Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Government of India, attended the official franchise launch of the Indian Golf Premier League in New Delhi. The event marks a significant step towards positioning India as an emerging global hub for golf tourism and sports-led destination development, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen niche tourism segments.
The launch of IGPL assumes particular significance in view of its landmark commitment to mobilise an investment of USD 2 billion towards the development of world-class golf tourism infrastructure across the country. The initiative aims to promote India as a premium golf tourism destination by integrating sports, tourism, and infrastructure development, while attracting high-value international tourists and investments. It is also expected to expand tourism opportunities into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and create a sustainable ecosystem combining sporting excellence with hospitality and economic growth.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister stated that the Indian Golf Premier League’s commitment to bring USD 2 billion of investment into golf tourism infrastructure is not merely a sporting initiative—it is a strategic investment in Brand India. Golf tourism globally attracts high-value visitors and drives long-term economic growth. India has the potential to emerge as a leading destination in this segment, and initiatives such as IGPL will play a catalytic role in achieving this vision, he added.
He further emphasised that Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 calls for development of world-class infrastructure that attracts global investment and generates employment. The integration of sports, tourism, and hospitality through initiatives like IGPL represents a forward-looking approach that will strengthen India’s position in the global tourism landscape.
Golf tourism is globally recognised as a high-value niche segment, attracting affluent travellers with higher spending capacity and longer stays, while contributing significantly to economic activity through hospitality, real estate, and allied sectors. With its diverse landscapes, favourable climate, and expanding infrastructure, India is well positioned to emerge as a competitive golf tourism destination.
The IGPL initiative envisages development of integrated golf tourism destinations, modern facilities in emerging cities, and strengthening of hospitality and MICE infrastructure. These efforts are expected to generate employment, boost local economies, and enhance India’s global tourism competitiveness.
The Ministry of Tourism is actively promoting niche tourism segments, including golf tourism, through thematic circuits, targeted international promotion under the Incredible India campaign, participation in global travel marts, and strengthened digital outreach through the Incredible India Digital Platform. The Ministry works closely with State Governments, industry stakeholders, and international partners to develop and promote high-value tourism products and will explore synergies with IGPL to further strengthen golf tourism circuits and infrastructure development across the country. The Ministry of Tourism remains committed to facilitating investments and initiatives that enhance India’s tourism infrastructure and global positioning.
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