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 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

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

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.


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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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