Marking fifty years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles, High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche reflected on a bond that runs deeper than formal ties, tracing its roots to the early Gujarati migrants who were among the first settlers in the island nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking at WION Iconic Tourism Summit presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, Accouche said, “Relations between India and Seychelles have evolved; the people-to-people connection is very strong.” Further describing the relationship as one built on generations of shared history rather than recent diplomacy alone.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/charaiveti-charaiveti-gajendra-shekhawat-invokes-vedas-at-wion-iconic-tourism-summit-says-india-on-course-to-become-developed-nation-by-2047-1790142464304">‘Charaiveti, Charaiveti’: Shekhawat invokes Vedas at WION Iconic Tourism Summit</a>&nbsp;Looking ahead, she expressed optimism about the partnership's trajectory, saying she was eager to see "how this relationship will strengthen in the coming years." She characterised the bond between the two nations in familial terms, calling India and Seychelles "like sisters."&nbsp;Accouche also highlighted the strategic dimensions of the relationship, particularly in maritime cooperation. "We have been collaborating with India in the maritime field, and we have agreed to strengthen this partnership," she said. With Seychelles' economy heavily dependent on tourism, she underscored the shared priority of regional security: "We want to keep the Indian Ocean region safe."&nbsp;Her remarks came ahead of the WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026, set to take place in New Delhi on 23 September. The summit arrives at a moment of rapid transformation in global travel, shaped by new technologies, shifting traveller expectations, and evolving mobility frameworks. It will bring together leaders from government, diplomacy, tourism, aviation, hospitality, and technology to address the sector's most pressing challenges.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-tourism-summit-ireland-slovakia-ambassadors-highlight-tourism-as-a-bridge-for-stronger-india-ties-1790154897854">WION Tourism Summit: Ireland, Slovakia ambassadors highlight tourism as a bridge for stronger India ties</a>&nbsp;Discussions at the summit are expected to span visa policy, border management, biometric travel systems, digital transformation, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in shaping traveller experiences. The event will culminate in the Iconic Awards 2026, honouring individuals and organisations that have made notable contributions to the travel and tourism industry.&nbsp;Accouche's comments underscore how bilateral relationships like India-Seychelles ties are increasingly framed not just around trade and diplomacy, but around tourism, maritime security, and regional stability, themes set to feature prominently at the summit.

Seychelles High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche highlights 50 years of diplomatic ties with India, emphasizing maritime security, tourism, and historical connections at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026.

Marking fifty years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles, High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche reflected on a bond that runs deeper than formal ties, tracing its roots to the early Gujarati migrants who were among the first settlers in the island nation. Speaking at WION Iconic Tourism Summit presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, Accouche said, “Relations between India and Seychelles have evolved; the people-to-people connection is very strong.” Further describing the relationship as one built on generations of shared history rather than recent diplomacy alone. Also read: ‘Charaiveti, Charaiveti’: Shekhawat invokes Vedas at WION Iconic Tourism Summit Looking ahead, she expressed optimism about the partnership's trajectory, saying she was eager to see "how this relationship will strengthen in the coming years." She characterised the bond between the two nations in familial terms, calling India and Seychelles "like sisters." Accouche also highlighted the strategic dimensions of the relationship, particularly in maritime cooperation. "We have been collaborating with India in the maritime field, and we have agreed to strengthen this partnership," she said. With Seychelles' economy heavily dependent on tourism, she underscored the shared priority of regional security: "We want to keep the Indian Ocean region safe." Her remarks came ahead of the WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026, set to take place in New Delhi on 23 September. The summit arrives at a moment of rapid transformation in global travel, shaped by new technologies, shifting traveller expectations, and evolving mobility frameworks. It will bring together leaders from government, diplomacy, tourism, aviation, hospitality, and technology to address the sector's most pressing challenges. Also read: WION Tourism Summit: Ireland, Slovakia ambassadors highlight tourism as a bridge for stronger India ties Discussions at the summit are expected to span visa policy, border management, biometric travel systems, digital transformation, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in shaping traveller experiences. The event will culminate in the Iconic Awards 2026, honouring individuals and organisations that have made notable contributions to the travel and tourism industry. Accouche's comments underscore how bilateral relationships like India-Seychelles ties are increasingly framed not just around trade and diplomacy, but around tourism, maritime security, and regional stability, themes set to feature prominently at the summit.

Seychelles High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche highlights 50 years of diplomatic ties with India, emphasising maritime security, tourism, and historical connections at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026.

India-Seychelles ties: "Like sisters," says High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche at WION Iconic Tourism Summit

During the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, being held in New Delhi on Wednesday, the role of artificial intelligence in tourism, the need for a skilled workforce and the importance of human interaction came up as key themes.&nbsp;An insightful session brought together Tribhuvan Darbari, Chairman, BIMSTEC Business Council Secretariat, India; KB Kachru, Chairman, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia; and Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director, Strategic Investments &amp; Economic Partnerships, MSME Business Forum India, who discussed how the tourism industry can adapt to technological changes while preserving the experiences and personal connections.<h2>AI should be used as a tool, not a replacement</h2>Ravi Nandan Sinha said artificial intelligence should be viewed as a tool that can help entrepreneurs and businesses, but one should not see it as something that will replace them. “AI is just a tool, AI is just something which you have to use it."&nbsp;He further said, "Today, an MSME needs to have, as our Honorable Minister also said, experiential tourism, not a monumental tourism."&nbsp;Sinha argued that AI could also help improve several everyday aspects of travel, including hotel check-ins and room-service processes.&nbsp;He said the tourism and hospitality industry should make better use of resources and research aimed at understanding how AI can benefit businesses.<h2>BIMSTEC countries as a tourism circuit</h2>Tribhuvan Darbari, meanwhile, highlighted the potential of the BIMSTEC region, such as India, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. "All of them have their uniqueness, peculiarities in terms of the value proposition they offer to a tourist."&nbsp;He further stressed, "The thing is, how to integrate this as a circuit. That's very important for the prosperity of the fraternity of the BIMSTEC.&nbsp;Darbari also emphasised the importance of training tourism operators to use artificial intelligence effectively. "The question is, AI has become a fashion in a way. The point is, how many of us are really trained well in terms of tourist operators and so on to enhance the value through AI?"&nbsp;“How to enhance the human touch, what human touch brings, the personal bonding, how this technology usage can be integrated,” Darbari said.<h2>"AI will not replace people"</h2>KB Kachru said concerns about artificial intelligence replacing workers should not overshadow its potential benefits. "AI is primarily a facilitator to get the best out of you."Speaking about the importance of human interaction in hospitality, he added, "People smile on their faces. How they are received, how they are dealt with will never go anywhere."&nbsp;Kachru also stressed on the importance of skilling, saying, "There are 8.7 million people in India, mostly youngsters who are neither educating themselves nor skilling themselves or are not ready for jobs. Boss gives orders. Leaders are supposed to listen, learn and work with the people."&nbsp;According to Kachru, "If we have to take our country ahead, I think we all have to march together."<h2>Experts on digitisation</h2>The panel also discussed how technology can be integrated into tourism without being considered as a threat.&nbsp;Sinha cited India's DigiYatra system as an example of how digital technology can improve the traveller experience.&nbsp;He also referred to technology-enabled systems in the UAE, and said, "Rather than talking of AI is coming, we have to be digital,” he said. “We look at it as an experience. We don't look at it as the enemy. It's an experience which has to be utilized.” &nbsp;The WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, brings together voices from government, diplomacy, aviation, hospitality and technology to examine the forces reshaping global travel, including mobility, tourism infrastructure, technology and changing traveller expectations.

