The Summit sessions
Borders without barriers: The diplomacy of visas and mobility
This session focuses on one of the most powerful enablers of global travel and tourism: seamless cross-border mobility. It will explore how countries are enhancing travel access for Indian travellers through initiatives such as e-visas, visa-free arrangements, accelerated processing, and digital travel credentials. The discussion will also examine how greater ease of movement can strengthen tourism, foster deeper business and trade engagement, expand educational opportunities, and reinforce people-to-people connections between India and the world.

Soft power on the move: Tourism, culture and bilateral ties
Tourism is arguably the most durable form of diplomatic relations. This session discusses how nations use cultural exchange, film, cuisine and travel promotion to deepen bilateral relationships, and how Indian outbound tourism has become a soft-power constituency, not just a commercial opportunity.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: How Travel is reshaping India's ties with the world

At the WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Hanuman Ansh director Dr. Vishal Chaturvedi reflected on the film's unexpected blockbuster journey and its massive role in driving spiritual tourism. Explaining his insistence on securing a 'U' (Universal) certificate, Chaturvedi revealed he envisioned the film about Neem Karoli Baba primarily for children to connect the younger generation with Indian culture and spiritual heritage.   


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: 'Hanuman Ansh' Director on blockbuster success

Speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit, experts highlighted the imperative for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in tourism to upskill as Artificial Intelligence reshapes global travel. While AI automates itinerary creation, dynamic pricing, and multilingual customer support, local operators must build digital literacy while banking heavily on hyper-local authenticity, cultural storytelling, and unscripted human warmth—their irreplaceable edge over automated tech.   


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: How local tourism MSMEs must upskill for AI integration

Tourism is moving beyond conventional sightseeing, with travellers increasingly seeking meaningful and personalised experiences. At WION’s Iconic Tourism Summit, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat explained why AI may transform travel planning but cannot replace the human touch.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026: Union Minister Shekhawat on 'experiential travel', peace diplomacy

The business of travel: Aviation, hospitality and India's tourism infrastructure story
This session covers airline capacity, airport expansion, hospitality investment and the infrastructure race to serve India's growing outbound and inbound travel demand. The focus is on whether supply is arriving fast enough to meet the demand.

Travel Tech frontiers
This discussion will take a broader look at how technology is transforming travel, from use of AI in trip planning and biometric airport experiences to digital visas, smart border control and fraud-resistant travel documentation.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Is India's travel boom outrunning its airports, airlines and hotels?

Iconic Awards 2026: An evening of excellence
The Iconic Awards 2026, the closing event of the summit, will recognise achievement across travel, hospitality and luxury.

The Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026will see a large presence of diplomats from close to 20 countries.

It’s going to be a wholesome experience where India's top voices in travel, tourism and hospitality explore the journeys, experiences and ideas defining the destinations of tomorrow: a single stack of discussions, debate, appreciation and fireside conversations.

WION Iconic Awards 2026: Honors excellence in travel, hospitality & luxury

Iconic Awards 2026: An evening of excellence
The Iconic Awards 2026, the closing event of the summit, will recognise achievement across travel, hospitality and luxury.

The Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026will see a large presence of diplomats from close to 20 countries.

Here are the winners of the Iconic awards.

Iconic - Lifetime Achievement - Kapil Bhatia.

Iconic Excellence in Dance & Performing Arts - Dr. Anita R Ratnam

Iconic Excellence in International Aviation - Amr Aly

Iconic Excellence in Sustainable Jewellery Design - Poonam Soni

Iconic Excellence in Community-Led Hospitality - Ajay Wadhawan

Iconic Excellence in Heritage & Cultural Tourism - Rajkumari Ratna Singh of Kalakankar

Iconic Excellence in Special Olympics & Sports Inclusion - Gunocean Singh Bedi

Iconic Excellence in Wellness & Ayurvedic Tourism - Gita Ramesh

Iconic Excellence in Hospitality Education - Dr. Suborno Bose

Iconic Excellence in Travel Management - J B Singh

Iconic Excellence in Building an Indian Brand - Rishabh Bhatia, Category Manager - Luxury Spirits/ Alcobrew Distilleries India ltd, Mukkaish Pruthii National Sales Head/AlcoBrew Distilleries India ltd

