Tourism, Culture: Gateways to India's Sustainable Growth
Union Minister Shekhawat Addresses ICAI Dubai Chapter
New Delhi/Dubai,( Niti Gopendra Bhatt }Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while addressing the "Year of Growth 2025-26" event organized by the ICAI Dubai Chapter, emphasized that tourism and culture are becoming gateways to India’s inclusive and sustainable development. Highlighting the sector’s impact, he mentioned that tourism not only contributes nearly 9% to India's GDP but also provides employment to around 80 million people. It serves as a major driver for rural upliftment, women's empowerment, and cultural preservation.
In his keynote address, Minister Shekhawat expressed pride in India's G-20 presidency, where the nation showcased its diverse tourism offerings—from the Himalayan peaks to the Andaman beaches, and from the Ramayana and Buddhist trails to medical and adventure tourism—on the global stage. "Tourism is not just about travel; it is about transformation. It acts as a bridge connecting the world with India," he said.
Mr. Shekhawat shared that in 2024, India welcomed approximately 20 million foreign tourists, generating over 30 billion dollars in revenue. Initiatives like 'Swadesh Darshan 2.0' and 'Dekho Apna Desh' have infused new energy into domestic tourism.
Culture: The Soft Power Behind India's Growth
Describing culture as the soft power of development, Shekhawat noted that India's traditions—such as Yoga, Ayurveda, dance, and textiles—have become integral to global consciousness in the 21st century. He remarked that 2025 will be a defining year for cultural diplomacy, with events like International Yoga Day and the Ramayana Festival showcasing India's cultural might on the world stage.
The Union Minister further stated that during the "Year of Growth," the government is focusing heavily on strengthening cultural infrastructure. Investments are being made in museums, digital archives, cultural centers, and welfare systems for artists. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana and 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' embody the vision that culture is not just about identity, but also a pathway to prosperity. He expressed confidence that this decade of development would position India as a global cultural leader.
India, UAE Discuss Strengthening Tourism Corridor
During his visit to Dubai for the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – Mondiacult 2025, Minister Shekhawat also met UAE Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri. Their discussions focused on strengthening strategic dialogue around the India-UAE tourism corridor and exploring various opportunities for mutual cooperation in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
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