While regional leaders highlight unique experiential offerings ranging from Gujarat’s immersive festivals and Bengal’s ‘Mountains to Mangroves’ narrative to J&K’s traditional houseboats and North Bengal-Sikkim’s eco-circuits, they collectively agree that great attractions alone are not enough.
IATO regional chairmen break down their specific state opportunities and outline the strategic interventions necessary to make India a globally competitive destination by 2030.
Somya Deep
Dr. J K Mohanty, MHCIMA
Chairman, IATO Eastern Region | Chairman – Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha | CMD – Swosti Group
Odisha and Eastern India offer a unique combination of heritage, spirituality, Buddhism, wildlife, eco-tourism, beaches, Chilika, tribal culture, cuisine, wellness, MICE and adventure tourism. The Bhubaneswar–Puri–Konark Golden Triangle, Konark, the Jagannath Temple and Buddhist sites have tremendous international appeal, while Chilika, Similipal, Bhitarkanika, Gopalpur and Koraput can further strengthen the tourism offering. What we need now is better international air connectivity, improved infrastructure, professionally packaged experiences and stronger international marketing. Odisha should also be integrated with tourism circuits covering other Eastern States. The new Odisha Tourism Policy provides a good opportunity to attract private investment and develop new destinations.
The most important intervention is better international air connectivity and ease of travel. India has an outstanding tourism product, but many destinations still suffer from limited direct connectivity and high travel costs. A coordinated national strategy involving the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Civil Aviation, State Governments, airports and airlines, supported by incentives or viability-gap funding for strategically important routes, is essential. Better domestic connectivity, seamless digital services and improved last-mile infrastructure will also be critical to making India significantly more competitive by 2030.
R Nandakumar
Chairman, IATO Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Chapters
Tamil Nadu is one of India’s leading tourism states, with domestic tourist arrivals growing from 286 million in 2023 to over 364 million in 2025, alongside more than 16 lakh foreign visitors. The state has successfully evolved from being viewed primarily as a pilgrimage destination into a broader tourism ecosystem combining living heritage, classical arts, distinctive cuisine, wildlife, coastlines and modern infrastructure. The biggest opportunity lies in repositioning Tamil Nadu as one of Asia’s leading cultural and experiential tourism regions. Fast-growing segments include experiential travel, eco-tourism, wellness and short-break leisure, with emerging destinations such as Chettinad, Pichavaram, the Gulf of Mannar, Kolli Hills and Tharangambadi offering strong potential.
To unlock this potential, we must conduct more domestic and international roadshows to increase global visibility. There is also a need to address overcrowding in popular destinations like Ooty and Kodaikanal by promoting lesser-known locations. Strengthening sustainability, expanding multilingual signage, improving public transport and establishing more tourist information centres are essential. Greater focus on regional festivals, kayaking, coastal tourism and MICE infrastructure will further strengthen Tamil Nadu’s international brand and help accelerate inbound tourism growth.
Sunil Gupta
Chairman, IATO Northern Region
The Northern Region offers unmatched diversity, from iconic heritage circuits and spiritual corridors to emerging adventure, wellness and high-altitude eco-tourism destinations. This diversity gives the region enormous potential to attract more international travellers and move beyond traditional itineraries. However, unlocking its full potential requires seamless cross-border movement, stronger last-mile connectivity, upgraded hygiene infrastructure and aggressive multi-market global marketing. Greater visibility for emerging destinations, alongside established heritage and spiritual circuits, can help create more varied and immersive travel experiences while encouraging international visitors to stay longer and explore more of the region.
India’s single most vital intervention today is establishing targeted global promotion coupled with seamless policy facilitation. Re-establishing dedicated overseas tourism offices and launching strategic international campaigns will be important for improving destination visibility in key source markets. At the same time, rationalising GST rates for inbound tour operators and easing e-Visa processes will lower friction, enhance price competitiveness and make India easier to sell globally. A coordinated approach combining stronger international promotion with policy reforms and easier travel processes will significantly accelerate inbound tourism growth and strengthen India’s overall competitiveness as a global destination.
Pravin Shah
Chairman, IATO Maharashtra and Dadra, Nagar Haveli & Daman Chapter
Maharashtra offers a diverse mix of heritage, culture, wildlife, beaches, spirituality, cuisine and modern urban experiences. Mumbai, as India’s financial capital and a major international gateway, has strong potential for MICE, luxury, cruise and business tourism. Ajanta and Ellora, historic forts and coastal destinations further add to the state’s appeal. Better connectivity, stronger tourism infrastructure, multilingual facilities, focused international marketing and closer government–industry collaboration is essential to unlock this potential and position Maharashtra more strongly in international source markets.