Iconic CSR Leadership for Empowering the Trucking Community - Shriram Finance Limited / S. Balamurugan, Director Sales & Head, CSR, Shriram Finance Limited

Excellence in Indian Classical Music - Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, Zohaan Ali Bangash, Abeer Ali Bangash

Iconic Excellence in Literature - Ashutosh Agnihotri

Iconic Excellence in Tourism & Enterprise - Arjun Sharma

Iconic Excellence in Medical Science & Cardiology - Padma Bhushan Dr. T. S. Kler

Iconic Excellence in Culinary Arts & Gastronomy - Dr. Chef Manjit Singh Gill

Iconic Excellence in Cultural Diplomacy & International Relations - H.E. Ms. Aliki Koutsomitopoulou

Iconic Excellence in Social Impact & Inclusivity - H.H. Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil

Iconic Excellence in Aviation Entrepreneurship - Kanika Tekriwal

Iconic Excellence in Royal Heritage & Bespoke Design - Raghavendra Rathore

Iconic Excellence in Inclusive Skilling & Empowerment - Dr. Jyotsna Suri

Iconic Excellence in Hospitality - Priya PaulIconic

WION Iconic Awards 2026: Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash honoured  

Just a few days ahead of World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27 to foster awareness of tourism's social, cultural, political and economic value, the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, was held in New Delhi on September 23 at ITC Maurya. The summit brought together some of the biggest names from the tourism industry and the wider tourism ecosystem. Discussions focused on the sector's future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends, and the challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead. After a day full of insightful sessions and discussions, the Iconic Excellence award ceremony was held, honouring achievers in their respective fields for their accomplishments. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actor-arjan-bajwa-at-wion-summit-i-m-a-jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none-from-taekwondo-black-belt-to-trained-pilot-1790176912887">Actor Arjan Bajwa at WION Summit: 'I'm a jack of all trades, master of none'</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are the winners of the Iconic awards:&nbsp;Kapil Bhatia, the Executive Chairman of Inter Globe Enterprises, was honoured with the Iconic Lifetime Achievement.&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Dance &amp; Performing Arts - Dr. Anita R Ratnam&nbsp;Iconic &nbsp;Excellence in International Aviation - Amr Aly&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Sustainable Jewellery Design - Poonam Soni&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Community-Led Hospitality - Ajay Wadhawan&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Heritage &amp; Cultural Tourism - Rajkumari Ratna Singh of Kalakankar&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Special Olympics &amp; Sports Inclusion - Gunocean Singh Bedi&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Wellness &amp; Ayurvedic Tourism - Gita Ramesh&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Hospitality Education - Dr Suborno Bose&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Travel Management - J B Singh&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Building an Indian Brand - Rishabh Bhatia, Category Manager - Luxury Spirits/ Alcobrew Distilleries India ltd, Mukkaish Pruthii National Sales Head/AlcoBrew Distilleries India ltd

