IHMs, ITDC and tourism stakeholders join nationwide celebrations as India strengthens its position as a global wellness tourism destination

Key Highlights

• Ministry of Tourism celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 with events across India.
• Union Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat led a yoga session at Shantikshetra Ashram, Karjat, Maharashtra.
• Ministry, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and SCOPE organised a major yoga event at The Ashok, New Delhi.
• More than 150 participants from over 10 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) attended the event.
• This year’s global theme was “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
• Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) nationwide organised yoga sessions for students, faculty and hospitality professionals.

Tourism Ministry Promotes Wellness Across India’s Hospitality Sector on International Day of Yoga

New Delhi, June 21, 2026: Reinforcing India’s vision of becoming a global wellness tourism destination, the Ministry of Tourism celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 through a series of nationwide events involving tourism institutions, hospitality professionals, students and public sector organisations.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat participated in a yoga session at Shantikshetra Ashram in Karjat, Maharashtra, where he highlighted yoga’s role in improving individual well-being and strengthening society.

“Yoga enables us to serve society and the nation with our fullest potential by keeping both body and mind healthy,” the Minister said.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), organised a special International Day of Yoga programme at The Ashok. The session, conducted by instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), brought together more than 150 representatives from over 10 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), along with senior officials from the tourism and public enterprise sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar described yoga as India’s enduring contribution to global well-being.

“Yoga is India’s timeless gift to the world, promoting harmony between mind, body and spirit. The theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ encourages healthier and more fulfilling lives while inspiring stronger communities,” he said.

Highlighting ITDC’s continued focus on employee wellness, Managing Director Mugdha Sinha said the organisation has strengthened its whole-of-CPSE approach for the second consecutive year, encouraging public sector enterprises to embrace healthier lifestyles and workplace wellness.

The celebrations also extended to Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) across the country, where students, faculty members and staff participated in yoga sessions and awareness programmes aimed at integrating wellness into hospitality education and professional life.

Hospitality & Tourism Impact

The Ministry’s nationwide yoga initiative reinforces India’s growing focus on wellness tourism, one of the fastest-expanding segments of the global travel industry. By actively involving IHMs, ITDC and tourism stakeholders, the government is encouraging hospitality professionals to incorporate wellness into guest experiences, employee well-being and hospitality education.

The initiative also supports India’s positioning as the global home of yoga, strengthening destination branding and creating opportunities for wellness retreats, yoga resorts, Ayurveda centres, spiritual tourism, luxury hospitality and experiential travel. As international travellers increasingly seek health-focused vacations, such government-led programmes enhance India’s competitiveness in the global wellness tourism market.

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