About Ministry of Tourism - Government of India
The Ministry of Tourism is the Government of India's main body for tourism policy. It plans national tourism programmes, works with state governments and the private sector, and promotes India to visitors at home and abroad under the Incredible India brand. This page explains how the ministry is organised, what it does and which bodies work under it.
Who heads the ministry
The ministry is led by a Union Minister. Since June 2024, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has been Union Minister of Tourism and Culture. The Secretary (Tourism) is the senior civil servant. The office of the Director General of Tourism has been merged with the Secretary's office, so the Secretary also directs the field work.
Main roles and functions
- Policy: national tourism policy and development plans.
- Coordination: linking the work of central ministries, states, union territories and industry.
- Incentives and investment: guidelines and support for hotels, tour operators and new projects.
- Promotion and marketing: the Incredible India campaigns, fairs and digital promotion.
- Manpower: training for hotel, travel and guide professionals.
- Standards: approval and classification of hotels, tour operators and travel agents.
- External help: working with international bodies on tourism projects.
Offices and bodies under the ministry
India Tourism offices
The ministry runs about 20 India Tourism offices within the country. They give information to travellers, train guides and keep track of projects in their regions. The ministry once had offices abroad, but it wound them up by March 2023 and now promotes India through embassies and digital channels.
Public sector undertaking
India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC): runs the Ashok group of hotels, duty-free shops and tourism services.
Training and skill institutes
- Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM): courses in travel and tourism management.
- National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa: training in water sports and safety.
- National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT): the body behind the Institutes of Hotel Management across India.
- Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM), Gulmarg: ski and mountain courses in Jammu and Kashmir.
Key schemes and services
- Swadesh Darshan: funds for theme-based tourist circuits and destinations.
- PRASHAD: support for pilgrimage and heritage sites.
- Incredible India website: the official travel guide for India.
- Tourist helpline 1363: a 24x7 multilingual helpline for travellers in India.
How travellers can use the ministry's services
Most travellers deal with the ministry indirectly. Use the Incredible India website for trip ideas and official information, call the 1363 helpline in an emergency, and look for ministry-approved tour operators and guides when you book. Foreign visitors can also get help from the India Tourism office in the city they arrive in.
How the ministry works with the states
Tourism on the ground is mostly handled by state tourism departments and corporations. The ministry funds projects, sets standards and runs national campaigns, while states run hotels, tours and local promotion. You can read about individual states in our guides to Telangana Tourism, Kerala Tourism, Delhi Tourism and Tamilnadu Tourism.
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Many travellers now use the Bharat Gaurav tourist trains, a railway scheme for themed tours. GoldBox Holidays helps with Bharat Gaurav train package booking and a range of South India tour packages.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the tourism minister of India?
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has been Union Minister of Tourism and Culture since June 2024.
What is the role of the Ministry of Tourism?
It sets national tourism policy, coordinates with states and industry, promotes India under the Incredible India brand and supports training and investment.
Does the ministry run hotels?
Not directly. Its company, ITDC, runs the Ashok group of hotels.
Is there a tourist helpline in India?
Yes. The ministry's tourist helpline 1363 works round the clock in several languages.
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