Celebrating World Tourism Day 2024

Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at IHCL

On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2024, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Through its industry leading ESG+ framework of Paathya, IHCL endeavours to foster inclusion and strengthen local economies. Emphasizing the importance of tourism in building a more sustainable and inclusive future, Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at IHCL, said, “Through our ESG+ framework, Paathya, IHCL is committed to contributing to society with an integrated approach that fosters sustainable growth and positive impact. We believe that embedding ESG at the core of our operations will help us navigate today’s challenges and seize the promising opportunities ahead.”

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head of Holidays, MICE, and Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited

“On this World Tourism Day, we celebrate India’s extraordinary journey toward becoming a global travel powerhouse. With an anticipated growth rate of 9.6% in the travel sector by 2028, India is poised to welcome 30.5 million international visitors annually by 2030. Our rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and rapidly evolving infrastructure are not just attractions; they are the keys to transformative travel experiences. As Indian travelers shift toward longer, more meaningful vacations, we at Thomas Cook have redefined what travel means to the consumer. By embracing trends like experiential travel, spiritual tourism, adventure and luxury travel for both Leisure and Corporate holidays, we continue to curate unforgettable journeys that resonate deeply with the spirit of India. Moreover, prioritizing sustainable tourism practices is essential—not only to safeguard our environment but also to uplift local communities. Together, we can enhance the tourism experience, positioning India as a beacon of cultural exchange and economic growth on the global stage. Let us harness this moment to inspire a world where travel fosters understanding, peace, and lasting connections.”

S.D. Nandakumar, President and Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited

“As we embrace the theme for World Tourism Day—Tourism and Peace, highlighting the transformative power of travel as a force for harmony and understanding. Tourism acts as a bridge, fostering connections that transcend borders and cultures. By celebrating the rich tapestry of our heritage, we cultivate empathy and respect, paving the way for a more peaceful future. In India, we are witnessing a remarkable evolution in tourism, not only from metro cities but also from smaller yet undiscovered regional circuits – thus making them truly hidden gems. The rise of solo travel, particularly among women, reflects a shift toward personalized, authentic experiences and deeper connections with our diverse landscapes. As disposable incomes rise and awareness of our cultural heritage grows, travelers are increasingly investing in unique experiences, wellness retreats, and sustainable tourism options. This shift not only enhances our economy but also nurtures a spirit of unity and collaboration. Let us pledge this World Tourism Day to make every journey a step toward building bridges of understanding. Together, we can solidify India’s position as a premier travel destination and contribute to a legacy of global harmony, ensuring that every traveler plays a part in fostering peace and connection for generations to come.”

Aman preet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan

On World Tourism Day this year, Airbnb reveals trending travel destinations among Indian travelers for the upcoming festive and autumn season (September-November), showcasing a blend of trending domestic and international destinations captivating Indian travelers. This year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Peace,” emphasizes the vital role travel plays in fostering peace and understanding between cultures and nations, particularly relevant as Indians explore diverse landscapes and experiences. 

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, commented on the trends, “The festive and autumn season presents a unique opportunity for Indian travelers to explore both domestic and international destinations. We’re seeing an exciting trend in travel patterns, with more Indians seeking unique travel experiences in culturally rich cities or enjoying the serene beauty of international landscapes especially during the autumn season. This trend not only boosts tourism but also promotes cultural exchange, aligning perfectly with this year’s World Tourism Day theme.”

Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services

 “India’s rich culture, diverse religions, and varied landscapes position it as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts an annual GDP growth of 7.1% for India’s travel and tourism sector over the next decade. This industry significantly impacts the economy, contributing approximately $199.6 billion to the GDP. In the Union Budget 2024, the government allocated ₹2,479 crore for tourism in FY25 which will further give a push to the sector.

 The tourism sector has a strong multiplier effect as each direct job in this field is expected to generate multiple indirect jobs. With this growth, we anticipate that by the end of 2024, the sector will create approximately 39.5 million jobs, rising to 42.3 million jobs by 2025. Direct employment will account for 31% of these roles, including positions like tour guides, hotel staff, and tour operators. Meanwhile, indirect employment will make up 69%, with jobs in areas such as local artisans, logistics and transport operators, supply chain workers, IT support for online booking, data analysis, and landscape maintenance.

Emerging tourism trends highlight a growing interest in adventure and wellness tourism, along with culinary tourism, as travelers seek to experience local flavors. Spiritual tourism remains a major draw, attracting both domestic and international visitors to cities such as Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Bodh Gaya. Additionally, India ranks 10th globally on the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) for 2020-2021 and is expected to rise in the coming years, leading to projected increases in the number of nurses by 12%, doctors by 10%, and other healthcare staff by 15%.

Another significant trend is the growth of the backpacker hostel market which caters to young travelers seeking budget-friendly and socializing options. This segment will create opportunities for hostel managers, event coordinators, and digital marketers, contributing an additional 5% to overall employment in tourism. The demand for unique and sustainable travel experiences is also increasing, with heritage hotels, homestays, and eco-friendly properties becoming more popular. Lesser-known destinations are benefiting from this shift as travelers seek more authentic and environmentally responsible experiences. Additionally, the rise of workcations and weekend getaways is gaining traction among professionals, blending work and leisure. With flexible work arrangements, people are choosing scenic settings to rejuvenate, which enhances both creativity and productivity.”

 Rikant, Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip

“On this World Tourism Day, we celebrate the transformative power of travel in shaping economies, cultures, and connections worldwide. Travel enriches lives, broadens perspectives, and fosters understanding, playing a crucial role in building global harmony.

With 76% of travelers seeking more sustainable options, the shift toward eco-friendly travel is becoming increasingly important. Initiatives like electric transportation and responsible tourism are key to reducing carbon emissions, improving connectivity, and offering travelers more environmentally conscious choices. Sustainability is now a core focus for the future of tourism.

In addition to environmental considerations, medical tourism is gaining importance as a way to connect patients with high-quality healthcare services while supporting local tourism. As access to affordable healthcare becomes a priority, medical tourism offers a new dimension to global travel, contributing to both personal well-being and the local economy.

As travel continues to evolve, it remains a powerful tool for positive change, fostering understanding between cultures and communities while promoting environmental and social responsibility.”

Anupam Vig, General Manager of Finnair in India

 “On World Tourism Day, we are reminded of the significant role tourism plays in creating jobs and promoting cultural exchange. Tourism offers communities the opportunity to share their unique stories, traditions, and landscapes, fostering understanding and connection between diverse cultures and societies.

However, we must also recognize that aviation emissions contribute to climate change. To continue enjoying the social and economic benefits that flying brings, we need to reduce the fossil carbon emissions from our operations. At Finnair, our vision for the future is clear: to accelerate aviation’s transition away from fossil fuels. This year, our contribution to solving the climate challenge of aviation took an important step forward as we submitted our new climate target for validation to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

We believe that responsible tourism not only drives economic growth but also strengthens local communities and preserves the rich heritage we all share. By encouraging respectful travel and cultural exchange, we can contribute to a more connected and understanding world.”