Vice President CP Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Tourism Leadership Summit 2026, organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in New Delhi. In his address, he emphasised that tourism is much more than an industry; it serves as a bridge between cultures while creating significant economic opportunities. He described tourism as a powerful instrument of soft diplomacy and a key pillar of the India-US economic corridor, noting that modern travelers increasingly value authentic experiences, culture, heritage, sustainability, wellness, and meaningful connections.
Radhakrishnan highlighted that tourism is one of the country’s largest employment generators. He stressed the need to invest in skill development, promote entrepreneurship, and support women-led enterprises to ensure that growth in the sector is inclusive and sustainable.
The Vice President also drew attention to India’s Tourism Vision 2029, which aims to develop at least one world-class tourist destination in every state. This initiative focuses on robust infrastructure, seamless connectivity, smart amenities, and sustainable practices designed to enhance the visitor experience. He underscored the importance of upgrading visitor amenities and interpretation centers, improving last-mile connectivity, and leveraging sustainable tourism practices. Digital storytelling around heritage and tourist sites was also highlighted as a way to enrich visitors’ understanding and engagement.
Radhakrishnan further called for the integration of AI-driven solutions in the tourism sector, such as multilingual digital guides and predictive crowd management systems, to streamline the visitor experience. He emphasised that tourism development should align with environmental goals, ensuring growth is sustainable and impactful.
Through these initiatives, the Vice President positioned tourism as a central driver of cultural exchange, economic development, and international collaboration, reinforcing India’s commitment to building a globally competitive and sustainable tourism ecosystem by 2029.