Artificial intelligence in tourism was described as an important tool for growth at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, but the panel insisted it should not be treated as a substitute for humans.

During the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, being held in New Delhi on Wednesday, the role of artificial intelligence in tourism, the need for a skilled workforce and the importance of human interaction came up as key themes. An insightful session brought together Tribhuvan Darbari, Chairman, BIMSTEC Business Council Secretariat, India; KB Kachru, Chairman, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia; and Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director, Strategic Investments & Economic Partnerships, MSME Business Forum India, who discussed how the tourism industry can adapt to technological changes while preserving the experiences and personal connections. AI should be used as a tool, not a replacement Ravi Nandan Sinha said artificial intelligence should be viewed as a tool that can help entrepreneurs and businesses, but one should not see it as something that will replace them. “AI is just a tool, AI is just something which you have to use it." He further said, "Today, an MSME needs to have, as our Honorable Minister also said, experiential tourism, not a monumental tourism." Sinha argued that AI could also help improve several everyday aspects of travel, including hotel check-ins and room-service processes. He said the tourism and hospitality industry should make better use of resources and research aimed at understanding how AI can benefit businesses. BIMSTEC countries as a tourism circuit Tribhuvan Darbari, meanwhile, highlighted the potential of the BIMSTEC region, such as India, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. "All of them have their uniqueness, peculiarities in terms of the value proposition they offer to a tourist." He further stressed, "The thing is, how to integrate this as a circuit. That's very important for the prosperity of the fraternity of the BIMSTEC. Darbari also emphasised the importance of training tourism operators to use artificial intelligence effectively. "The question is, AI has become a fashion in a way. The point is, how many of us are really trained well in terms of tourist operators and so on to enhance the value through AI?" “How to enhance the human touch, what human touch brings, the personal bonding, how this technology usage can be integrated,” Darbari said. "AI will not replace people" KB Kachru said concerns about artificial intelligence replacing workers should not overshadow its potential benefits. "AI is primarily a facilitator to get the best out of you." Speaking about the importance of human interaction in hospitality, he added, "People smile on their faces. How they are received, how they are dealt with will never go anywhere." Kachru also stressed on the importance of skilling, saying, "There are 8.7 million people in India, mostly youngsters who are neither educating themselves nor skilling themselves or are not ready for jobs. Boss gives orders. Leaders are supposed to listen, learn and work with the people." According to Kachru, "If we have to take our country ahead, I think we all have to march together." Experts on digitisation The panel also discussed how technology can be integrated into tourism without being considered as a threat. Sinha cited India's DigiYatra system as an example of how digital technology can improve the traveller experience. He also referred to technology-enabled systems in the UAE, and said, "Rather than talking of AI is coming, we have to be digital,” he said. “We look at it as an experience. We don't look at it as the enemy. It's an experience which has to be utilized.” The WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, brings together voices from government, diplomacy, aviation, hospitality and technology to examine the forces reshaping global travel, including mobility, tourism infrastructure, technology and changing traveller expectations.

Artificial intelligence in tourism was described as an important tool for growth at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, but the panel insisted it should not be treated as a substitute for humans.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026: AI is a tool, not a replacement for people, say experts

Tourism is increasingly becoming an important tool for strengthening cultural and bilateral ties, with ambassadors from Ireland and Slovakia highlighting the growing interest in travel between India and their respective countries at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026.Speaking during the panel discussion ‘Soft Power on the Move: Tourism, Culture &amp; Bilateral Ties’, H.E. Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India, said India has now become a priority market for Tourism Ireland. “India is now a priority market for Tourism Ireland,” Kelly said, noting that Tourism Ireland set up an office in Mumbai last year to tap into the growing interest from Indian travellers.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;Bharat mere liye dusre ghar jaisa hai,&quot; says Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to India Róbert Maxián as he addresses the crowd at the <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WIONIconicTourismSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONIconicTourismSummit</a> <a href="https://x.com/RobertMaxian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RobertMaxian</a> <a href="https://t.co/o7MiRD4fHP">pic.twitter.com/o7MiRD4fHP</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2102677151485186281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Ireland sees rise in Indian travellers</h2>Kelly said Ireland has traditionally attracted Indians visiting family and friends, helped by the country's sizeable Indian community. “We get a lot of family visits and have a very large Indian population,” he said.Ireland has a population of less than five million, while around 100,000 Indians live in the country, according to Kelly. He also pointed to the growth of MICE tourism, referring to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, as another area where Ireland is seeing increasing interest from India.“There's a huge growth in MICE, which is this business tourism where companies come. They come for four days and then they can experience things,” Kelly said.The ambassador also highlighted Ireland's geographical diversity as an advantage for tourists. He said visitors can experience urban and rural settings within a short distance, with mountains and the ocean accessible from Dublin.“The beauty of being a small country like Ireland is that within a very short period of time you can experience city life, country life,” he said.<h2>‘India is a second home for me’</h2>During the same discussion, H.E. Robert Maxian, Ambassador of Slovakia to India, spoke about Slovakia's tourism appeal and its efforts to promote the country internationally. Referring to Slovakia's tourism slogan ‘Good Ideas Slovakia’, Maxian spoke positively about his experience of travelling in Slovakia in 2025.When asked whether he could speak Hindi, the Slovak ambassador responded warmly, saying, “India is a second home for me.”

At the WION Tourism Summit 2026, Ireland and Slovakia's ambassadors highlighted tourism as a key driver for bilateral ties, noting rising Indian interest, MICE travel, and growing cultural connections.

Tourism is increasingly becoming an important tool for strengthening cultural and bilateral ties, with ambassadors from Ireland and Slovakia highlighting the growing interest in travel between India and their respective countries at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026. Speaking during the panel discussion ‘Soft Power on the Move: Tourism, Culture & Bilateral Ties’, H.E. Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India, said India has now become a priority market for Tourism Ireland. “India is now a priority market for Tourism Ireland,” Kelly said, noting that Tourism Ireland set up an office in Mumbai last year to tap into the growing interest from Indian travellers.

At the WION Tourism Summit 2026, Ireland and Slovakia's ambassadors highlighted tourism as a key driver for bilateral ties, noting rising Indian interest, MICE travel, and growing cultural connections.

