India's tourism industry leaders are urging significant policy adjustments and visa reforms to transform the nation into a globally competitive travel destination. Speaking at the India Today FAITH Tourism Conclave 2026, a panel of experts highlighted ongoing "missing links" that prevent India from fully leveraging its vast tourism potential.
Addressing Policy Bottlenecks and Seasonality
The "Seamless Tourism" panel discussion underscored that despite India's world-class tourism assets, the country struggles to attract international visitors due to persistent policy bottlenecks, pronounced seasonality, and gaps in the overall travel ecosystem.
Vikram Lalvani, Chairman of the All India Resort Development Association (AIRDA), emphasized that India possesses diverse destinations, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage. However, he argued for positioning India as a year-round destination, moving beyond reliance on seasonal demand. Lalvani suggested creating compelling experiences that incentivize off-season travel and stressed the private sector's crucial role in crafting these narratives, complementing government campaigns.
Tailored Strategies for Inbound and Domestic Tourism
Shatunjai Singh, Executive Committee Member of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), advocated for distinct strategies for international and domestic tourism. He noted that inbound tourism requires stronger demand generation and simplified visa policies. In contrast, domestic travel can be boosted by offering differentiated experiences outside peak seasons. Singh cited examples like summer tiger sightings in Rajasthan and monsoon travel as unique attractions that can draw visitors year-round, provided there is greater awareness.
Operational Hurdles for Transport and Driver Welfare
Satish Sehrawat, President of the Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA), brought attention to the operational challenges faced by transport operators. He pointed to frequent policy changes that create uncertainty within the sector. Sehrawat also highlighted the critical need for improved welfare measures for chauffeurs, including proper accommodation and rest facilities at hotels, stressing that driver well-being directly impacts passenger safety on long journeys. He further flagged policy inconsistencies, such as speed restrictions on commercial luxury tourist vehicles that do not apply to private vehicles of the same class.
Towards a Seamless Travel Ecosystem
The panel concluded that while India has made commendable progress in developing highways, hotels, and hospitality infrastructure, crucial "missing links" in policy, connectivity, and visitor experience persist. The experts called for a coordinated effort between the government and the private sector to establish a truly seamless travel ecosystem, capable of attracting more international visitors and strengthening domestic tourism.