New Delhi, February 24 Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said on Tuesday that the travel corridor between India and the United States reflects not only growing economic engagement but also deep people-to-people ties rooted in shared values, entrepreneurial spirit, and a vibrant diaspora.
Addressing the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's (USISPF) Tourism Summit 2026, the vice president said that tourism is more than just an industry, calling it a bridge between cultures and a global economic opportunity, and a powerful instrument of soft diplomacy.
The VP noted that travelers today seek experiences, authenticity, sustainability, culture, heritage, wellness, and meaningful connections.
"This presents an extraordinary opportunity for both our nations to collaborate in building resilient and responsible tourism ecosystems," he said.
During the event, USISPF launched its report titled "State of India's Tourism (2026)", which was presented to the vice president by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The summit, organized at the USISPF office here, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to deliberate on the future of India's tourism sector.
Referring to India's forward-looking initiatives, the vice president said that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has announced Tourism Vision 2029, aimed at developing at least one world-class tourist destination in every state with robust infrastructure and global standards of hospitality.
He further emphasized that this initiative goes beyond beautification and focuses on holistic tourism ecosystems with seamless connectivity, smart amenities, safety, sustainability, digital integration, and enriched visitor experiences.
Underscoring India's civilizational heritage, diverse landscapes, and youthful demographic dividend, the VP said that the country is poised to redefine tourism globally.
The VP called for special focus on the preservation and world-class development of India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites through enhanced visitor amenities, interpretation centers, last-mile connectivity, sustainable practices, and digital storytelling.
He stressed that tourism growth must align with environmental goals, advocating for climate-conscious infrastructure, community-led tourism models, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage.
The VP also highlighted the importance of developing new-age tourism destinations that showcase India's achievements in space, digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. He also emphasized the integration of emerging technologies such as AI to enhance the tourism experience.
Describing tourism as one of the largest generators of employment, the VP called for greater investment in training, entrepreneurship, and women-led enterprises to ensure inclusive and community-driven growth.