WION Tourism Summit: Ireland, Slovakia ambassadors highlight tourism as a bridge for stronger India ties

Welcome to WION’s Iconic Tourism Summit, where travel meets diplomacy and global tourism takes centre stage. India’s leading voices from travel, tourism and hospitality come together to discuss the ideas shaping the destinations of tomorrow. Hosted by Vedica Singh, the summit brings quick and candid conversations with iconic leaders from the tourism industry.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Shaping the future of global travel

At the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, speakers discuss how new highways and airports are making travel easier and more accessible for Indians. The focus is on India’s expanding transport infrastructure and its role in supporting domestic tourism and connectivity.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026: 'New highways, airports easing travel for Indians' 

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra shares his vision for making the national capital a leading global tourist destination. He discusses plans to promote Delhi’s rich history, culture and heritage while improving the overall experience for visitors. Mishra also highlights the importance of stronger tourism infrastructure and attracting more domestic and international travellers. Watch his conversation at WION’s Iconic Tourism Summit.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Delhi Tourism Min Kapil Mishra reveals his vision to boost Delhi tourism

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said experiential travel is emerging as the next major tourism trend, with social media and AI increasingly shaping how travellers discover destinations. He stressed that technology cannot replace the human touch in travel and urged stakeholders to ensure visitors have positive experiences, warning that a single bad experience can shape perceptions of an entire destination.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: 'Value-based sustainable tourism is need of the hour'

The WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, brought together key voices from across the global tourism ecosystem in New Delhi on Wednesday (Sep 23). A panel titled “Borders Without Barriers: The Diplomacy of Visas &amp; Mobility” brought together H.E. Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles to India; H.E. Mariano Agustín Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina to India; H.E. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India; and Sharad Gowani, Head of Operations - India, VFS Global.The panel focused on how visa policies, connectivity, accessibility and changing travel patterns can shape tourism and strengthen relations between countries. Speakers also discussed the role of the Global South, youth exchanges, technology and easier mobility in creating new opportunities for the tourism sector.&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: Kapil Mishra shares Delhi tourism future</a>&nbsp;The WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 brought together key voices from across the tourism ecosystem to discuss the sector’s future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends and challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead. Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was the chief guest, while Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra was the guest of honour.&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHh8f2VSlXg"></oembed></figure><h2>Anil Sooklal: India, South Africa must deepen tourism ties</h2>H.E. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the BRICS Summit and said the grouping could have a direct impact in changing perspectives and strengthening ties. Speaking about India-South Africa relations, Sooklal said the two countries share historical relations but have not fully capitalised on them in the tourism sector. He stressed the need to find ways to deepen tourism between the two countries, adding that tourism is increasingly being driven by the Global South.&nbsp;Sooklal said better connectivity was essential and highlighted the need for direct flights between India and South Africa. Referring to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s views, he said direct air connectivity could help boost travel between the two countries. He also stressed the importance of a friendly visa regime and said people needed to be educated about the opportunities available in both countries.&nbsp;Sooklal said the tourism sector also needs to make full use of Gen Z, creating new avenues for younger travellers who, he noted, should not remain under the shadow of stereotypes associated with tourists of the past. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence tools to increase tourism and said there were significant opportunities for tourism within the Global South.&nbsp;Sooklal said South Africa wants to see more South Africans travelling to India to study and more Indians travelling to South Africa for education. “The strength of the relationship lies in ensuring that our youths mingle,” he said, stressing the importance of greater interaction between young people from the two countries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/charaiveti-charaiveti-gajendra-shekhawat-invokes-vedas-at-wion-iconic-tourism-summit-says-india-on-course-to-become-developed-nation-by-2047-1790142464304">‘Charaiveti, Charaiveti’: Shekhawat invokes Vedas at WION Iconic Tourism Summit</a><h2>Mariano Agustín Caucino: Focus on concrete tourism measures</h2>H.E. Mariano Agustín Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina to India, spoke about the need for concrete measures to strengthen tourism between India and Argentina. Caucino highlighted connectivity as an important factor in facilitating travel and called for the restoration of flights to Madrid as part of efforts to improve travel links. He said Argentina is “opening as much as possible” to facilitate tourism and noted that, in the case of India, Argentina had decided to facilitate travel for Indian nationals who already have a US visa for tourism purposes. “We hope India can do the same,” Caucino said, adding that a similar approach could also be considered for other neighbouring countries.<h2>Sharad Gowani: Travellers want flexibility</h2>Sharad Gowani, Head of Operations - India, VFS Global, highlighted the changing expectations of international travellers, saying that travellers increasingly want flexibility. Gowani also said visa processes are becoming more accessible, reflecting the evolving needs of travellers and the wider tourism ecosystem. At the same time, he stressed that security and accessibility need to go hand in hand when it comes to visa and mobility processes.

At the WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026, diplomats from South Africa, Argentina and Seychelles, along with VFS Global, discussed how visas, air connectivity and technology can boost tourism. The panel also highlighted Global South opportunities, youth exchanges and more accessible travel.

The WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, brought together key voices from across the global tourism ecosystem in New Delhi on Wednesday (Sep 23). A panel titled “Borders Without Barriers: The Diplomacy of Visas & Mobility” brought together H.E. Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles to India; H.E. Mariano Agustín Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina to India; H.E. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India; and Sharad Gowani, Head of Operations - India, VFS Global. The panel focused on how visa policies, connectivity, accessibility and changing travel patterns can shape tourism and strengthen relations between countries. Speakers also discussed the role of the Global South, youth exchanges, technology and easier mobility in creating new opportunities for the tourism sector. Also Read: WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Kapil Mishra shares Delhi tourism future The WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 brought together key voices from across the tourism ecosystem to discuss the sector’s future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends and challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead. Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was the chief guest, while Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra was the guest of honour. Anil Sooklal: India, South Africa must deepen tourism ties H.E. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the BRICS Summit and said the grouping could have a direct impact in changing perspectives and strengthening ties. Speaking about India-South Africa relations, Sooklal said the two countries share historical relations but have not fully capitalised on them in the tourism sector. He stressed the need to find ways to deepen tourism between the two countries, adding that tourism is increasingly being driven by the Global South. Sooklal said better connectivity was essential and highlighted the need for direct flights between India and South Africa. Referring to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s views, he said direct air connectivity could help boost travel between the two countries. He also stressed the importance of a friendly visa regime and said people needed to be educated about the opportunities available in both countries. Sooklal said the tourism sector also needs to make full use of Gen Z, creating new avenues for younger travellers who, he noted, should not remain under the shadow of stereotypes associated with tourists of the past. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence tools to increase tourism and said there were significant opportunities for tourism within the Global South. Sooklal said South Africa wants to see more South Africans travelling to India to study and more Indians travelling to South Africa for education. “The strength of the relationship lies in ensuring that our youths mingle,” he said, stressing the importance of greater interaction between young people from the two countries. Also Read: ‘Charaiveti, Charaiveti’: Shekhawat invokes Vedas at WION Iconic Tourism Summit Mariano Agustín Caucino: Focus on concrete tourism measures H.E. Mariano Agustín Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina to India, spoke about the need for concrete measures to strengthen tourism between India and Argentina. Caucino highlighted connectivity as an important factor in facilitating travel and called for the restoration of flights to Madrid as part of efforts to improve travel links. He said Argentina is “opening as much as possible” to facilitate tourism and noted that, in the case of India, Argentina had decided to facilitate travel for Indian nationals who already have a US visa for tourism purposes. “We hope India can do the same,” Caucino said, adding that a similar approach could also be considered for other neighbouring countries. Sharad Gowani: Travellers want flexibility Sharad Gowani, Head of Operations - India, VFS Global, highlighted the changing expectations of international travellers, saying that travellers increasingly want flexibility. Gowani also said visa processes are becoming more accessible, reflecting the evolving needs of travellers and the wider tourism ecosystem. At the same time, he stressed that security and accessibility need to go hand in hand when it comes to visa and mobility processes.

At the WION Iconic Tourism Summit 2026, diplomats from South Africa, Argentina and Seychelles, along with VFS Global, discussed how visas, air connectivity and technology can boost tourism. The panel also highlighted Global South opportunities, youth exchanges and more accessible travel.