India needs a sustained, coordinated and market-specific global tourism marketing strategy to accelerate inbound tourism growth. Simplifying visa procedures, improving last-mile connectivity, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring cleanliness and safety, and maintaining consistent service standards are equally important. Greater involvement of the travel trade in policy-making and international promotion can also help ensure that India’s tourism strategy reflects market realities. Stronger public-private partnerships, supported by consistent international outreach and improved visitor experiences on the ground, can help India enhance its global competitiveness and significantly increase inbound tourism.
Mahendra Pratap Singh
Chairman, IATO Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Chapter
Madhya Pradesh has always had a strong tourism base, with its heritage, wildlife, spirituality, tribal traditions and rural experiences. What is interesting now is the opportunity to present these more experientially. Eco-tourism, community-based experiences, local food and crafts, and lesser-known destinations can add considerable depth to existing circuits. We have seen strong interest when overseas operators experience these products through FAM programmes and trade interactions. The next step is to improve connectivity and visitor facilities, develop these experiences into well-planned itineraries and take them consistently to the right markets. This can encourage international visitors to look beyond established destinations and spend more time in the state.
I would put connectivity high on the list of priorities for inbound tourism. India has the destinations and experiences, but reaching many of them still takes considerable time, particularly for international visitors. More direct international flights, stronger regional air links and better connections between tourism circuits would make a significant difference. Easier movement will allow travellers to cover more destinations in one trip, stay longer and consider places that may currently be difficult to include in an itinerary.
Jaspreet Singh Bhatia
Co-Chairman, IATO Chhattisgarh Chapter
Chhattisgarh is known for its unique tribal culture, fairs and festivals and colourful handicrafts. The offering of our state is very unique and has immense opportunities to attract not only international but domestic tourists as well. We need a twofold approach, with aggressive marketing on one side and a focus on enhancing tourism-related infrastructure on the ground, along with capacity building of stakeholders. We must improve our presence at relevant events, shows and exhibitions, supported by a professional and sustainable outreach programme targeting leading players across major markets. This has to be a planned and sustained approach and not a one-off event here and there.
At the same time, we need capacity building and skill upgradation of people working at the ground level in our industry. Drivers, guides, porters, shopkeepers and others who are often the first to interact with tourists need to be sensitised and trained in a proper manner. The actual experience of visitors is created by them. A sustained combination of international outreach, infrastructure development and better-trained tourism stakeholders will help create a positive approach towards India as a destination and enhance tourist footfalls in the coming years.
Sanket Shah
Chapter Chairman Gujarat & Diu, IATO
From our Chapter’s perspective, Gujarat has something truly special to offer the world—not just destinations, but experiences, emotions and human connections. Its diverse culture, traditions, festivals, cuisine, heritage, wildlife and warm-hearted communities can become a powerful reason for international travellers to experience the real spirit of India. Festivals such as Navratri, the International Kite Festival, Dang Darbar, Kawant Fair, Ravechi Fair and Tarnetar Fair remain relatively unexplored by international travellers and offer tremendous potential. Gujarat is also emerging as a sports tourism hub, with Ahmedabad and other cities increasingly hosting national and international sporting events.
To unlock this potential, we need stronger international promotion, professionally packaged experiences, better connectivity, world-class infrastructure, trained local guides and greater collaboration between government, industry and communities. At the national level, India needs seamless visas, better global air connectivity, world-class infrastructure and measurable service standards. But infrastructure alone cannot make someone fall in love with a country—people can. We must promote civic sense, cleanliness, cultural sensitivity and genuine hospitality. Every Indian can become an ambassador of India. If we combine our incredible tourism assets with the warmth of our people, visitors will not simply see India—they will feel India, remember India and want to return.
Manas Mukherjee
Chairman – IATO Jharkhand Chapter
Due to global political and economic unrest, the development of tourism is a major challenge for every country. Natural disasters are another concern and remind us how vulnerable destinations can be. Yet challenges also make us resilient and encourage us to find different ways to attract people and drive growth. Despite being a country of 1.4 billion people, with diverse cultures, languages, food habits, geographical variations and a rich history that is rare in the world, India is still far behind many smaller countries in tourism performance. We need greater visibility for India on global platforms, stronger interstate coordination, more research and data-driven planning, and a united approach that prioritises national interest over individual or organisational interests.