Iconic CSR Leadership for Empowering the Trucking Community - Shriram Finance Limited / S. Balamurugan, Director Sales &amp; Head, CSR, Shriram Finance Limited&nbsp;Excellence in Indian Classical Music - Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, Zohaan Ali Bangash, Abeer Ali Bangash&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Literature - Ashutosh Agnihotri&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Tourism &amp; Enterprise - Arjun Sharma&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Medical Science &amp; Cardiology - Padma Bhushan Dr. T. S. Kler&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Culinary Arts &amp; Gastronomy - Dr. Chef Manjit Singh Gill&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Cultural Diplomacy &amp; International Relations - H.E. Ms. Aliki Koutsomitopoulou&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Social Impact &amp; Inclusivity - H.H. Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Aviation Entrepreneurship - Kanika Tekriwal&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Royal Heritage &amp; Bespoke Design - Raghavendra Rathore&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Inclusive Skilling &amp; Empowerment - Dr. Jyotsna Suri&nbsp;Iconic Excellence in Hospitality - Priya PaulIconic<h2>WION Iconic Tourism Summit brings together ministers, diplomats and global tourism leaders</h2>The WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards witnessed the gathering of stakeholders to discuss and debate the future of travel and tourism, including Union and state ministers, ambassadors and high commissioners, tourism and hospitality leaders, aviation and visa experts, technology innovators and industry stalwarts from across India and the world. The landmark gathering, presented by VFS Global, in association with Red Hat Communications, featured a day of high-level conversations on mobility, tourism, diplomacy, technology, hospitality and the future of travel. Delivering the keynote, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the traveller of tomorrow will seek immersive experiences rather than simply visit destinations. While AI can personalise journeys, he said, human warmth will remain irreplaceable—with India’s enduring philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava at the heart of its tourism proposition. Shekhawat also described travel as a force for peace and understanding, noting that global travel grew by 4% despite geopolitical tensions and inflation, while domestic journeys in India could cross 10 billion by 2047. Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra outlined plans to position the capital as a global tourism hub, offering the industry viability-gap funding and greater collaboration around major events. Speaking ahead of the awards, Zee Media CEO Raktim Das unveiled two new WION initiatives—WION World Conferences and WION Luxe—as WION completes a decade as India’s global news channel. “We are building WION not just as a news network, but as a global platform for ideas, dialogue and action,” Das said. Speaking on the role of tourism, Das said: “In a world where parts are in conflict, understanding each other becomes as important as knowing about each other. Few forces create that understanding as naturally as travel. Tourism builds connections, creates empathy and brings cultures closer.” Vinay Malhotra, Head, Strategic Global Partnerships, VFS Global spoke about how the company is helping in ease of travel: "For those who prefer that the visa centre comes to you, we coined the term VAD, or Visa at Your Doorstep. 20 governments in India currently subscribe to this facility. The end-to-end service is completed on the spot in about 30 minutes. Many governments today permit you to get a visa starting closer to the date when your travel is going to commence." Addressing the gathering, Jyoti Mayal, CEO of Red Hat Communications and Chairperson of THSC, said: “What began as a simple idea to create meaningful dialogue has evolved into one of the industry's most respected forums for thought leadership, collaboration, and action. We meet at a defining moment for our industry. Artificial Intelligence will transform our industry, but hospitality will always remain a people-centric industry.”<h2>A global conversation on the future of travel</h2>The summit brought together an exceptional cross-section of global voices across five thematic conversations. “Borders Without Barriers: The Diplomacy of Visas and Mobility” examined the changing architecture of international travel, with participation from envoys of Seychelles, Argentina and South Africa, alongside VFS Global. “Next Gen Skills for Tourism” explored the talent and capabilities required for the industry’s next phase, bringing together leaders from the BIMSTEC Business Council Secretariat, MSME Business Forum and Radisson Hotel Group. The conversation on “Soft Power on the Move: Tourism, Culture and Bilateral Ties” brought together ambassadors from Ireland, Slovakia, Nicaragua, Greece and Sri Lanka to examine tourism as an instrument of cultural diplomacy and stronger bilateral ties. “The Business of Travel: Aviation, Hospitality and India’s Tourism Infra Story” brought together senior leaders from Sterling Holiday Resorts, IHCL, Air India, Air India Express, Visit Qatar and Cinnamon Life, alongside former diplomats and policymakers. The final conversation, “Tech Frontiers Reshaping Journeys,” examined how technology is redefining travel, featuring leaders from Kairali Ayurvedic Group, VFS Global, GMR Cargo and ITQ Technologies. The event also featured Dr Vishal Chaturvedi, director of Hanuman Ansh, who spoke about the film’s unexpected success and its impact on tourism to destinations associated with Neem Karoli Baba. The WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026 brought the industry together around a shared idea: that the future of tourism will be shaped not merely by destinations and technology, but by human connection, cultural exchange and the experiences that bring the world closer together.

The WION Iconic Summit and Awards 2026 were held at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, on September 23, discussing the future of mobility and honouring excellence across tourism, hospitality, arts and social impact. 

