PHDCCI's 14th International Heritage Tourism Conclave Advocates for community-driven cultural tou...
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted its 14th International Heritage Tourism Conclave at the majestic Lukshmi Villas Palace in Vadodara, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Gujarat Tourism, Delhi Tourism, IndiGo, and IRCTC. Themed 'Cherishing Heritage', the event served as a dynamic platform for dialogue and advocacy to advance heritage-led tourism in India.
The conclave brought together policymakers, royal dignitaries, diplomats, conservation architects, tourism professionals, food historians, and cultural custodians to explore how India's rich heritage can drive economic revitalisation, community development, and cultural preservation. Rajender Kumar, Secretary of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Devasthanam Management & Pilgrimage, Government of Gujarat, inaugurated the event, highlighting Gujarat's vision for inclusive heritage tourism.
Jul 26, 2025
India's Passport Sees Its Biggest Jump Ever
India recorded its highest-ever leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025, moving up eight spots from 85th to 77th position. With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries, the Indian passport has gained in global strength, surpassing regional peers like Pakistan and Bangladesh. This reflects the country's improving diplomatic engagement and global connectivity.
The Henley Passport Index is a globally recognised ranking of the world's most powerful passports, based on visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to destinations. It is updated quarterly using International Air Transport Association (IATA) data. The index is compiled by Henley & Partners, a London-based advisory firm specialising in citizenship and global mobility.
Mumbai Airport among World's Top 10 for Third Consecutive Year
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai was named one of the world's top 10 international airports in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2025. With a reader score of 84.23, CSMIA is the only Indian airport to feature in this year's list, for the third consecutive year.
This year's (2025) rankings were once again dominated by airports in Asia and the Middle East. Istanbul Airport in Turkey retained its top position with a reader score of 98.57, followed by Singapore's Changi Airport and Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, respectively.
The Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards are an annual survey conducted globally, involving around 180,000 readers who cast over 650,000 votes.
Jharkhand became the first Indian state to introduce mining tourism, blending its industrial legacy with a unique travel experience. Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the launch of this pioneering project, developed in collaboration with Coal India subsidiary Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).
This initiative marks a significant shift in how Jharkhand plans to showcase its mineral-rich identity.
Through this innovative project, Jharkhand aims to bring its tourism offerings to new heights while simultaneously encouraging sustainable tourism, conserving its cultural heritage and boosting economic growth in the state.
Jul 21, 2025
India's Tourism Sector and Vision 2047 towards a $32 Trillion Economy
The Government of India has set an ambitious target to raise the contribution of tourism to 10% of GDP by 2047, aligning with its broader goal of transforming India into a $32 trillion economy. Rich in cultural heritage, natural diversity, and spiritual wealth, India's tourism sector is poised to become a major engine of economic growth, employment, and global influence, provided structural and strategic challenges are addressed.
Currently, tourism contributes about 5–6% to India's GDP, with the country ranking 14th globally in tourism receipts (as of 2023).