AIRDA Calls for Destination-Led Tourism Growth

Destination-Led Tourism Growth Can Strengthen India’s Regional Economy, Says AIRDA

Vikram Lalvani, Chairman of the All India Resort Development Association (AIRDA), has called for a more integrated tourism ecosystem that brings together policy, infrastructure, hospitality investment, consumer confidence and destination development.

Speaking during the FAITH Tourism Conclave 2026 panel discussion, “Building a Seamless Tourism Ecosystem for India,” Lalvani said domestic leisure tourism should be recognised as an important contributor to regional economic development. The conclave, held in New Delhi on 16–17 July, focused on the theme “Incredible India: Invaluable Economics.”

With India recording nearly 2.95 billion domestic tourist visits in 2024, Lalvani said domestic leisure tourism has the potential to direct investment, employment and consumer spending towards regional and non-metro destinations.

He also highlighted the need for destination-specific policies, noting that wildlife, wellness, pilgrimage, heritage and remote resort destinations have different infrastructure, environmental and operational requirements. He said the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme, with 53 sanctioned projects worth ₹2,208.31 crore, reflects a destination-focused approach to tourism development.

Lalvani said tourism growth cannot rely solely on increasing hotel room supply. He noted that vacation ownership helps create recurring visitor demand, supports investment in emerging destinations and contributes to stable regional employment.

He added that tourism policies should move beyond property-level support and focus on destination planning. Improved last-mile connectivity, faster approvals, sustainability-linked incentives and stronger public-private partnerships, he said, can help develop new leisure destinations while supporting local businesses, employment and private investment.

AIRDA represents India’s vacation ownership, resort development, and mixed-use resort hospitality sector, working with government bodies, hospitality companies, and travel industry stakeholders to support policy development, consumer confidence, and sustainable tourism growth. The association represents more than five lakh vacation ownership member households across 20 member organisations.

The FAITH Tourism Conclave 2026 brought together policymakers, tourism associations, hospitality leaders and state tourism representatives to discuss tourism’s role in economic growth, employment and regional development.

For more travel and tourism content, follow Safari India.