Cinema as a Catalyst for Tourism Growth
Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi highlighted the profound influence of cinema on travel aspirations. He noted that when audiences see a location on screen, it evolves from a physical space into a personal dream, motivating viewers to visit and experience it firsthand. He described India as a land rich in stories, with diverse locations ranging from Varanasi and Rajasthan to Kerala and the Northeast offering immense cinematic appeal.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making India a film-friendly destination through policy reforms and simplified filming processes. He stressed that film tourism can significantly boost local economies, create jobs and promote inclusive growth across urban and rural regions.
Strategic Approach to Film Tourism Development
Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, emphasised that film tourism must be developed through a structured and strategic approach. He cited global estimates indicating that nearly 80 million travellers each year choose destinations influenced by cinema and digital media.
He explained that storytelling has a unique ability to inspire travel in ways traditional advertising cannot match. To maximise benefits, he called for clear policy frameworks, incentive structures and public-private partnerships. He also highlighted the importance of using data-driven methods to track tourism growth linked to films.
India’s Expanding Film Ecosystem
The conclave highlighted India’s rapidly expanding filmmaking infrastructure and global competitiveness. Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, Government of Telangana, showcased Hyderabad’s integrated filmmaking ecosystem, including world-class studios and advanced post-production facilities.
He noted that Telangana’s digital film facilitation platform simplifies approvals and streamlines logistics, making the state increasingly attractive to domestic and international filmmakers. This approach reflects a broader national effort to create efficient, investor-friendly film production environments.
Cinema’s Role in Economic and Cultural Promotion
Industry leaders emphasised cinema’s role in promoting India’s culture, heritage and local industries. Ravi Kottarakara, President of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, urged filmmakers to explore and showcase India’s diverse landscapes, traditions and craftsmanship.
He pointed out that films can help revive local economies by increasing tourism demand for locations featured in movies. This, in turn, supports small businesses, hospitality services and local artisans, creating long-term economic opportunities.
Global Opportunities and Job Creation
Uday Singh, Managing Director of the Motion Picture Association (India), highlighted the global scale of the screen industry, which supports millions of jobs worldwide. He noted that India has already hosted more than 120 international productions, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s production capabilities.
He emphasised that consistent policy support, predictable incentives and efficient infrastructure are essential to sustaining this growth. These measures will help India attract more international productions and strengthen its position as a global filming destination.
Film Tourism in the Digital Era
The rise of OTT platforms and digital streaming has further amplified film tourism’s impact. With global audiences now accessing Indian content more easily, destinations featured in films and series are gaining international recognition.
Experts at the conclave noted that digital storytelling is helping lesser-known destinations gain visibility, particularly in regions such as the Northeast. This trend is expanding tourism beyond traditional hotspots and supporting regional economic development.
Policy Support and Industry Collaboration
The conclave underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies, filmmakers and tourism stakeholders. Participants called for coordinated national strategies, streamlined approvals and incentive alignment across states.
Industry leaders stressed that film tourism should be integrated into broader tourism and economic planning frameworks. This will ensure sustainable growth and maximise benefits for local communities.
India’s Vision for Global Film Tourism Leadership
Experts concluded that film tourism represents a powerful opportunity for India to strengthen its global image and economic resilience. By leveraging cinema’s storytelling power, India can promote its cultural heritage, natural beauty and modern infrastructure to international audiences.
With continued policy support, technological innovation and industry collaboration, film tourism is poised to play a central role in India’s tourism strategy. The initiative aligns with the country’s broader vision of positioning itself as a global hub for filmmaking and tourism.
As India’s film and tourism sectors continue to grow, cinema is expected to remain a key driver of destination branding, economic growth and global engagement.
