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TRAVEL & TOURISM AUGUST 07, 2026 | The Indian Eye 42

India’s Tourism Sector Adds Vande Bharat Trains

$263.6 Billion to Economy to Boost Vaishno
Devi Pilgrimage

ndia’s travel and tourism sector ilgrims travelling to the Shri
contributed $263.6 billion to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine are
Inational economy in 2025, re- Pset to benefit from significant-
inforcing its position as one of the ly improved rail connectivity as In-
country’s fastest-growing industries dian Railways introduces four new
and setting the stage for India to train services, including three Vande
emerge among the world’s top four Bharat Express trains. The move is
tourism economies, according to the expected to reduce travel time, im-
latest Economic Impact Research re- prove passenger convenience, and
leased by the World Travel & Tourism strengthen connectivity between
Council (WTTC). Jammu and Kashmir and major cities
The report said the sector grew across northern India.
by 7.3% in 2025, significantly out- Among the newly announced
pacing the global average growth services are three Vande Bharat Ex-
rate of 4.1%. Travel and tourism now press trains designed to provide fast-
account for 6.6% of India’s Gross er and more comfortable travel for
Domestic Product (GDP) while sup- devotees. The expansion comes as
porting 46.2 million jobs, equivalent the government continues to invest
to more than one in every ten jobs in modernising railway infrastructure
across the country. and promoting religious tourism.
WTTC attributed the industry’s The enhanced network is expected to
strong performance to India’s robust ease congestion during peak pilgrim-
domestic travel market, continued age seasons while offering travellers
investment in transport and tourism tional growth and employment. The remains the primary growth engine, quicker access to Katra, the base
infrastructure, and a diverse range of organisation believes sustained in- WTTC noted that increasing foreign camp for the Vaishno Devi shrine.
destinations that encourage visitors vestment in connectivity, digital inno- tourist arrivals and spending will be According to railway officials,
to stay longer. The council said these vation, destination management and essential for India to climb further in the additional trains will improve
factors have positioned India among workforce development will be crit- the global tourism rankings. regional connectivity and support
the world’s most promising tourism ical to maintaining this momentum. Industry experts say the latest the growing number of pilgrims vis-
markets. The findings also underscore In- figures reflect tourism’s expand- iting one of India’s most revered reli-
Looking ahead, WTTC forecasts dia’s long-term ambition to become ing role as a key driver of economic gious destinations. The introduction
that India’s tourism economy will one of the world’s leading travel des- growth, employment generation and of modern semi-high-speed trains
continue to outperform the broad- tinations by unlocking greater inter- infrastructure development, with the reflects Indian Railways’ broader
er economy in 2026, with sectoral national visitor demand alongside sector expected to remain one of In- strategy of expanding premium rail
GDP expected to expand by 8.5%, its already thriving domestic tour- dia’s strongest-performing industries services across the country and im-
strengthening its contribution to na- ism market. While domestic travel over the coming decade. proving last-mile access to important
pilgrimage centres.
The new services are also expect-
Air India, Tourism Ministry to Boost India’s Tourism Appeal ed to provide an economic boost to
the region by encouraging tourism,
increasing footfall at local businesses,
ir India has entered into a outreach. The partnership seeks to motional campaigns, co-branded and creating better travel options for
strategic partnership with the leverage Air India’s expanding do- destination marketing and tourism residents. Improved rail connectivity
AMinistry of Tourism to jointly mestic and international network to storytelling across digital and offline is likely to benefit not only pilgrims but
promote India as a preferred global attract more foreign visitors while platforms. The collaboration will also leisure travellers exploring Jam-
tourism destination, marking the first positioning India as a major aviation also focus on promoting stopover mu and Kashmir’s scenic attractions.
such collaboration between the na- and transit hub. tourism, enhancing visitor engage- The announcement has been
tional carrier and the ministry. Union Minister for Tourism and ment and exploring initiatives such welcomed by devotees and tourism
The initiative aims to strengthen Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as a Visit India Pass to encourage in- stakeholders, who believe the ad-
the country’s global tourism profile said the collaboration would give a ternational travellers to extend their ditional trains will make travel to
through coordinated marketing cam- fresh impetus to Indian tourism by stay in the country. Vaishno Devi faster, safer, and more
paigns, destination promotion and combining the airline’s global con- Air India said the partnership re- comfortable. With the inclusion of
improved visitor experiences under nectivity with the country’s diverse flects its commitment to showcasing multiple Vande Bharat services, pas-
the Incredible India brand. cultural, heritage and natural attrac- India to the world while supporting sengers can expect reduced journey
The Memorandum of Under- tions. He noted that the initiative the government’s efforts to boost in- times, modern onboard amenities,
standing (MoU), signed in New Delhi would support seamless travel expe- bound tourism. The airline will use and enhanced travel experiences, re-
on Monday, establishes a framework riences and strengthen India’s visibil- its extensive international route net- inforcing Indian Railways’ commit-
for collaboration across internation- ity in key international markets. work to promote Indian destinations ment to expanding high-speed con-
al tourism marketing, trade engage- Under the agreement, both and strengthen the country’s position nectivity while supporting spiritual
ment, transit tourism and traveller partners will undertake joint pro- in the global travel market. tourism in the country.

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