From visas to direct flights: What Argentina Ambassador and South African High Commissioner said at WION Iconic Tourism Summit

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that a lot of misconceptions were being spread about travel in India, especially when it comes to solo women travellers. Comparing travel in India with travel to European nations like Italy, the India tourism minister acknowledged that “even one incident of misbehaviour with a woman traveller is like a smear on our face (a matter of disgrace)” but said that across the nation, steps are being taken to make travel a more pleasant experience for everyone, including foreigners and tourists. He insisted that isolated incidents should not be allowed to define the experience of millions of tourists visiting and travelling across the country.<h2>How safe is India for solo women travellers? Gajendra Shekhawat answers</h2>Speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday (Sep 23), Shekhawat recalled a question put to him by a journalist at an earlier event: “India is not safe for solo women travellers. When will it become safe?”The minister said that such a perception fails to account for the sheer scale of travel in India. Referring to the billions of domestic trips made across the country, he questioned how many complaints involving solo women travellers had been recorded in comparison with that volume.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/charaiveti-charaiveti-gajendra-shekhawat-invokes-vedas-at-wion-iconic-tourism-summit-says-india-on-course-to-become-developed-nation-by-2047-1790142464304">‘Charaiveti, Charaiveti’: Gajendra Shekhawat invokes Vedas at WION Iconic Tourism Summit, says India on course to become developed nation by 2047</a><h2>‘Even one incident is a black mark’</h2>At the same time, Shekhawat acknowledged that any incident involving a woman traveller is serious and can affect India's image as a destination. “If out of our 4.3 billion trips, an incident happens with even a single traveller, and I say responsibly that a single incident is a black mark on our face, it should not happen,” he said.Shekhawat said the government and states had been taking steps to make travel safer and more comfortable, including setting up tourist police and dedicated tourist police stations in several states. “We have worked on improving our infrastructure,” he said, adding that even a single incident remained unfortunate and that efforts must continue to prevent such cases.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-value-based-sustainable-tourism-is-need-of-the-hour-1790152534971/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-value-based-sustainable-tourism-is-need-of-the-hour-1790152534971/embed</a><h2>Shekhawat questions media coverage</h2>Shekhawat also criticised the way incidents involving tourists are sometimes covered, arguing that intense coverage of a single case can create a broader negative impression of the country. He said that when one such incident occurs, Indian media can focus on it continuously for days and questioned whether that ends up harming the tourism sector itself.“But when a single incident happens, the entire media in India covers nothing else for 48 hours straight. Who are we harming? Ultimately, we are causing gross damage to our own country, working to permanently damage our own sector,” he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-awards-2026-union-minister-shekhawat-says-experiential-travel-the-next-big-trend-1790147146651">WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026: Union Minister Shekhawat says 'experiential travel' the next big trend</a><h2>Comparing India with global destinations</h2>Shekhawat compared travel advisories issued for destinations such as Italy, the US, England and Paris with the way safety concerns are discussed in India.He cited advisories that warn travellers abroad about protecting passports and valuables or avoiding isolated areas after dark and questioned why such warnings do not automatically lead to those countries being broadly described as unsafe. "I asked her (the journalist), 'Have you ever been to Italy?'...When you go there, you receive travel advisories. Right in those advisories, it is written: keep your purse, your passport, your camera, and your mobile hidden inside; otherwise, someone will snatch them. What kind of advisories do we get in the US? That you should not walk down narrow paths after dark. What is the condition of England? What is the condition of Paris? No one talks about that."The minister's argument was not that India has no safety concerns. Rather, he said the response should distinguish between individual incidents and the experience of the much larger number of people who travel across the country without reporting such problems.He also invoked India's traditional tourism philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, saying visitor safety and hospitality remain central to how the country should approach tourism.

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has addressed one of the most debated questions around India’s tourism image: how safe is the country for solo women travellers? Here's what he said at WION's Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026.

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that a lot of misconceptions were being spread about travel in India, especially when it comes to solo women travellers. Comparing travel in India with travel to European nations like Italy, the India tourism minister acknowledged that “even one incident of misbehaviour with a woman traveller is like a smear on our face (a matter of disgrace)” but said that across the nation, steps are being taken to make travel a more pleasant experience for everyone, including foreigners and tourists. He insisted that isolated incidents should not be allowed to define the experience of millions of tourists visiting and travelling across the country. How safe is India for solo women travellers? Gajendra Shekhawat answers Speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday (Sep 23), Shekhawat recalled a question put to him by a journalist at an earlier event: “India is not safe for solo women travellers. When will it become safe?” The minister said that such a perception fails to account for the sheer scale of travel in India. Referring to the billions of domestic trips made across the country, he questioned how many complaints involving solo women travellers had been recorded in comparison with that volume. Also read | ‘Charaiveti, Charaiveti’: Gajendra Shekhawat invokes Vedas at WION Iconic Tourism Summit, says India on course to become developed nation by 2047 ‘Even one incident is a black mark’ At the same time, Shekhawat acknowledged that any incident involving a woman traveller is serious and can affect India's image as a destination. “If out of our 4.3 billion trips, an incident happens with even a single traveller, and I say responsibly that a single incident is a black mark on our face, it should not happen,” he said. Shekhawat said the government and states had been taking steps to make travel safer and more comfortable, including setting up tourist police and dedicated tourist police stations in several states. “We have worked on improving our infrastructure,” he said, adding that even a single incident remained unfortunate and that efforts must continue to prevent such cases. https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-value-based-sustainable-tourism-is-need-of-the-hour-1790152534971/embed Shekhawat questions media coverage Shekhawat also criticised the way incidents involving tourists are sometimes covered, arguing that intense coverage of a single case can create a broader negative impression of the country. He said that when one such incident occurs, Indian media can focus on it continuously for days and questioned whether that ends up harming the tourism sector itself. “But when a single incident happens, the entire media in India covers nothing else for 48 hours straight. Who are we harming? Ultimately, we are causing gross damage to our own country, working to permanently damage our own sector,” he said. Also read | WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026: Union Minister Shekhawat says 'experiential travel' the next big trend Comparing India with global destinations Shekhawat compared travel advisories issued for destinations such as Italy, the US, England and Paris with the way safety concerns are discussed in India. He cited advisories that warn travellers abroad about protecting passports and valuables or avoiding isolated areas after dark and questioned why such warnings do not automatically lead to those countries being broadly described as unsafe. "I asked her (the journalist), 'Have you ever been to Italy?'...When you go there, you receive travel advisories. Right in those advisories, it is written: keep your purse, your passport, your camera, and your mobile hidden inside; otherwise, someone will snatch them. What kind of advisories do we get in the US? That you should not walk down narrow paths after dark. What is the condition of England? What is the condition of Paris? No one talks about that." The minister's argument was not that India has no safety concerns. Rather, he said the response should distinguish between individual incidents and the experience of the much larger number of people who travel across the country without reporting such problems. He also invoked India's traditional tourism philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, saying visitor safety and hospitality remain central to how the country should approach tourism.

