- VP says tourism is a driver of economic opportunity and soft diplomacy
- Calls for climate-conscious infrastructure and sustainable growth
- Urges AI and digital tools to enhance visitor experience
- Highlights Tourism Vision 2029 to build world-class destinations
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Feb: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday described tourism as “a bridge between cultures, a driver of economic opportunity, and a powerful instrument of soft diplomacy” while addressing the Tourism Leadership Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
The summit was organized by the US-India Partnership Forum in collaboration with the Sankala Foundation. The Vice-President lauded the initiative for creating a platform to strengthen the India–US economic corridor in travel and hospitality.
Highlighting the growing people-to-people ties between India and the United States, he said tourism reflects shared democratic values, entrepreneurial energy and the vibrancy of the Indian diaspora.
Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he underlined the government’s Tourism Vision 2029, aimed at developing at least one world-class tourist destination in every state. The initiative, he said, focuses on building holistic tourism ecosystems with seamless connectivity, smart amenities, safety, sustainability and digital integration.
The Vice-President stressed that tourism expansion must align with environmental priorities. He advocated climate-conscious infrastructure, community-led tourism models and preservation of natural and cultural heritage, including enhanced development of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with improved amenities and digital storytelling.
Emphasizing the role of technology, he called for the integration of emerging tools such as artificial intelligence to enrich visitor experiences and modernize the sector.
Describing tourism as a major employment generator, he urged greater investment in skill development, entrepreneurship and women-led enterprises to ensure inclusive and community-driven growth.
Concluding his address, he expressed confidence that the summit would open a new chapter in India–US cooperation anchored in sustainability, innovation and shared prosperity.