Just a few days ahead of World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27 to foster awareness of tourism's social, cultural, political and economic value, the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, was held in New Delhi on September 23 at ITC Maurya. The summit brought together some of the biggest names from the tourism industry and the wider tourism ecosystem. Discussions focused on the sector's future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends, and the challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead. After a day full of insightful sessions and discussions, the Iconic Excellence award ceremony was held, honouring achievers in their respective fields for their accomplishments. Also read: Actor Arjan Bajwa at WION Summit: 'I'm a jack of all trades, master of none' Here are the winners of the Iconic awards: Kapil Bhatia, the Executive Chairman of Inter Globe Enterprises, was honoured with the Iconic Lifetime Achievement. Iconic Excellence in Dance & Performing Arts - Dr. Anita R Ratnam Iconic Excellence in International Aviation - Amr Aly Iconic Excellence in Sustainable Jewellery Design - Poonam Soni Iconic Excellence in Community-Led Hospitality - Ajay Wadhawan Iconic Excellence in Heritage & Cultural Tourism - Rajkumari Ratna Singh of Kalakankar Iconic Excellence in Special Olympics & Sports Inclusion - Gunocean Singh Bedi Iconic Excellence in Wellness & Ayurvedic Tourism - Gita Ramesh Iconic Excellence in Hospitality Education - Dr Suborno Bose Iconic Excellence in Travel Management - J B Singh Iconic Excellence in Building an Indian Brand - Rishabh Bhatia, Category Manager - Luxury Spirits/ Alcobrew Distilleries India ltd, Mukkaish Pruthii National Sales Head/AlcoBrew Distilleries India ltd

The WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 was held at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, on September 23, discussing the future of mobility and honouring excellence across tourism, hospitality, arts and social impact.&nbsp;

WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards brings together ministers, diplomats and tourism leaders; honours excellence across sectors

At the WION Iconic Awards 2026, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, hailed the unsung heroes of the tourism industry who have helped build such a large economy. Addressing the audience during the award ceremony, Kumar spoke about emerging trends in tourism and how tourists' interests have diversified.“Tourism is not merely an economic activity,” said Kumar, adding, “it is a great bridge; it connects strangers into friends, converts culture into conversation, and turns destinations into long-standing memories.”&nbsp;“Whether you run a boutique hotel in Rajasthan, operate a large civil aviation company, manage logistics in Ladakh, or curate culinary skills in Kerala — you all are custodians of that bridge which is termed as tourism.”&nbsp;The Secretary also noted that the tourism industry shapes the way the world sees India today.&nbsp;“We often speak of tourism in numbers; these numbers matter, but that's not all. India's tourism has shown tremendous growth; domestic tourism has grown threefold since COVID. But at the same time, travellers are not just drawn by the Golden Triangle. They are attracted to the huge diversity; people are traveling to Kerala, to the North East. The G20 contributed so much to the Miles sector that today we are the fastest-growing sector in &nbsp;Miles percentage.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actor-arjan-bajwa-at-wion-summit-i-m-a-jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none-from-taekwondo-black-belt-to-trained-pilot-1790176912887">Actor Arjan Bajwa at WION Summit: 'I'm a jack of all trades, master of none' - from taekwondo black belt to trained pilot</a>&nbsp;“What excites me most about these awards is the quality of transformation happening across the whole travel and tourism industry,” said Kumar.&nbsp;Kumar also called for greater sustainability and authenticity in the travel sector, pointing out that people are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences.&nbsp;“From the Government of India, I can assure you that the ministry is committed to this journey — steering people away from overcrowded destinations and attracting foreign markets to lesser-known places,” he added.

Addressing the WION Iconic Awards 2026, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, praised the unsung heroes driving India’s expanding tourism sector. 

