The Vice President highlighted the immense opportunities in India’s cultural and natural landscape, urging the Ministry to focus on destination-specific tourism, including medical and spiritual tourism. He emphasized that tailored tourism initiatives, combined with collaboration with international tour operators, can enhance India’s global appeal and create a world-class experience for visitors.
He further recommended planning festivals, cultural events, and location-centric experiences to ensure that tourists engage deeply with the heritage and traditions of each region.
Cultural Preservation and Adoption of Global Best Practices
During the briefing, Shri Radhakrishnan appreciated the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to conserve and promote India’s tangible and intangible heritage. Stressing the importance of sustained attention on heritage preservation, he urged the adoption of international best practices, particularly in museum management, archival processes, and public engagement programs.
The Vice President noted that India’s rapid economic growth provides an opportunity to strengthen cultural initiatives while integrating modern technology and management strategies to protect and promote the nation’s rich artistic legacy.
Tourism & Culture: A Unified Approach
The meeting underscored the need for synergy between tourism promotion and cultural conservation. Shri Shekhawat and his team highlighted recent initiatives, including heritage site development, restoration projects, and programs aimed at promoting local crafts and artisans. The Vice President lauded these measures and emphasized that a holistic approach, combining tourism with cultural preservation, is essential to showcase India’s unique identity globally.
He urged all stakeholders to work together to create immersive, inclusive, and sustainable tourism experiences, ensuring that economic benefits reach local communities while safeguarding cultural assets.
Way Forward for India’s Tourism Sector
The Vice President called for integrating international collaboration and best practices with local innovation to expand India’s tourism and hospitality sector. Focus areas include destination-specific marketing, multi-language outreach, and development of infrastructure that supports both domestic and international tourists. He also highlighted the importance of skill development programs for local youth, ensuring that the tourism sector contributes to employment and community development.
By aligning tourism initiatives with heritage conservation, India can attract global visitors while preserving its cultural soul for future generations.