Coming to Jharkhand, the state has immense tourism potential, but safety and security, better infrastructure, quality accommodation, trained guides and reliable transportation require attention. Jharkhand has a rich tribal culture and heritage, and active participation of local communities is essential to preserve and present it authentically. The younger generation is increasingly promoting local cuisine and contemporary expressions of traditional textiles and attire. With increased hospitality investment, stronger community participation, better promotion and coordinated efforts, Jharkhand can emerge as one of India’s most interesting and unique tourism destinations.
Gagan Sarangi
Chairman, IATO Odisha Chapter
Odisha has a highly distinctive tourism proposition combining heritage, spirituality, wildlife, tribal culture, beaches, cuisine and handicrafts. Puri, Konark, Buddhist heritage sites, Chilika, Similipal, Bhitarkanika and the tribal belt of Odisha offer strong opportunities for international cultural, spiritual, wildlife and experiential tourism. With the addition of new national and international hotel chains, Odisha is also emerging as a preferred destination for conferences, corporate events and incentive travel. Tribal, wellness, eco and culinary tourism offer further growth opportunities. To unlock this potential, Odisha needs better air and last-mile connectivity, quality infrastructure, trained multilingual guides and sustained international marketing. There is also an urgent need for more 3-star and clean, comfortable tourist accommodation, particularly in rural and interior destinations.
India’s priority should be a coordinated national strategy to make the entire visitor journey seamless and competitive—from visa facilitation and air connectivity to transport, safety, hygiene, digital information and service quality. We must also identify and develop new emerging source markets. India has no shortage of attractions; the opportunity is to make the country easier to reach, easier to travel through and easier to recommend. A stronger focus on connectivity, service quality and consistent promotion will help India accelerate inbound growth and improve its global competitiveness.
Debjit Dutta
Chairman, IATO West Bengal Chapter
West Bengal’s greatest strength is its extraordinary geographical and cultural diversity. I see the ‘Mountains to Mangroves’ journey as a powerful storytelling platform—from the Himalayas and tea gardens to forests, heritage, rivers, coastline and the Sundarbans. But the real differentiator is the people behind these landscapes: Bengal’s hospitality, creativity, craftsmanship, cuisine and living culture can transform a visit into an emotional connection. To unlock this potential, the state is coming up with stronger destination branding, international connectivity, market-specific products, better last-mile infrastructure and greater participation of local communities. These elements can help create distinctive experiences that encourage international travellers to explore beyond conventional circuits.
India needs to make Responsible Tourism a mainstream operating principle, not simply a destination philosophy. We need to localise tourism supply chains, strengthen community homestays, build local skills and encourage climate-positive practices, including credible carbon-offset mechanisms. Initiatives such as the IATO Responsible Tourism Mission 2027 can help convert this philosophy into measurable action across the industry. The future traveller is increasingly seeking authenticity, purpose and meaningful connection—and India is uniquely placed to deliver all three through its people, communities, culture and extraordinary diversity.
Dr. Peter Lobo
Chairman, IATO Sikkim and North Bengal Chapter
North Bengal and Sikkim offer exceptional opportunities in birdwatching, wildlife, trekking, adventure, wellness, culture and experiential tourism. Birdwatching in particular has immense potential, given the region’s extraordinary biodiversity and proximity to the wider Northeast. We need to develop more specialised tourism products, strengthen connectivity and infrastructure, train local guides, improve ease of permits and access, and promote the region aggressively in international markets. Greater collaboration between governments and the private sector is essential to position North Bengal–Sikkim as a gateway to Northeast India and encourage international travellers to explore the region’s diverse natural and cultural experiences.
India needs to make inbound travel simpler and more predictable. Streamlining visas and permits, improving connectivity, strengthening tourism infrastructure and ensuring seamless digital processes will significantly improve the visitor experience. Equally important is a focused international marketing strategy that promotes India beyond conventional circuits and showcases its diverse, authentic and sustainable experiences. A coordinated approach that combines easier travel, better infrastructure and stronger global promotion can help India attract more international travellers and improve its competitiveness as a global tourism destination.
Namgyal P. Sherpa
Co-Chairman, IATO Sikkim Chapter
From the Sikkim Chapter’s perspective, the region has immense potential to attract international travellers through its spectacular Himalayan landscapes, rich Buddhist heritage and diverse cultures and traditions. Sikkim offers authentic experiences in nature and adventure tourism, spirituality, culture, villages and community-based travel. The key priority is to position Sikkim as a distinctive international destination through stronger global marketing and digital promotion. At the same time, sustainable and eco-friendly tourism development is essential to protect the fragile Himalayan environment. Responsible tourism, community participation, waste management and conservation of natural and cultural resources should remain central to tourism development.
