The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced its Global Champion award for Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for his role in promoting and sustaining the country’s tourism sector. The honour was given to the Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for playing a pivotal role in supporting and driving the Indian travel and tourism industry to be competitive and contribute to the country’s economy.
The award was announced at the 26th WTTC Global Summit in Malta on 9th October 2026, which is part of the gathering of more than 1000 delegates, with over 200 travel and tourism CEOs and government officials. The honoree received the accolade in recognition of his leadership, influence, and inspiration in raising India’s profile as a tourism destination and connecting the government with the private sector.
WTTC Recognizes India’s Growth in Tourism Industry
The organization revealed that India has become one of the fastest growing travel and tourism economies in the world due to the rise in middle class consumers, increased disposable income, growing domestic and international visitations, and substantial investment in developing the country’s tourism offerings. The recognition of his work by WTTC shows the significance of ministers’ roles in influencing and working with the private sector to achieve sustainable growth and competitiveness.
According to the WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research, the contribution of tourism to India’s economy was valued at US $263.6 billion to India’s economy in 2025, supporting 46.2 million jobs nationwide. The sector is forecast to grow by a further 8.5% in 2026, reaching an estimated US$ 286.1 billion, while the industry created 48.1 million jobs as of 2026.
Domestic Tourism Fuels India’s Growing Tourism Market
India’s domestic tourism market is one of the country’s primary engines of economic growth. Its appeal is projected to continue growing both regionally and internationally. Domestic tourism revenue hit a record US$203 billion in 2025, representing 86% of total tourism expenditure in the country. India registered more than six billion domestic tourists in its current year, an indicator of the country’s massive tourism market and the significance of domestic visitors to the domestic economy.
According to the WTTC, the impressive domestic tourism numbers, together with the rising international visitor numbers and substantial investment, will propel India to be a significant tourism economy in the world. Domestic tourism has a considerable impact on the country’s economy as it allows Indians to spend their money on local hotels, airlines, food, and entertainment.
Moreover, domestic tourists create employment and investment opportunities in tourist destinations as well as generate income for businesses catering to their needs. Therefore, as Bharat continues to invest in its tourism offerings, the country’s tourism industry will continue to flourish.
WTTC Forecasts Bharat’s Tourism Economy to Grow to be Worth US$527 Billion by 2036
WTTC predicts that the tourism industry’s contribution to the Indian economy will nearly double by 2036, reaching US$527 billion. The organization emphasizes that India needs to continue collaborating closely with its private sector to realize this potential. Investments, connectivity, and destination development will be critical areas in catapulting the country’s tourism economy to the next level and enhancing its competitiveness in the global tourism market.
“I am delighted to recognize Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s Global Champion award for his leadership and inspiration in supporting India’s travel and tourism industry and connecting government with the private sector,” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC. “India is one of the most exciting tourism economies in the world. Its domestic tourism market is enormous, and its annual domestic visitor numbers are remarkable.
Minister Shekhawat’s support for Bharat’s travel and tourism industry and his encouragement of partnerships between the public and private sectors will play a significant role in driving tourism-led employment and investment in the country. Bharat’s tourism industry has enormous potential to contribute to India’s economy and inspire other countries to participate in international tourism,” she added.
