Vice President CP Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Tourism Leadership Summit-2026, organized by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Radhakrishnan stated that tourism is more than just an industry; it is a bridge between cultures and a driver of economic opportunities. He said that tourism is a powerful tool for soft diplomacy and a key component of the India-US economic corridor. The Vice President highlighted that travelers seek experiences, authenticity, sustainability, culture, heritage, wellness, and meaningful connections.
Mr. Radhakrishnan also mentioned that tourism is one of the largest employment generators. He emphasized the importance of investing in skills, entrepreneurship, and women-led enterprises to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
The Vice President also highlighted that India has unveiled a Tourism Vision 2029, which aims to develop at least one world-class tourist destination in each state with robust infrastructure, seamless connectivity, smart amenities, and sustainable practices. Mr. Radhakrishnan also emphasized upgrading visitor amenities and interpretation centers, last-mile connectivity, sustainable tourism practices, and digital storytelling around the sites to enhance the visitor experience. He also stressed that tourism must align with environmental goals. He also called for integrating AI-driven solutions, such as multilingual digital guides and predictive crowd management, to ensure ease of tourism and streamline the visitor experience.