At the WION Iconic Awards 2026, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, hailed the unsung heroes of the tourism industry who have helped build such a large economy. Addressing the audience during the award ceremony, Kumar spoke about emerging trends in tourism and how tourists' interests have diversified. “Tourism is not merely an economic activity,” said Kumar, adding, “it is a great bridge; it connects strangers into friends, converts culture into conversation, and turns destinations into long-standing memories.” “Whether you run a boutique hotel in Rajasthan, operate a large civil aviation company, manage logistics in Ladakh, or curate culinary skills in Kerala — you all are custodians of that bridge which is termed as tourism.” The Secretary also noted that the tourism industry shapes the way the world sees India today. “We often speak of tourism in numbers; these numbers matter, but that's not all. India's tourism has shown tremendous growth; domestic tourism has grown threefold since COVID. But at the same time, travellers are not just drawn by the Golden Triangle. They are attracted to the huge diversity; people are traveling to Kerala, to the North East. The G20 contributed so much to the Miles sector that today we are the fastest-growing sector in Miles percentage.” Also read: Actor Arjan Bajwa at WION Summit: 'I'm a jack of all trades, master of none' - from taekwondo black belt to trained pilot “What excites me most about these awards is the quality of transformation happening across the whole travel and tourism industry,” said Kumar. Kumar also called for greater sustainability and authenticity in the travel sector, pointing out that people are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences. “From the Government of India, I can assure you that the ministry is committed to this journey — steering people away from overcrowded destinations and attracting foreign markets to lesser-known places,” he added.

Addressing the WION Iconic Awards 2026, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, praised the unsung heroes driving India’s expanding tourism sector.&nbsp;

WION Iconic Awards 2026: Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar hails unsung industry heroes

This discussion will take a broader look at how technology is transforming travel, from use of AI in trip planning and biometric airport experiences to digital visas, smart border control and fraud-resistant travel documentation.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: VFS Global processes 30 million visa applications annually with AI

Opening the 9th edition of the WION Iconic Awards, Zee Media Corporation Limited CEO Raktim Das formally welcomed international diplomats, industry leaders, and policy experts. The summit marked a historic milestone celebrating WION's 10 years as India's first global news network, highlighting its decade-long journey of bringing world perspectives to India and projecting India's voice to global audiences.


Zee Media CEO Raktim Das announces new global platforms as WION marks 10 years

Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to India, highlighted the deep cultural synergy between Slovakia and India by opening up about his love for Bollywood songs. Fluent in Hindi after studying in India in 1991, the envoy famously sang lines from classic tracks like "Dekha hai pehli baar" while exploring Old Delhi and described India as his "second home" (Bharat mere liye dusra ghar hai), demonstrating how music and cultural exchange continue to strengthen people-to-people diplomatic ties.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Slovak envoy sings popular Hindi tracks to showcase bilateral ties

Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat speaks at WION's Iconic Tourism Summit

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: How tech frontiers are transforming AI planning and biometric clearance

This session covers airline capacity, airport expansion, hospitality investment and the infrastructure race to serve India's growing outbound and inbound travel demand. The focus is on whether supply is arriving fast enough to meet the demand.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit | The business of travel: Aviation, hospitality & India's tourism infra 

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Tech frontiers reshaping travel industry for smoother journeys

Speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit, experts highlighted the imperative for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in tourism to upskill as Artificial Intelligence reshapes global travel. While AI automates itinerary creation, dynamic pricing, and multilingual customer support, local operators must build digital literacy while banking heavily on hyper-local authenticity, cultural storytelling, and unscripted human warmth—their irreplaceable edge over automated tech.   

Tourism is arguably the most durable form of diplomatic relations. This session discusses how nations use cultural exchange, film, cuisine and travel promotion to deepen bilateral relationships, and how Indian outbound tourism has become a soft-power constituency, not just a commercial opportunity.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit | Soft power on the move: Tourism, culture and bilateral ties

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Hanuman Ansh director on blockbuster success

This session focuses on one of the most powerful enablers of global travel and tourism: seamless cross-border mobility. It will explore how countries are enhancing travel access for Indian travellers through initiatives such as e-visas, visa-free arrangements, accelerated processing, and digital travel credentials. The discussion will also examine how greater ease of movement can strengthen tourism, foster deeper business and trade engagement, expand educational opportunities, and reinforce people-to-people connections between India and the world.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Argentina's Ambassador to India pushes for ease of travel

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Sharad Gowani highlights enhanced global mobility at tourism summit

