Jaipur (Rajasthan) : Rajasthan’s name has long been inscribed in golden letters on India’s tourism map. Yet, this time, the City of Lakes — Udaipur — has scripted a new story, one that connects directly with India’s ambition to be among the world’s top ten tourism destinations.
At the two-day National Tourism Conference organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, tourism ministers from across the country gathered under the theme “One State – One Global Tourism Destination.” It was more than just a formal meeting — it marked the declaration of India’s new tourism renaissance.
The rising trend of Indian travelers exploring foreign destinations has been seen as a challenge. But a new mindset is emerging: “See your own country first, then the world.” Rajasthan can lead this transformation — because here, travel is not just about “seeing,” but about “living the experience.” As a senior Rajasthan Tourism official aptly said, “Rajasthan is not merely a destination — it’s an emotion.”
The Udaipur conference made it clear that Rajasthan will play a decisive role in realizing India’s global tourism vision. The state carries the perfect blend of tradition, policy innovation, and a vibrant living culture that turns tourism into not just an economic activity, but a human experience. In the coming years, Rajasthan aims to be known not only as “Incredible Rajasthan,” but also as “Sustainable and Responsible Rajasthan.” A place where every visitor returns not just with photographs, but with a story — a story of a land that is both history and horizon.
Rajasthan: Where History and the Future Walk Together
When Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Diya Kumari, said, “Every fort and palace in our state tells a story, and Rajasthan is an iconic destination for the entire world,” it was more than an emotional statement — it reflected a clear strategic direction that could elevate Rajasthan Tourism to new heights.
In recent years, the state government has sought to redefine tourism not only as a heritage-driven activity but also as a sector linked to employment, investment, and sustainable development. Through the Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy, investors are being empowered with single-window clearance, land allocation, and incentive schemes — redefining tourism as an engine of industry and growth.
The presentations by Principal Secretary (Tourism) Rajesh Yadav and Ms. Rukmani Riyar, Tourism Commissioner, Government of Rajasthan outlined a concrete vision — to position Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Pushkar as global destinations embodying the trinity of valour, culture, and spirituality.
From Udaipur Echoes a Call: ‘Global Destination – India’
Amidst Rajasthan’s lakes, hills, and heritage, this conference stood as a symbol of India’s transformation — from being a land of tourist attractions to an emerging global tourism power.
Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat aptly remarked,
“India has every potential for global tourism leadership — we only need to discover and refine it. The time has come for India to be among the top ten nations on the global tourism index and to raise tourism’s share in GDP to 10 percent.”
This statement was not merely aspirational — it reflected the renewed confidence of a nation determined to project its cultural and natural wealth under a unified global vision.
A New Competition — for Growth, not Rivalry
Shekhawat further emphasized the rise of healthy competition among states — not for awards or statistics, but for showcasing India’s collective identity through regional excellence.
In 2024, India welcomed nearly 20 million foreign tourists, while domestic tourism grew exponentially. For Rajasthan, this is a golden opportunity — every few kilometres, one encounters a new experience, a different dialect, attire, cuisine, and rhythm of life.
In 2024 alone, Rajasthan received 23 crore domestic and 2 million foreign visitors — a number that speaks not just of tourism, but of trust. After this conference, the air in Udaipur seemed infused with a fresh sense of confidence.
Under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme, destinations such as Khatu Shyamji, Keshorai Patan, Karni Mata Temple, and Malaseri Dungri are being developed — proof that spiritual, cultural, and experiential tourism can progress hand in hand.
A Vision Beyond Tourism
From the sands of Jaisalmer to the ghats of Pushkar and the shimmering lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan stands ready to lead India’s global tourism movement — as a land where every journey becomes a story, and every visitor becomes an ambassador.
India’s tourism renaissance has truly found its new beginning — from the heart of Rajasthan.
