As heritage-led destinations increasingly seek structured investment and global market alignment, Varanasi is positioning itself beyond pilgrimage tourism. The successful hosting of the IIA International Tourism & Hospitality Expo–2025 signals a coordinated push to frame Kashi as a globally relevant tourism and hospitality investment destination.
The IIA International Tourism & Hospitality Expo–2025 (ITH–2025) took place on 18 December 2025 at Hotel Taj Ganges, Darbar Hall, Varanasi, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, investors, exhibitors and tourism stakeholders from India and overseas. Organised by the Indian Industries Association (IIA), the event focuses on strengthening tourism-led investment, MSME participation and international collaboration.
Ravindra Kumar Jaiswal, Minister of State, Government of Uttar Pradesh, says, “Kashi’s cultural heritage is giving Indian tourism a global identity. Indian tourism urgently needs comprehensive and strong global promotion so that it can establish an identity comparable to international tourism destinations such as Dubai.”
Highlighting Banarasi weaving and silk, he adds that the city’s artisans, skills and emotional connect have made its products globally recognised, and describes the expo as an initiative that “ignites a new light of development”.
Varanasi’s transformation under focus
Dinesh Goyal, National President, IIA, says, “The IIA Tourism Expo is not just an exhibition, it is a movement for global collaboration.”
He explains that Varanasi is chosen for the international expo due to its emergence as a global tourism hub, supported by infrastructure development, improved connectivity, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and heritage conservation initiatives. He notes that tourist arrivals in Kashi have surpassed Goa in the previous year.
Policy dialogue and investment opportunities
During the Invest UP and State Transformation session, Manoj 
Kumar Singh, IAS (Retd.), CEO, State Transformation Commission, Government of Uttar Pradesh, outlines the state’s development trajectory and acknowledges that several recommendations from previous IIA programmes have been implemented, accelerating growth. He also interacts with exhibitors and appreciates the scale and relevance of the expo.
Platform for tourism value chain
Alok Agrawal, National Senior Vice-President, IIA, states that the expo strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s position on the global tourism map by promoting spiritual, cultural heritage and experiential tourism. He highlights the platform’s role in connecting hotels, resorts, travel operators, cruise players, event managers, F&B brands, logistics and technology providers with investors and global buyers.
R. K. Chaudhary, National Vice-President, IIA, adds that more than 85 exhibitors participate, showcasing tourism and hospitality-linked products and solutions, while emphasising Uttar Pradesh’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination.
Looking ahead
Concluding the programme, Deepak Kumar Bajaj, National General Secretary, IIA, outlines the expo’s objectives, including investment facilitation, MSME support, technology integration and policy consultation, positioning the initiative as IIA’s contribution towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
