NEW DELHI, JULY 6, 2026: As India accelerates its ambition to become one of the world’s leading tourism economies, the *Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH)* will bring together the country’s foremost policymakers, global tourism leaders and industry captains at the *FAITH Conclave 2026* on July 16-17, 2026 in *New Delhi*. Under the theme *“Incredible India: Invaluable Economics,”* the conclave will focus on strategies to accelerate tourism-led economic growth and unlock the potential of India’s tourism sector.

The Conclave’s agenda is designed to address the key pillars of India’s tourism ecosystem and will focus on key priorities for India’s tourism sector, including *year-round leisure tourism, aviation-led growth, hospitality competitiveness, frontier tourism and sustainable tourism development*.

The Conclave will be inaugurated by *Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat*. The inaugural session will also feature addresses by the *Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Mr Taranjit Singh Sandhu* and *Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K, Mr Omar Abdullah*, reflecting the growing recognition of tourism as a key sector in India’s economy. A highlight of the conclave will be the keynotke address by *Ms. Gloria Guevara, CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)*.

The Conclave will feature a distinguished *Keynote Address by Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur*, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha). A special Fireside Chat with *Gen. Anil Chauhan PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM*, Former Chief of Defence Staff, will explore the theme *“Unlocking the Strategic Potential of India’s Border Destinations”, Address by Additional Secretary&Director General – Tourism, Government of India – Shri Suman Billa*.

The programme will also include an engaging discussion with *H.E. Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India, on *“Reimagining India’s Inbound Tourism Strategy – Global Learnings,”* and an insightful session with *Dr. Neeraj Kharwal, IAS*, Managing Director, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and *Mr. Hari Kishore IAS*,  Joint Secretary, Min. of Tourism &  Chairman ICPB – India Convention Promotion Bureau on *Strengthening India’s leadership in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector*.

Adding an inspirational dimension to the Conclave will be special sessions featuring acclaimed actor *Mr. Boman Irani* and veteran actor *Mr. Anupam Kher*, along with an engaging session titled *“The Fun Side of Incredible India”* by renowned author, poet and television personality *Mr. Shailesh Lodha*.

The tourism and hospitality industry will be represented by some of India’s most respected business leaders, including *Mr. Puneet Chhatwal*, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL; *Mr. Rajesh Magow*, Co-founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip; *Mr. Zubin Karkaria*, Founder & Group CEO, VFS Global; *Dr. Jyotsna Suri*, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; *Mr. K.B. Kachru*, Chairman Emeritus, Radisson Hotel Group – South Asia; *Mr. Nipun Agarwal*, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India; *Mr. Aloke Singh*, Chief Strategy Officer, IndiGo; *Mr. Kevin Markette*, Senior Director – Regional Sales, South Asia, Lufthansa Group; and senior leaders from several other prominent organisations across the travel, tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

Speaking ahead of the conclave, *Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Chairman, FAITH*, said, “India’s tourism stands at a defining moment. With an extraordinary civilizational heritage, breath-taking natural landscapes and supported by strong government focus on improving infrastructure, it has everything it takes to emerge as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Tourism is a powerful catalyst for employment, entrepreneurship, community development, inclusive economic prosperity and the positioning of *Brand India*.

*He added*, “Through the FAITH Conclave on *‘Incredible India: Invaluable Economics*, we aim to bring together policymakers and industry leaders to foster collaboration, shape a shared vision and identify actionable priorities that can further strengthen India’s position as a leading global tourism destination.”

*About FAITH*

The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) is the apex policy body of India’s tourism, representing the collective voice of the sector. FAITH works closely with government and stakeholders across the tourism ecosystem including airlines, hotels, travel companies, tour operators, investors and policymakers to drive sustainable tourism growth and strengthen India’s position as a leading global destination.