India inaugurated its pavilion at ITB Berlin as the global travel trade show marked its 60th anniversary, with Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat positioning tourism as a central driver of India’s economic growth.
Addressing delegates, Shekhawat said India’s scale and diversity give it a unique edge in global tourism. “From the snow-clad Himalayas to the serene beaches of Kerala, from the eternal city of Varanasi to the cultural legacy of Rajasthan, from wellness tourism in the south to cutting-edge MICE destinations, India has everything a tourist can desire,” he stated.
He underlined that infrastructure expansion under the leadership of PM Modi has significantly strengthened tourism performance. “Tourism has become one of the drivers of India’s economy and growth trajectory,” he said, noting the sharp rise in airport connectivity and the development of a digital stack aimed at delivering seamless travel experiences.
India’s foreign tourist arrivals last year returning to pre-pandemic levels. Outbound travel crossed 30 million, while domestic tourism surged beyond three billion visits, reflecting robust internal demand.
Highlighting Germany as a key source market, officials noted that German travellers typically stay longer and show strong interest in yoga, Ayurveda and wellness tourism. With an ageing population and growing appetite for immersive travel, India sees strong potential in expanding its wellness and cultural offerings for the German market.
Calling the pavilion inauguration “an invitation to tourists from Germany and across the world”, Shekhawat added that in a turbulent global environment, India’s message of peace and compassion holds renewed relevance.
The India Pavilion brings together multiple states and industry stakeholders, reinforcing the country’s coordinated push to strengthen inbound flows and deepen bilateral tourism ties.
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.