The most important intervention India needs today is stronger and more coordinated international destination marketing, supported by easier travel facilitation and improved connectivity. Simplifying visa and permit procedures, improving last-mile connectivity, upgrading tourist infrastructure and ensuring seamless travel experiences will further strengthen India’s global competitiveness. Sustainable and responsible tourism must remain a priority to protect our natural and cultural heritage. A coordinated approach among the Central and State Governments, tourism boards, airlines, travel trade and local communities can help position India as a more accessible, diverse, sustainable and globally competitive destination.
H Radhakrishna Sharma
State In-Charge, IATO Manipur
Manipur’s greatest international tourism strengths are its unique living culture, Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park, Sangai deer, Sirui Hills, Manipuri polo, Ima Keithel, heritage, handloom and handicrafts, cuisine, festivals and indigenous community experiences. Emerging opportunities also exist in eco-tourism, adventure, wellness, World War II/INA heritage and cross-border tourism through Moreh. To unlock this potential, Manipur needs better connectivity and tourist infrastructure, quality accommodation and amenities, trained guides and hospitality professionals, easier access and permits for international visitors, stronger digital and international marketing, community participation and greater private-sector involvement. IATO can play an important role in connecting Manipur with international tour operators and positioning the state as an authentic, high-value, experience-driven destination.
India’s most important tourism intervention should be to create a seamless and globally competitive visitor journey—from simple and faster visa processing and improved international air connectivity to efficient airport services, easy domestic travel, quality infrastructure, cleanliness, safety, digital information and world-class hospitality. India already has extraordinary cultural, natural, spiritual, wellness and adventure assets; the priority should be to remove the friction that prevents international visitors from accessing them easily. A coordinated national approach involving key Ministries, State Governments and the private sector can increase tourist arrivals, length of stay and visitor spending.
Ranga Reddy
Chairman, IATO Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Chapter
Andhra Pradesh offers a fascinating mix of Buddhist heritage, coastline, culture and nature, much of which remains underexplored by international travellers. Destinations such as Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda, Guntupalli, Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, Bojjannakonda and Salihundam have the potential to become an important part of India’s Buddhist tourism circuit. The key is to develop them as well-connected, experience-led and bookable circuits rather than as standalone monuments. Better last-mile connectivity, visitor facilities, trained guides, quality food options and professional interpretation, supported by focused international promotion, are essential. FAM tours for overseas Buddhist and specialist tour operators can also help convert interest into business.
In my view, India’s biggest opportunity is to make the overall visitor experience simpler and more seamless. Great attractions alone are not enough. International travellers look for reliable connectivity, clean and well-maintained facilities, clear information, professional services and easy booking. A stronger partnership between government and the travel trade, with greater emphasis on destination management and developing market-ready tourism products, can help India become more competitive and encourage international visitors to explore destinations beyond the traditional circuits.
Mahalingaiah
Chairman, IATO Karnataka Chapter
Karnataka has great potential to attract more international tourists. Our World Heritage and important heritage sites, including Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Belur and Halebeedu, need to be marketed aggressively by the State Tourism Department and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. At the same time, the state needs to work on improving visitor experiences at each monument, strengthening connectivity and encouraging investors to develop more hotels and resorts. Better interpretation, infrastructure and tourism facilities around these destinations can help Karnataka present its heritage more effectively to international travellers and encourage longer stays.
The Ministry of Tourism should work closely with states and stakeholders to market India aggressively and consistently. On-and-off marketing is not going to deliver results. States should be encouraged and supported to undertake sustained promotion, with Indian High Commissions playing a stronger role in organising roadshows and educating outbound tour operators in key feeder markets such as the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea. Consistent global outreach, backed by strong state participation and trade engagement, is essential to strengthen India’s visibility and inbound tourism competitiveness.
Mohammad H Jadwet
Chairman, IATO Andaman & Nicobar Chapter
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands offer India one of its most distinctive international tourism products—pristine beaches, world-class diving, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, island-hopping, water sports, heritage and a strong nature-based experience. Significant opportunities exist in premium eco-tourism, diving, game fishing, yachting, wellness, adventure and small-scale sustainable resorts. Unlocking this potential requires better and more affordable air connectivity, direct international access, simplified entry formalities, stronger destination marketing, quality infrastructure and a predictable tourism policy that encourages responsible private investment. These interventions can help position the islands as a premium and sustainable international destination while protecting their fragile natural environment.