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: South African envoy pushes for direct air connectivity with India

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Seychelles envoy says India partnership is important for Seychelles

Domestic travel has increased manifold post covid and helped the tourism industry in India thrive, feels Vikram Lalvani, MD and CEO, Sterling Holidays and Resorts. Lalvani was one of the panelists of the panel on Business of Tourism at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 on Wednesday, where he attributed domestic travellers playing a major role in contributing to the tourism industry.&nbsp;"If we are all sitting here today and saying tourism is thriving, it is because of domestic tourism. After COVID, what was the first thing that rebounded? It was domestic tourism. So what if your hotel staff can't speak in English? If the basic hospitality comes from the heart, it's okay," Lalvani pointed out.&nbsp;The CEO stated that the entire tourism industry in India can't be built on just foreign tourists. "Our bread and butter comes from domestic tourism," admitted Lalvani.&nbsp;The CEO also stated that India should now become a tourist destination all year round.&nbsp;"The narrative of India can be 365 days tourist destination, that we need to build upon. Maximum tourists come in the winter months; why can't we have tourists from outside all year round? We all go to Dubai when it is 50 degrees, but we refuse to go to Jaisalmer in 50 degrees? So we need to change that."&nbsp;Lalvani also added that most tourists choose travel based on the destination they want to visit. "The reason to travel to a destination is more important than just putting a dot on the map. When people travel, they travel as a unit, as a family. Can there be a complete experience for their entire family."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-moving-towards-making-india-developed-nation-by-2047-1790151635415/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-moving-towards-making-india-developed-nation-by-2047-1790151635415/embed</a>&nbsp;Emphasising that travelling should now be seen as an experience that caters to all age groups, Lalvani reiterated that better connectivity between two destinations can only boost tourism and the tourism economy.&nbsp;Also read: '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/i-made-this-film-for-kids-hanuman-ansh-director-dr-vishal-chaturvedi-on-why-he-wanted-u-certificate-at-wion-iconic-tourism-summitt-1790155768383">I made this film for kids': Hanuman Ansh director Dr Vishal Chaturvedi</a> WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, is taking place in New Delhi on September 23.&nbsp;

Vikram Lalvani, the CEO and MD of Sterling Holidays and Resorts, attributed domestic travellers as major contributors to the tourism sector in India. Lalvani spoke at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 on Wednesday. 

Domestic travel has increased manifold post covid and helped the tourism industry in India thrive, feels Vikram Lalvani, MD and CEO, Sterling Holidays and Resorts. Lalvani was one of the panelists of the panel on Business of Tourism at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 on Wednesday, where he attributed domestic travellers playing a major role in contributing to the tourism industry. "If we are all sitting here today and saying tourism is thriving, it is because of domestic tourism. After COVID, what was the first thing that rebounded? It was domestic tourism. So what if your hotel staff can't speak in English? If the basic hospitality comes from the heart, it's okay," Lalvani pointed out. The CEO stated that the entire tourism industry in India can't be built on just foreign tourists. "Our bread and butter comes from domestic tourism," admitted Lalvani. The CEO also stated that India should now become a tourist destination all year round. "The narrative of India can be 365 days tourist destination, that we need to build upon. Maximum tourists come in the winter months; why can't we have tourists from outside all year round? We all go to Dubai when it is 50 degrees, but we refuse to go to Jaisalmer in 50 degrees? So we need to change that." Lalvani also added that most tourists choose travel based on the destination they want to visit. "The reason to travel to a destination is more important than just putting a dot on the map. When people travel, they travel as a unit, as a family. Can there be a complete experience for their entire family." https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-moving-towards-making-india-developed-nation-by-2047-1790151635415/embed Emphasising that travelling should now be seen as an experience that caters to all age groups, Lalvani reiterated that better connectivity between two destinations can only boost tourism and the tourism economy. Also read: 'I made this film for kids': Hanuman Ansh director Dr Vishal Chaturvedi WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, is taking place in New Delhi on September 23.