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has addressed one of the most debated questions around India’s tourism image: how safe is the country for solo women travellers? Here's what he said at WION's Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026: How safe is India for solo women travellers? Shekhawat pushes back against ‘misconceptions’

Tourism is evolving beyond traditional sightseeing, with travellers increasingly looking for meaningful, personalised experiences. At WION’s Iconic Tourism Summit, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat explained how AI could transform the way people plan their journeys, while emphasising that technology cannot replace the human touch at the heart of travel.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: 'Moving Towards Making India Developed Nation by 2047'

The Minister for Culture and Tourism speaks at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit, sharing insights on India’s tourism sector, cultural heritage and efforts to strengthen the country’s global tourism appeal.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Minister for culture & tourism at WION Iconic Tourism Summit

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Minister for culture & tourism shares India’s tourism vision

Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shares his message on the future of tourism and highlights the importance of sustainable travel. Speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit, Shekhawat stresses the need for responsible tourism that protects destinations while creating meaningful experiences for travellers. Watch his key message on sustainable tourism and the road ahead.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hails sustainable travel


Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat arrives at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit. The summit brings together key voices from India’s tourism and hospitality sector to discuss the future of travel, tourism and India’s growing global appeal. Stay tuned for insights and conversations from the event.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat arrives at WION Tourism Summit

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: 'Moving towards making India a developed nation by 2047' 

Argentina’s Ambassador H.E. Mariano Agustin Caucino shares what he has enjoyed most while travelling across India during his posting. He also reveals how he would plan a one-week trip to Argentina for an Indian traveller, highlighting the destinations and experiences they should not miss. Watch the conversation from the WION Iconic Tourism Summit.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Argentina Ambassador Mariano Caucino shares his ultimate travel guide

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said experiential travel is emerging as the next major trend in tourism, with travellers increasingly seeking meaningful experiences and seamless journeys rather than conventional sightseeing.Speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday (Sep 23), Shekhawat said tourists today want a more “experiential” and wholesome journey, while stressing that tourism growth must also remain sustainable and value-driven.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-awards-2026-how-safe-is-india-for-solo-women-travellers-shekhawat-pushes-back-against-misconceptions-1790151316942">WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026: How safe is India for solo women travellers? Shekhawat pushes back against ‘misconceptions’</a><h2>The next big trend in tourism</h2>“Experiential travel is the next big trend,” Shekhawat said, pointing to changing traveller preferences and the growing influence of technology in deciding where and how people travel. He said travellers are increasingly using social media and artificial intelligence to discover new destinations but argued that technology cannot entirely replace the human element in travel.“Human touch can never be replaced by AI,” Shekhawat said.The minister also highlighted the importance of the experience tourists receive once they arrive at a destination. He said even a single negative experience for a foreign visitor can create wider negative perceptions. “A foreign tourist having one bad experience creates negative vibes,” he said, stressing that every stakeholder in the tourism ecosystem needs to act with sincerity and honesty.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-value-based-sustainable-tourism-is-need-of-the-hour-1790152534971/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-value-based-sustainable-tourism-is-need-of-the-hour-1790152534971/embed</a><h2>Tourism as an instrument of peace</h2>Shekhawat also described tourism as more than an economic activity, calling it a “vital instrument for peace diplomacy”.He said India's approach to tourism should draw from the country's traditional belief of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, or the idea that a guest is divine. “We need to reflect on our ancient belief: Guest is divine,” he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/charaiveti-charaiveti-gajendra-shekhawat-invokes-vedas-at-wion-iconic-tourism-summit-says-india-on-course-to-become-developed-nation-by-2047-1790142464304">‘Charaiveti, Charaiveti’: Gajendra Shekhawat invokes Vedas at WION Iconic Tourism Summit, says India on course to become developed nation by 2047</a>Shekhawat said the focus should ultimately be on value-based tourism that is sustainable, suggesting that the next phase of tourism growth must balance traveller expectations with responsible and lasting development.The WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, brings together voices from government, diplomacy, aviation, hospitality and technology to examine the forces reshaping global travel, including mobility, tourism infrastructure, technology and changing traveller expectations.

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.

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said experiential travel is emerging as the next major trend in tourism, with travellers increasingly seeking meaningful experiences and seamless journeys rather than conventional sightseeing. Speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026 in New Delhi on Wednesday (Sep 23), Shekhawat said tourists today want a more “experiential” and wholesome journey, while stressing that tourism growth must also remain sustainable and value-driven. Also read | WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026: How safe is India for solo women travellers? Shekhawat pushes back against ‘misconceptions’ The next big trend in tourism “Experiential travel is the next big trend,” Shekhawat said, pointing to changing traveller preferences and the growing influence of technology in deciding where and how people travel. He said travellers are increasingly using social media and artificial intelligence to discover new destinations but argued that technology cannot entirely replace the human element in travel. “Human touch can never be replaced by AI,” Shekhawat said. The minister also highlighted the importance of the experience tourists receive once they arrive at a destination. He said even a single negative experience for a foreign visitor can create wider negative perceptions. “A foreign tourist having one bad experience creates negative vibes,” he said, stressing that every stakeholder in the tourism ecosystem needs to act with sincerity and honesty. https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-value-based-sustainable-tourism-is-need-of-the-hour-1790152534971/embed Tourism as an instrument of peace Shekhawat also described tourism as more than an economic activity, calling it a “vital instrument for peace diplomacy”. He said India's approach to tourism should draw from the country's traditional belief of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, or the idea that a guest is divine. “We need to reflect on our ancient belief: Guest is divine,” he said. Also read | ‘Charaiveti, Charaiveti’: Gajendra Shekhawat invokes Vedas at WION Iconic Tourism Summit, says India on course to become developed nation by 2047 Shekhawat said the focus should ultimately be on value-based tourism that is sustainable, suggesting that the next phase of tourism growth must balance traveller expectations with responsible and lasting development. The WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, brings together voices from government, diplomacy, aviation, hospitality and technology to examine the forces reshaping global travel, including mobility, tourism infrastructure, technology and changing traveller expectations.

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 & Awards 2026: Union Minister Shekhawat says 'experiential travel' the next big trend

Indian Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while speaking at WION's Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, said that India was well on its way to becoming a developed nation by 2047."India's first quarter growth stunned the world," he noted while presenting the keynote address at the WION Summit. "Despite geopolitical turbulence, India stands firm," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-awards-2026-union-minister-shekhawat-says-experiential-travel-the-next-big-trend-1790147146651">WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026: Union Minister Shekhawat says 'experiential travel' the next big trend</a><h2>'Charaiveti, Charaiveti': India on course to Viksit Bharat 2047 goal</h2>Drawing from India's cultural heritage, the Vedas, Shekhawat noted that they tell us to keep moving, keep going. "Charaiveti, Charaiveti...our sages told us the wisdom of moving in pursuit of knowledge and new opportunities."“Change is eternal, but in modern times the pace of transformation is rapid,” he said, adding that “PM Modi has laid the roadmap for rapid strides for a developed nation by 2047." These themes form the backdrop to the WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026, being held in New Delhi on September 23. The summit brings together government representatives, diplomats and leaders from tourism, aviation, hospitality and technology to examine issues ranging from visas and mobility to tourism infrastructure, cultural diplomacy and travel technology. Diplomats from nearly 20 countries are expected to participate, giving the discussions a broader international dimension. Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-awards-2026-how-safe-is-india-for-solo-women-travellers-shekhawat-pushes-back-against-misconceptions-1790151316942">WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026: How safe is India for solo women travellers? Shekhawat pushes back against ‘misconceptions’</a><h2>WION's Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026</h2>The summit will explore some of the most pressing issues shaping global mobility today, from visa policy and border management to biometric travel, digital transformation, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing traveller experiences. The event will conclude with the Iconic Awards 2026, recognising outstanding individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the travel and tourism industry.<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>The summit will also see the participation of ambassadors from Argentina, Greece, Suriname, Ireland, Slovakia, Cyprus, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Seychelles, along with prominent leaders from the tourism, aviation and hospitality sectors.Part of the WION World Conferences series, the event at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, is presented by VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services enabling secure international mobility, which this year marks 25 years of facilitating seamless cross-border travel. The event is being organised in association with Red Hat Communications.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat invoked the ancient mantra “Charaiveti, Charaiveti” to describe India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, while highlighting economic growth, geopolitical challenges and rapid global transformation.

