In an inspiring appeal to the global Indian diaspora, Mugdha Sinha, Director-General of India’s tourism ministry, has called upon Indians worldwide to help spread the word about the country’s diverse offerings. Addressing attendees at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, Sinha encouraged each member of the Indian diaspora to invite five non-Indian friends to sign up for India’s latest tourism initiative.
This outreach effort aims to showcase India’s rich heritage and varied landscapes through the dedicated Chalo India portal, where international visitors can find in-depth travel information, destination highlights, and booking options.
A Global Call to Share India’s Beauty
India, known for its deep cultural history and geographic diversity, welcomed 9.5 million international tourists in 2023 alone. The United Kingdom represented a major share of this, contributing 920,000 tourists, making it India’s third-largest inbound market. As the UK is home to an Indian diaspora of approximately 2.4 million, the tourism ministry sees this population as a bridge to connect potential travelers from diverse backgrounds with India’s unique attractions.
The initiative to leverage the Indian diaspora’s connections emphasizes the potential for cultural exchange and friendship. “We are urging the Indian diaspora to recommend India’s wonders to their non-Indian friends,” said Sinha, further pointing to the wealth of information available on the Chalo India portal. “With so much to explore, it is a destination for everyone.”
Showcasing India’s Diverse, Sustainable Destinations
Sinha also emphasized that India is expanding its tourism offerings by developing 150 new alternative destinations focused on sustainability. From Blue Flag beaches to untouched eco-destinations, these emerging locales aim to meet the growing demand for pro-planet tourism while preserving local ecosystems and cultures.
“The diversity is humungous,” Sinha said with pride, referring to India’s stunning 7,500-kilometer coastline, majestic mountain ranges, vast wildlife sanctuaries, skilled artisans, and countless homestay options. The focus on sustainable tourism development aligns with India’s broader goal of becoming an all-season, eco-conscious destination.
Infrastructure Transformations Supporting Tourism Growth
India’s tourism ministry is also placing a spotlight on recent infrastructure developments. In the last decade, India has made significant strides in road, airport, and direct flight expansions, allowing tourists to reach regions that were once challenging to access. “We are marketing India as a destination for all seasons,” Sinha explained, emphasizing the ease with which international travelers can now navigate the country.
To support this growth, India has relaunched its Incredible India content hub and digital portal. This platform allows travelers to arrange accommodation, flights, and even homestay and cruise bookings, making travel planning more accessible than ever. One of the unique features is a section with travel diaries from previous visitors, which showcases hidden gems and personal travel stories to inspire prospective tourists.
Rich Tourism Offerings: From Festivals to Luxury Travel
Sinha highlighted the wide array of experiences available to visitors, such as traditional festivals, wedding tourism, spiritual pilgrimages, and luxury travel on trains like the Deccan Express and Maharajas’ Express. These options reflect India’s vast cultural landscape, catering to various interests and travel styles. Additionally, with the successful hosting of the G20 summit last year, India is now actively promoting its business events sector, adding another dimension to its tourism appeal.
Regional Gems: Telangana, Goa, and Odisha Shine at WTM London
In addition to Sinha’s presentation, other members of the Indian delegation spoke passionately about the unique offerings of their respective regions. Jupally Krishna Rao, Telangana Tourism Minister, emphasized the state’s rich history, spiritual sites, and famed Hyderabad biryani. Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa, urged travelers to look beyond Goa’s renowned beaches to discover ecotourism, culinary delights, and activity-focused vacations in the state, which draws a remarkable 15 million tourists each year despite its 1.5 million population.
Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, presented Odisha as “the best-kept secret,” noting its cultural treasures, which include 64 distinct tribes, local music and folk festivals, sports events, and lush mango groves.
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