India must make international travel to the country significantly easier, more competitive and better connected. Liberalised air access, seamless e-visas, competitive aviation costs and sustained global destination marketing are critical. India should also market its diverse regions individually while creating seamless multi-destination itineraries that encourage international visitors to stay longer and explore beyond the traditional gateways. A combination of easier access, stronger connectivity and consistent promotion can significantly improve India’s competitiveness and help spread inbound tourism benefits across a wider range of destinations.
Nasir Shah
Chairman, IATO Jammu & Kashmir Chapter
Jammu & Kashmir, particularly Kashmir, has historically been a major destination for foreign travellers, especially from English-speaking countries. Its USP has always been the blend of heritage and adventure experiences. With the coming years looking optimistic for inbound tourism, Kashmir can showcase traditional houseboats, Himalayan trekking, food, culture and crafts, along with emerging opportunities in fishing, river rafting, paragliding, homestays, heritage walks and unexplored regions. Tribal areas such as Sangerwani and Pir Ki Gali also offer opportunities for visitors to experience the lives, cuisine and handicrafts of Bakarwal and Gujjar communities. At the same time, our emphasis must remain on sustaining destinations and balancing ecology with the growing tourism footprint.
Inbound tourism has not grown at the same pace as domestic tourism over the last 35 years, though foreign arrivals have increased significantly from the levels seen in 1999. Inbound tour operators and houseboat owners continue to promote Kashmir, but stronger government-led international promotion is essential. The Ministry of Tourism and J&K Tourism should showcase Kashmir more aggressively at major international travel marts and organise focused roadshows in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with professional tour operators playing a central role. Sustained promotion and easing of travel advisories can further strengthen foreign tourist arrivals.
Sunil Singh Rana
Chairman, IATO Uttarakhand Chapter
Uttarakhand has the potential to offer international travellers much more than its traditional pilgrimage tourism image. The strongest opportunities lie in spiritual and wellness tourism, Himalayan and nature-based experiences, wildlife, adventure, trekking, yoga and meditation, village and community-based tourism, cultural experiences and sustainable experiential travel. Emerging products such as Manaskhand, lesser-known Himalayan villages, heritage and cultural trails, astro-tourism, river experiences and immersive local experiences can diversify tourism beyond established circuits. To unlock this potential, we need stronger international destination marketing, better connectivity and last-mile infrastructure, quality accommodation, trained multilingual guides, stronger digital visibility and professionally packaged experiences. Simplifying permits and improving coordination among government agencies will also make Uttarakhand more accessible to international tour operators.
India’s most important intervention is to make travel simpler, more seamless and more globally marketable. We need simplified visa and permit processes, better international and domestic connectivity, seamless digital information, improved tourist infrastructure and faster coordination between central and state agencies. India should also invest strategically in international destination marketing and promote experiences such as culture, spirituality, wellness, wildlife, cuisine, festivals, rural life, nature and adventure to specific markets. The private sector and inbound tour operators must be treated as strategic partners in destination development and international promotion.
Mahendra Singh
Co-Chairman, IATO Rajasthan Chapter
Rajasthan offers an exceptional blend of heritage, culture, spirituality, wildlife and experiential tourism. Beyond the iconic Golden Triangle, international travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences such as heritage stays, village tourism, culinary journeys, handicrafts, festivals, spiritual circuits, desert experiences and wildlife in destinations like Ranthambore and Jawai. Rajasthan also has significant potential in wellness, luxury travel, weddings, MICE and slow travel. To unlock this potential, we need stronger air connectivity, improved last-mile infrastructure, better destination management, multilingual interpretation and greater international promotion of lesser-known destinations. Developing curated experiential circuits and promoting responsible and sustainable tourism will encourage longer stays and higher visitor spending.
India needs a coordinated national strategy for inbound tourism, with ease of travel and connectivity at its core. Simplifying visa processes, improving international and regional air connectivity, upgrading tourism infrastructure and creating a stronger, consistent global marketing campaign are essential. India must position itself not merely as a sightseeing destination, but as a destination for transformative experiences—culture, spirituality, wellness, luxury, nature and authentic local engagement. A sustained approach combining easier access, stronger destination development and focused international marketing can significantly improve India’s competitiveness and help attract more high-value international travellers.
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