Indian Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while speaking at WION's Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, said that India was well on its way to becoming a developed nation by 2047. "India's first quarter growth stunned the world," he noted while presenting the keynote address at the WION Summit. "Despite geopolitical turbulence, India stands firm," he added. Also read | WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026: Union Minister Shekhawat says 'experiential travel' the next big trend 'Charaiveti, Charaiveti': India on course to Viksit Bharat 2047 goal Drawing from India's cultural heritage, the Vedas, Shekhawat noted that they tell us to keep moving, keep going. "Charaiveti, Charaiveti...our sages told us the wisdom of moving in pursuit of knowledge and new opportunities." “Change is eternal, but in modern times the pace of transformation is rapid,” he said, adding that “PM Modi has laid the roadmap for rapid strides for a developed nation by 2047." These themes form the backdrop to the WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026, being held in New Delhi on September 23. The summit brings together government representatives, diplomats and leaders from tourism, aviation, hospitality and technology to examine issues ranging from visas and mobility to tourism infrastructure, cultural diplomacy and travel technology. Diplomats from nearly 20 countries are expected to participate, giving the discussions a broader international dimension. Also read | WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026: How safe is India for solo women travellers? Shekhawat pushes back against ‘misconceptions’ WION's Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 The summit will explore some of the most pressing issues shaping global mobility today, from visa policy and border management to biometric travel, digital transformation, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing traveller experiences. The event will conclude with the Iconic Awards 2026, recognising outstanding individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the travel and tourism industry. https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-moving-towards-making-india-developed-nation-by-2047-1790151635415/embed The summit will also see the participation of ambassadors from Argentina, Greece, Suriname, Ireland, Slovakia, Cyprus, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Seychelles, along with prominent leaders from the tourism, aviation and hospitality sectors. Part of the WION World Conferences series, the event at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, is presented by VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services enabling secure international mobility, which this year marks 25 years of facilitating seamless cross-border travel. The event is being organised in association with Red Hat Communications.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat invoked the ancient mantra “Charaiveti, Charaiveti” to describe India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, while highlighting economic growth, geopolitical challenges and rapid global transformation.

‘Charaiveti, Charaiveti’: Gajendra Shekhawat invokes Vedas at WION Iconic Tourism Summit, says India on course to become developed nation by 2047

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra addressed the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, in New Delhi on Sep 23. The summit brought together key voices from across the tourism ecosystem and the discussions panned around sector’s future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends and the challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead. Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was the chief guest, while Kapil Mishra was the guest of honour.&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHh8f2VSlXg"></oembed></figure>&nbsp;Addressing the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 that was presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra thanked Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for his efforts towards expanding tourism across the country. Mishra said that Delhi was undergoing a transformation and invited the tourism industry to become a partner in shaping the capital’s future as a global destination. He invited ideas and suggestions to develop Delhi as a global tourism destination and said the government was looking at ways to create new experiences for visitors. Mishra also invited the industry to participate in the development of an iconic town hall as an experience centre, aimed at creating a distinctive attraction for tourists.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">हम दिल्ली को &#39;ट्रांजिट सिटी&#39; से एक विश्वस्तरीय &#39;टूरिज्म डेस्टिनेशन&#39; और इवेंट्स हब के रूप में विकसित करने के लक्ष्य के साथ आगे बढ़ रहे हैं लाइव कॉन्सर्ट्स और बड़े आयोजनों को के लिए वेन्यू के कायाकल्प, वायबिलिटी गैप फंडिंग और सिंगल-विंडो क्लीयरेंस जैसी व्यवस्थाएं की गई हैं… <a href="https://t.co/gOTD5C0nGd">pic.twitter.com/gOTD5C0nGd</a>&mdash; Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) <a href="https://x.com/KapilMishra_IND/status/2102650851286475250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-iconic-tourism-summit-and-awards-2026-key-voices-to-discuss-india-s-tourism-future-1790100746270">WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026: Key voices to discuss India’s tourism future</a>&nbsp;He also announced that Pitampura Haat would be transformed into a PM Unity Hub, while the Garden of Five Senses was also being revamped to make it more appealing to visitors. “Now is the time to come, sit, talk and plan,” Mishra said, inviting stakeholders from the tourism industry to work with the government on the next phase of Delhi’s tourism growth.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Delhi Tourism and Art &amp; Culture Minister Kapil Mishra said India’s civilisational strength would be central to its rise on the world stage. Speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026, Mishra said, &quot;It is India’s culture that will make India a superpower. Our… <a href="https://t.co/qK5S52DwsO">pic.twitter.com/qK5S52DwsO</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2102649350870724987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mishra also highlighted Delhi’s diverse historical legacy, referring to the city’s Sikh history as well as figures and communities associated with its past, including Anangpal Tomar and the Jat community. He said memorials would be developed to recognise these aspects of Delhi’s history. “In Delhi’s history, too, only one narrative was highlighted and told to the world. But Delhi also has a history of Sikh valour and Sikh sacrifice, a history of the Marathas, and a history of Jat bravery. Anangpal Tomar played a major role in the making of Delhi. And we are preparing to build memorials in Delhi for all these great figures It is Bharat’s culture that will make Bharat a superpower. Our civilisation will take us to every door and every home in the world,” said Mishra. “Delhi is changing,” Mishra said, urging the tourism industry to be part of that transformation and “become a partner” in building the capital’s tourism ecosystem.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra outlined plans to strengthen the capital’s tourism ecosystem at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026. He invited industry stakeholders to partner with the government, highlighting projects including Pitampura Haat and new heritage attractions.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra addressed the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, in New Delhi on Sep 23. The summit brought together key voices from across the tourism ecosystem and the discussions panned around sector’s future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends and the challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead. Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was the chief guest, while Kapil Mishra was the guest of honour. Addressing the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 that was presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra thanked Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for his efforts towards expanding tourism across the country. Mishra said that Delhi was undergoing a transformation and invited the tourism industry to become a partner in shaping the capital’s future as a global destination. He invited ideas and suggestions to develop Delhi as a global tourism destination and said the government was looking at ways to create new experiences for visitors. Mishra also invited the industry to participate in the development of an iconic town hall as an experience centre, aimed at creating a distinctive attraction for tourists.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra outlined plans to strengthen the capital’s tourism ecosystem at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026. He invited industry stakeholders to partner with the government, highlighting projects including Pitampura Haat and new heritage attractions.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Minister Kapil Mishra shares Delhi tourism future, invites industry to be partners

Behind the scene at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit, an exclusive look at one of India’s key tourism events. From expert discussions and industry insights to the people working behind the scenes, discover what it takes to bring the summit together. Get an inside look at the conversations shaping India’s tourism sector and its global appeal. Watch this exclusive WION special for highlights, key moments and unseen glimpses from the event.


WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Exclusive behind-the-scenes look at tourism event 

Notable personalities from India’s tourism and hospitality sector, along with senior policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders, will come together in New Delhi on September 23 for the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications.&nbsp;The summit will bring together key voices from across the tourism ecosystem to discuss the sector’s future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends and the challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead.&nbsp;The event will also recognise and honour achievers who have made notable contributions to the tourism sector, while providing a platform for policymakers, international representatives and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities for India’s tourism industry.&nbsp;Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend the summit as the chief guest, while Kapil Mishra, Minister of Tourism and Art &amp; Culture, Government of Delhi, will be the guest of honour.The summit will also see the participation of ambassadors from Argentina, Greece, Suriname, Ireland, Slovakia, Cyprus, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Seychelles, along with prominent leaders from the tourism, aviation and hospitality sectors.&nbsp;Among the industry leaders attending the event are Vikram Lalvani, MD &amp; CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts; Manish Puri, Head of Global Sales, Air India Limited &amp; Air India Express; Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC and CEO, Red Hat Communications; and Vinay Malhotra, Head, Strategic Global Partnerships, VFS Global.<h3>India’s tourism potential</h3>The summit comes at a time when India’s tourism sector is witnessing strong growth, driven by domestic travel, international visitors, heritage tourism, hospitality and new travel experiences.&nbsp;According to the Ministry of Tourism, India recorded around 4.29 billion domestic tourist visits and 25.27 million foreign tourist visits in 2025. The ministry’s latest data also shows that tourism accounted for 5.22 per cent of India’s GDP and supported around 84.63 million jobs, including direct and indirect employment.&nbsp;India also has a vast heritage base that gives the country significant potential for cultural and heritage tourism. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre currently lists 45 properties from India on the World Heritage List, including 37 cultural properties, seven natural properties and one mixed property. India also has 73 sites on UNESCO’s Tentative List, offering a large pool of heritage locations with potential for future recognition and tourism development.&nbsp;India’s tourism landscape extends beyond its historic monuments and heritage sites, with opportunities across nature, wildlife, spirituality, adventure, wellness, business and coastal tourism.&nbsp;The event will begin at 10:30 am at ITC Maurya in New Delhi and will feature a series of panels covering various aspects of the tourism industry, including mobility, culture, bilateral ties, aviation, hospitality, infrastructure and technology. The event will also be broadcast on WION and its social media channels.&nbsp;The key panels at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards are:&nbsp;Panel 1: Borders without barriers: The diplomacy of visas &amp; mobility (11:45 am to 12:30 pm) &nbsp;Lalatiana Accouche: High Commissioner of Seychelles to India Mariano Agustín Caucino: Ambassador of Argentina to India Hanisha Jairam: Ambassador of Suriname to India Anil Sooklal: High Commissioner of South Africa to India Sharad Gowani: Head of Operations - India, VFS Global&nbsp;<h2>In conversation: Next-gen skills for tourism&nbsp;</h2>(12:30 pm to 12:45 pm) Jyoti Mayal: Chairperson, THSC and CEO, Red Hat Communications Tribhuvan Darbari: Chairman, BIMSTEC Business Council Secretariat, India&nbsp;<h2>Panel 2: Soft power on the move: Tourism, culture &amp; bilateral ties &nbsp;</h2>(12:45 pm to 1:30 pm) Kevin Kelly: Ambassador of Ireland to India Robert Maxian: Ambassador of Slovakia to India Evagoras Vryonides: High Commissioner of Cyprus to India Nadeska Cuthbert: Ambassador of Nicaragua to India Aliki Koutsomitopoulou: Ambassador of Greece to India Mahishini Colonné: High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India&nbsp;<h2>Panel 3: The business of travel: Aviation, hospitality &amp; India's tourism infra story&nbsp;</h2>(2:15 pm to 3:00 pm) &nbsp;Vikram Lalvani: MD &amp; CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Saurabh Tiwari: Vice President, Middle East, Maldives &amp; Sri Lanka, IHCL (Taj Dubai) Muktesh Pardeshi: Former Secretary and Former Ambassador to Türkiye &amp; New Zealand Manish Puri: Head of Global Sales, Air India Limited &amp; Air India Express Ahmed Hamed Sharbak: Regional Manager (APAC), Visit Qatar Kamal Munasinghe: Sr. Vice President, Colombo Hotels &amp; General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka&nbsp;<h2>Panel 4: Tech frontiers reshaping journeys&nbsp;</h2>(3:00 pm to 3:45 pm)&nbsp;Abhilash Kalathil Ramesh: Executive Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group Sachin Pabreja: Co-founder and CEO, EazyDiner Vinay Malhotra: Head, Strategic Global Partnerships, VFS Global Achin Sharma: Chief Digital Officer, GMR Cargo, WAISL Ltd Anil Parashar: Executive Director, InterGlobe Technology Quotient Pvt Ltd&nbsp;The event will also be attended by Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism; Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director, Strategic Investments &amp; Economic Partnerships, MSME Business Forum India; Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson &amp; MD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; and Priya Paul.

Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will join policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards to discuss India’s tourism potential, emerging opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Notable personalities from India’s tourism and hospitality sector, along with senior policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders, will come together in New Delhi on September 23 for the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications. The summit will bring together key voices from across the tourism ecosystem to discuss the sector’s future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends and the challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead. The event will also recognise and honour achievers who have made notable contributions to the tourism sector, while providing a platform for policymakers, international representatives and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities for India’s tourism industry. Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend the summit as the chief guest, while Kapil Mishra, Minister of Tourism and Art & Culture, Government of Delhi, will be the guest of honour. The summit will also see the participation of ambassadors from Argentina, Greece, Suriname, Ireland, Slovakia, Cyprus, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Seychelles, along with prominent leaders from the tourism, aviation and hospitality sectors. Among the industry leaders attending the event are Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts; Manish Puri, Head of Global Sales, Air India Limited & Air India Express; Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC and CEO, Red Hat Communications; and Vinay Malhotra, Head, Strategic Global Partnerships, VFS Global. India’s tourism potential The summit comes at a time when India’s tourism sector is witnessing strong growth, driven by domestic travel, international visitors, heritage tourism, hospitality and new travel experiences. According to the Ministry of Tourism, India recorded around 4.29 billion domestic tourist visits and 25.27 million foreign tourist visits in 2025. The ministry’s latest data also shows that tourism accounted for 5.22 per cent of India’s GDP and supported around 84.63 million jobs, including direct and indirect employment. India also has a vast heritage base that gives the country significant potential for cultural and heritage tourism. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre currently lists 45 properties from India on the World Heritage List, including 37 cultural properties, seven natural properties and one mixed property. India also has 73 sites on UNESCO’s Tentative List, offering a large pool of heritage locations with potential for future recognition and tourism development. India’s tourism landscape extends beyond its historic monuments and heritage sites, with opportunities across nature, wildlife, spirituality, adventure, wellness, business and coastal tourism. The event will begin at 10:30 am at ITC Maurya in New Delhi and will feature a series of panels covering various aspects of the tourism industry, including mobility, culture, bilateral ties, aviation, hospitality, infrastructure and technology. The event will also be broadcast on WION and its social media channels. The key panels at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards are: Panel 1: Borders without barriers: The diplomacy of visas & mobility (11:45 am to 12:30 pm) Lalatiana Accouche: High Commissioner of Seychelles to India Mariano Agustín Caucino: Ambassador of Argentina to India Hanisha Jairam: Ambassador of Suriname to India Anil Sooklal: High Commissioner of South Africa to India Sharad Gowani: Head of Operations - India, VFS Global In conversation: Next-gen skills for tourism (12:30 pm to 12:45 pm) Jyoti Mayal: Chairperson, THSC and CEO, Red Hat Communications Tribhuvan Darbari: Chairman, BIMSTEC Business Council Secretariat, India Panel 2: Soft power on the move: Tourism, culture & bilateral ties (12:45 pm to 1:30 pm) Kevin Kelly: Ambassador of Ireland to India Robert Maxian: Ambassador of Slovakia to India Evagoras Vryonides: High Commissioner of Cyprus to India Nadeska Cuthbert: Ambassador of Nicaragua to India Aliki Koutsomitopoulou: Ambassador of Greece to India Mahishini Colonné: High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Panel 3: The business of travel: Aviation, hospitality & India's tourism infra story (2:15 pm to 3:00 pm) Vikram Lalvani: MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Saurabh Tiwari: Vice President, Middle East, Maldives & Sri Lanka, IHCL (Taj Dubai) Muktesh Pardeshi: Former Secretary and Former Ambassador to Türkiye & New Zealand Manish Puri: Head of Global Sales, Air India Limited & Air India Express Ahmed Hamed Sharbak: Regional Manager (APAC), Visit Qatar Kamal Munasinghe: Sr. Vice President, Colombo Hotels & General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka Panel 4: Tech frontiers reshaping journeys (3:00 pm to 3:45 pm) Abhilash Kalathil Ramesh: Executive Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group Sachin Pabreja: Co-founder and CEO, EazyDiner Vinay Malhotra: Head, Strategic Global Partnerships, VFS Global Achin Sharma: Chief Digital Officer, GMR Cargo, WAISL Ltd Anil Parashar: Executive Director, InterGlobe Technology Quotient Pvt Ltd The event will also be attended by Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism; Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director, Strategic Investments & Economic Partnerships, MSME Business Forum India; Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & MD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; and Priya Paul.

Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will join policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards to discuss India’s tourism potential, emerging opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026: Key voices to discuss India’s tourism future

As global travel undergoes rapid transformation driven by technology, evolving traveller expectations and changing mobility frameworks, leaders from across government, diplomacy, tourism, aviation, hospitality and technology will convene in New Delhi on 23 September for the WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026.The summit will explore some of the most pressing issues shaping global mobility today, from visa policy and border management to biometric travel, digital transformation, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing traveller experiences. The event will conclude with the Iconic Awards 2026, recognising outstanding individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the travel and tourism industry.Part of the WION World Conferences series, the event at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, is presented by VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services enabling secure international mobility, which this year marks 25 years of facilitating seamless cross-border travel.The event is being organised in association with Red Hat Communications.&nbsp;Speaking about the event, Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global said:&nbsp;“As technology continues to reshape industries and customer expectations, meaningful conversations on innovation have never been more important. We are pleased to be associated with the WION-Red Hat Iconic Tourism Summit 2026, a platform that brings together leaders and changemakers to discuss the technologies, ideas, and partnerships driving the future. At VFS Global, we remain committed to leveraging innovation and digital transformation to enhance customer experiences that enable secure and seamless mobility solutions worldwide.”&nbsp;Raktim Das, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Limited, said: “Travel is one of the few ecosystems that brings the world together — connecting destinations with people, cultures with experiences, and businesses with new possibilities. At WION — World Is One — this idea of a connected world is at the heart of what we do. The Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards is one such initiative – it has been envisioned to bring together the entire travel ecosystem into one conversation — from tourism boards, hospitality and aviation to technology, experiences, investors and innovators shaping the future of travel.”&nbsp;Jyoti Mayal, CEO of Red Hat Communications and Chairperson of THSC said: “At ICONIC, we believe progress begins with inspired minds and is sustained by celebrated achievements. Through the ICONIC Tourism Summit and Awards, we bring together the finest industry voices to share knowledge, exchange learnings, challenge perspectives, and inspire new possibilities, while honouring the individuals and organisations who transform these ideas into impact. This event creates a platform that inspires minds, celebrates excellence, and strengthens the future of tourism and beyond.”&nbsp;<h2>The Summit sessions</h2><h3>Borders without barriers: The diplomacy of visas and mobility</h3>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.<h3>Soft power on the move: Tourism, culture and bilateral ties</h3>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.<h3>The business of travel: Aviation, hospitality and India's tourism infrastructure story</h3>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.<h2>Travel Tech frontiers&nbsp;</h2>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.&nbsp;<h3>Iconic Awards 2026: An evening of excellence</h3>The Iconic Awards 2026, the closing event of the summit, will recognise achievement across travel, hospitality and luxury.&nbsp;The Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026&nbsp;will 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.

Ministers, ambassadors, leaders from the visa, aviation and hospitality sectors, along with technology innovators, will gather in New Delhi on 23 September for the WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026 to discuss the future of global mobility and travel.

As global travel undergoes rapid transformation driven by technology, evolving traveller expectations and changing mobility frameworks, leaders from across government, diplomacy, tourism, aviation, hospitality and technology will convene in New Delhi on 23 September for the WION Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards 2026. The summit will explore some of the most pressing issues shaping global mobility today, from visa policy and border management to biometric travel, digital transformation, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing traveller experiences. The event will conclude with the Iconic Awards 2026, recognising outstanding individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the travel and tourism industry. Part of the WION World Conferences series, the event at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, is presented by VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services enabling secure international mobility, which this year marks 25 years of facilitating seamless cross-border travel. The event is being organised in association with Red Hat Communications. Speaking about the event, Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global said: “As technology continues to reshape industries and customer expectations, meaningful conversations on innovation have never been more important. We are pleased to be associated with the WION-Red Hat Iconic Tourism Summit 2026, a platform that brings together leaders and changemakers to discuss the technologies, ideas, and partnerships driving the future. At VFS Global, we remain committed to leveraging innovation and digital transformation to enhance customer experiences that enable secure and seamless mobility solutions worldwide.” Raktim Das, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Limited, said: “Travel is one of the few ecosystems that brings the world together — connecting destinations with people, cultures with experiences, and businesses with new possibilities. At WION — World Is One — this idea of a connected world is at the heart of what we do. The Iconic Tourism Summit & Awards is one such initiative – it has been envisioned to bring together the entire travel ecosystem into one conversation — from tourism boards, hospitality and aviation to technology, experiences, investors and innovators shaping the future of travel.” Jyoti Mayal, CEO of Red Hat Communications and Chairperson of THSC said: “At ICONIC, we believe progress begins with inspired minds and is sustained by celebrated achievements. Through the ICONIC Tourism Summit and Awards, we bring together the finest industry voices to share knowledge, exchange learnings, challenge perspectives, and inspire new possibilities, while honouring the individuals and organisations who transform these ideas into impact. This event creates a platform that inspires minds, celebrates excellence, and strengthens the future of tourism and beyond.” 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. 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. 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 2026 will 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.

Ministers, ambassadors, leaders from the visa, aviation and hospitality sectors, along with technology innovators, will gather in New Delhi on 23 September for the WION Iconic Tourism Summit &amp; Awards 2026 to discuss the future of global mobility and travel.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Iconic Awards 2026: India's travel economy leaders gather in Delhi

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WION Iconic Tourism Summit: Key voices to discuss India’s tourism future

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