India Marks World Tourism Day with Strong Growth and Sustainable Transformation Push
SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth | SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
Institutions: Ministry of Tourism
On 27 September 2025, the Ministry of Tourism marked World Tourism Day under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, bringing together government, industry, academia, and civil society to reaffirm India’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism. The event featured MoUs with Netflix, Atithi Foundation, and leading OTAs, the launch of a Project Management Information System (PMIS) for real-time monitoring of tourism infrastructure, and the release of the 66th India Tourism Data Compendium. A Guide to MUDRA Loans for Homestays was also unveiled, alongside high-level panels on connectivity and digital tools such as AI/AR/VR.
By August 2025, India recorded about 56 lakh Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and 303.59 crore Domestic Tourist Visits. Major schemes such as Swadesh Darshan / Swadesh Darshan 2.0, with 110 projects developed across thematic circuits (Ramayana, Buddhist, Coastal, Tribal), were highlighted. Under the Sustainable and Responsible Tourism (SASCI) initiative, 40 projects in 23 states were sanctioned in 2024-25, with ₹ 3,295.76 crore in full central funding.
Tourism is now being positioned not just as an economic engine but as a tool for sustainable transformation. Embedding data systems, pushing MoUs, promoting connectivity, and supporting homestays evolve tourism into a cross-sectoral driver aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047, SDG goals, and state/local development plans.
What is Swadesh Darshan? → A central scheme to develop thematic tourism circuits across India—e.g. Buddhist, Tribal, Coastal—by building infrastructure, facilities, and connectivity for balanced, sustainable growth.
What is SASCI? → The Sustainable and Responsible Tourism initiative funds eco-friendly, inclusive, and culturally sensitive projects. It helps states and communities adopt responsible practices—such as waste reduction, renewable energy use, and community-based models—balancing growth with sustainability.
What is the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”? → Adopted for 2025, this theme reframes tourism as a lever for systemic change, emphasising jobs, green infrastructure, and SDG alignment, rather than growth alone.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
Could leveraging digital tools and expanded MoUs help India convert its tourism growth momentum into measurable gains for rural and heritage economies by 2030?
Follow the full news here: PIB: World Tourism Day 2025 | PIB: Tourism Statistics & Schemes