The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) wrapped up its two-day FAITH Conclave 2025 in the capital, charting an ambitious blueprint to transform India into a $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047.
Held under the theme “Indian Tourism – Invincible Spirit”, the conclave brought together senior ministers, policymakers, industry captains, and global leaders to craft a unified vision for the sector. Tourism Vision 2047—unveiled at the event—sets targets of attracting 100 million inbound tourists, facilitating 20 billion domestic visits, and creating 200 million tourism-led jobs by India’s centenary year of independence.
Day 1: Policy, Reforms & State Roadmaps
The inaugural sessions, chaired by FAITH Vice Chair Ajeet Bajaj, saw FAITH leaders push for sweeping reforms: according tourism infrastructure status, bringing it under the concurrent list, industry recognition across states, and nationwide adoption of Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India guidelines.
Key sectoral recommendations ranged from cleanliness drives and heritage tourism incentives to streamlining hotel approvals, strengthening MICE tourism, and developing themed circuits to boost destination appeal.
G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant called for a ₹20,000 crore global marketing blitz, GST simplification, and urban renewal projects, while FAITH Chairperson Puneet Chhatwal underlined tourism’s role as India’s “largest job creator and soft power asset.” State tourism officials from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh presented innovations in heritage, wellness, and adventure tourism.
Day 2: Tourism as Diplomacy & Growth Driver
On the second day, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted tourism’s role in India’s foreign policy, positioning it alongside trade and technology, and celebrated initiatives such as Heal in India and UNESCO recognitions.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat urged raising tourism’s GDP share from 6% to 10% by focusing on skilling, sustainability, and cultural preservation, praising FAITH as a “strong think tank.”
From the industry side, IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers—also Chair-elect of IATA—outlined aviation’s catalytic role, announcing IndiGo’s plans to expand to 50+ global destinations with Airbus A350s. He emphasized visa reforms and global promotion as growth enablers.
In a keynote on national identity, Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor advocated border tourism with a Four-Pillar Development Model covering infrastructure, telecom, skilling, and tourism, unveiling initiatives like the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Portal and battlefield tourism hubs.
Unified Industry Commitment
The conclave culminated with all 10 FAITH associations—IATO, FHRAI, HAI, ADTOI, ATOAI, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI, and AIRDA—reaffirming a joint commitment to align central and state policies, private partnerships, and community participation. A consolidated recommendations document will be submitted to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism.
“This is India’s century,” said Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary, FAITH. “Achieving our tourism potential demands shared vision, coordinated action, and industry accountability.”