Vikram Lalvani, the CEO and MD of Sterling Holidays and Resorts, attributed domestic travellers as major contributors to the tourism sector in India. Lalvani spoke at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

'Our bread and butter comes from domestic tourism', says Vikram Lalvani of Sterling Holiday Resorts at WION Iconic Tourism Summit

Diplomats from Nicaragua, Greece and Sri Lanka used the WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026 to make the case for their countries as emerging and enduring destinations for Indian travellers, each highlighting unique offerings, from untouched nature and volcanoes to island-hopping and shared civilizational ties, while acknowledging the challenges of connectivity that still stand in the way of deeper tourism ties with India. They highlighted how Indians can look at the option of tourism, keeping several aspects in mind in terms of cultural and sustainable tourism.<h3>Nadeska Cuthbert, Ambassador of Nicaragua to India, at WION Iconic Tourism Summit</h3>Question: If Indians want to travel to Nicaragua, how would they need to take a flight and travel there directly?&nbsp;Answer: "As of now, we don't have a direct flight to Nicaragua from India, or to Central America more broadly. Since last year, we have put in a lot of effort to increase tourism. Nicaragua is smaller than India, but it has abundant nature and forests, and its people are incredible, much like our culture. We are looking to build eco-tourism and sustainable tourism to protect and preserve both our culture and our nature. We definitely want more Indians to visit the country and see our volcanoes, try sandboarding, and go snorkelling at some of our sites. All of this can be experienced in a very short period of time."&nbsp;Question: How can your country become a hub for the entire region, considering that if Indians travel so far, they may also want to visit neighbouring countries?&nbsp;Answer: "Definitely, we see Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole. When you think of visiting this region, you can also think of visiting the neighbouring countries as well. Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras share a lot in common. We have beautiful natural resources along with wonderful people. Nicaragua is unique and authentic, this is because of our people, our culture, and our thriving economy."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-minister-kapil-mishra-shares-delhi-tourism-future-invites-industry-to-be-partners-1790142782204">WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Minister Kapil Mishra shares Delhi tourism future, invites industry to be partners</a><h3>Aliki Koutsomitopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to India</h3>Question: Greece has already established itself as a major destination in global tourism, with a lot of Indian travel and Bollywood also playing a role in promoting the country. Do you think there are specific locations Indians prefer, and is there a direct flight to boost tourism between the two nations?&nbsp;Answer: "We started a direct flight in January 2026. We have witnessed 40,000 people using that flight, and traffic between the two nations has increased. Interest among Indians in visiting Greece has always been there, and the number of people visiting Greece after the launch of the flight has grown by 28 per cent. Greece is not just a destination for summer and the sea; you can visit during other seasons too, and explore other locations, as the country is full of islands. There are also many mountains to explore."&nbsp;Question: What is Greece doing to attract the younger generation? Are there any special initiatives?Answer: "Greece has beaches, hiking mountains, luxury living, and also authenticity. AI can never replace physical presence, so we are trying to preserve that experience."<h3> Mahishini Colonné, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India</h3>Question: Apart from visa-on-arrival, is Sri Lanka looking at other ways to attract Indian tourists? One such initiative is UPI, which allows Indians in Sri Lanka to pay using a QR code. Has that been effective so far?&nbsp;Answer: "It is very easy for Indians to travel to Sri Lanka, as it only requires an electronic travel authorisation, which is free. UPI has been in operation in Sri Lanka since 2024, and it has made things much easier for Indians. Beyond that, we are continuing to work on attracting more Indian tourists in the future."&nbsp;Question: From Gen Z travel trends to religious tourism, particularly the Ramayana and Buddhism trails, what is the process for this, and can Indians visit these well-known trails? This is what connects the two countries, making India and Sri Lanka civilizational twins in many ways.&nbsp;Answer: "India and Sri Lanka are indeed civilizational twins. Last year, millions of Indians visited Sri Lanka, and a large number of Sri Lankan pilgrims, over 250,000 people, visited India as well, mainly for religious tourism. There are also several sites in Sri Lanka that Indians don't often visit, such as 'Ramasala.' It is believed to be the site where Hanuman ji carried part of the Himalayas while transporting the Sanjeevani herb. There are many more such sites. Sri Lanka holds a very special place for Indians."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Diplomats highlighted at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026 how Indians can look up to the option of tourism, keeping several aspects in mind in terms of cultural and sustainable tourism.

Diplomats from Nicaragua, Greece and Sri Lanka used the WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026 to make the case for their countries as emerging and enduring destinations for Indian travellers, each highlighting unique offerings, from untouched nature and volcanoes to island-hopping and shared civilizational ties, while acknowledging the challenges of connectivity that still stand in the way of deeper tourism ties with India. They highlighted how Indians can look at the option of tourism, keeping several aspects in mind in terms of cultural and sustainable tourism. Nadeska Cuthbert, Ambassador of Nicaragua to India, at WION Iconic Tourism Summit Question: If Indians want to travel to Nicaragua, how would they need to take a flight and travel there directly? Answer: "As of now, we don't have a direct flight to Nicaragua from India, or to Central America more broadly. Since last year, we have put in a lot of effort to increase tourism. Nicaragua is smaller than India, but it has abundant nature and forests, and its people are incredible, much like our culture. We are looking to build eco-tourism and sustainable tourism to protect and preserve both our culture and our nature. We definitely want more Indians to visit the country and see our volcanoes, try sandboarding, and go snorkelling at some of our sites. All of this can be experienced in a very short period of time." Question: How can your country become a hub for the entire region, considering that if Indians travel so far, they may also want to visit neighbouring countries? Answer: "Definitely, we see Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole. When you think of visiting this region, you can also think of visiting the neighbouring countries as well. Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras share a lot in common. We have beautiful natural resources along with wonderful people. Nicaragua is unique and authentic, this is because of our people, our culture, and our thriving economy." Also read: WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Minister Kapil Mishra shares Delhi tourism future, invites industry to be partners Aliki Koutsomitopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to India Question: Greece has already established itself as a major destination in global tourism, with a lot of Indian travel and Bollywood also playing a role in promoting the country. Do you think there are specific locations Indians prefer, and is there a direct flight to boost tourism between the two nations? Answer: "We started a direct flight in January 2026. We have witnessed 40,000 people using that flight, and traffic between the two nations has increased. Interest among Indians in visiting Greece has always been there, and the number of people visiting Greece after the launch of the flight has grown by 28 per cent. Greece is not just a destination for summer and the sea; you can visit during other seasons too, and explore other locations, as the country is full of islands. There are also many mountains to explore." Question: What is Greece doing to attract the younger generation? Are there any special initiatives? Answer: "Greece has beaches, hiking mountains, luxury living, and also authenticity. AI can never replace physical presence, so we are trying to preserve that experience." Mahishini Colonné, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Question: Apart from visa-on-arrival, is Sri Lanka looking at other ways to attract Indian tourists? One such initiative is UPI, which allows Indians in Sri Lanka to pay using a QR code. Has that been effective so far? Answer: "It is very easy for Indians to travel to Sri Lanka, as it only requires an electronic travel authorisation, which is free. UPI has been in operation in Sri Lanka since 2024, and it has made things much easier for Indians. Beyond that, we are continuing to work on attracting more Indian tourists in the future." Question: From Gen Z travel trends to religious tourism, particularly the Ramayana and Buddhism trails, what is the process for this, and can Indians visit these well-known trails? This is what connects the two countries, making India and Sri Lanka civilizational twins in many ways. Answer: "India and Sri Lanka are indeed civilizational twins. Last year, millions of Indians visited Sri Lanka, and a large number of Sri Lankan pilgrims, over 250,000 people, visited India as well, mainly for religious tourism. There are also several sites in Sri Lanka that Indians don't often visit, such as 'Ramasala.' It is believed to be the site where Hanuman ji carried part of the Himalayas while transporting the Sanjeevani herb. There are many more such sites. Sri Lanka holds a very special place for Indians."

Diplomats highlighted at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026 how Indians can look up to the option of tourism, keeping several aspects in mind in terms of cultural and sustainable tourism.

Nicaragua, Greece, Sri Lanka: Three ambassadors, one message for Indian travellers at WION Tourism Summit

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