Last Updated on 23 January 2026 IST | Every year on 25th of January, National Tourism Day is observed in India. The Indian government established it to raise awareness about the importance of tourism to the country’s economy. India follows the ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ mantra. India is a diverse country with a rich history and diverse cultures. It is also a well-known tourist attraction. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated around 44 World Heritage sites in India as of late 2025 (36 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed).
National Tourism Day 2026 India: Highlights
- The theme for National Tourism Day 2026 is expected to emphasize sustainability and technology in tourism, building on previous years’ focuses.
- The travel and tourism sector contributed approximately ₹15.73 lakh crore to India’s GDP in 2023-24 (5.22% of total GDP). Projections estimate growth to ₹33.8 lakh crore by 2031 (7.2% of GDP) and nearly ₹42 lakh crore by 2035.
- According to UNESCO, India has 44 Heritage Sites as of late 2025.
- ‘Satlok’ is the ultimate travel destination for every living soul.
National Tourism Day India Goal
The goal of National Tourism Day is to raise public awareness about the benefits of tourism. Its impact on related industries is also undeniable. Every year on the 25th of January, National Tourism Day is commemorated to honor our country’s diversity. This day is commemorated to recognize the beauty of our country and raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its impact on the Indian economy.
Theme of 2026: “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”
National Tourism Day 2026 theme is to be announced by the Ministry of Tourism. The 2025 theme was ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth.’ The theme for National Tourism Day 2026 is expected to emphasize sustainability and technology in tourism, building on previous years’ focuses.
Commemorations and Activities
- National Tourism Day is marked by vibrant activities and initiatives:
- Cultural Programs: Performances that showcase India’s diversity.
- Campaigns and Webinars: Discussions on sustainable tourism and its role in economic development.
- Government Initiatives: Promotion of tourism-friendly policies and circuits.
Significance of National Tourism Day
India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. The country is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with multicultural experiences and a rich heritage accompanied by beautiful attractions.
■ Also Read: Foster Your Spiritual Journey On World Tourism Day
As one travels from north to south in India, ethnicity, practice, culture, and so on change with every kilometer. India, the world’s seventh-largest country, stands out from the rest of the Asian continent. The country has mountains and the sea, making it a distinct geographical entity.
In 2024–25, Uttar Pradesh emerged as India’s most visited state, recording over 646.8 million domestic tourists, accounting for nearly 22 % of all domestic travel in the country. This growth reflects the state’s cultural, heritage, and spiritual tourism appeal, with destinations such as the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Mathura attracting visitors from across India.
Tourism Industry in India
Apart from providing entertainment, the sector is a significant contributor to the economy of the country. According to recent government estimates, the travel and tourism sector contributed approximately ₹15.7 lakh crore to India’s GDP in 2023–24, accounting for about 5.2% of the national GDP.
The tourism industry is also a significant source of employment in India. As of 2023–24, the sector supported around 39–40 million jobs, including both direct and indirect employment, representing nearly 8% of total employment in the country. Continued expansion in hospitality, transportation, heritage tourism, and allied services is expected to further enhance job creation, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions, strengthening inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
According to the latest tourism data for 2024–25, India received approximately 14.2 million international tourist arrivals, marking an 18 % year-on-year growth in global visitors. Domestic tourism continues to expand robustly, with over 2.9 billion domestic tourist visits recorded during the same period, highlighting strong internal travel demand across states and regions.
Government’s Role in Boosting Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism has introduced several initiatives to modernize and expand the tourism sector:
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Developing tourism circuits across the country.
- Dekho Apna Desh Campaign: Encouraging domestic travel.
- e-Visa Facility: Simplifying travel for foreign tourists.
- GST Reforms: Lowering tax rates for the hospitality industry.
- Incredible India Campaigns: Promoting India’s unique cultural and natural offerings.
- Cruise Bharat Mission (promoting cruise tourism, launched 2024-25).
- Five-Year Action Plan (2026-30) for revamping Incredible India with country-specific strategies.
- Focus on sustainable and tech-driven tourism (e.g., digital apps for bookings).
Satlok Is the Imperishable Ultimate Abode
‘Satlok’ is the imperishable ultimate abode that is never destroyed. It is the real home of all the living souls who are currently suffering in the bodies of 8.4 million types of living beings. Almighty God Kabir Saheb Ji is the Supreme God of the supreme most abode ‘Satlok’. There is no old age or death in that abode. There are no sufferings or sorrows either. Everything is available in unlimited quantities in ‘Satlok’.
How Can We Travel to the Ultimate Travel Destination?
To travel to the ultimate abode ‘Satlok‘, one needs to chant the true Moksha Mantras of Almighty God Kabir after obtaining them from a Tatvdarshi Sant. In the present time, only Jagatguru Tatvadarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji is enlightened with complete spiritual knowledge who is authorized to give these Mantras to those who take Naam Initiation (Naam Diksha). Everyone must take the refuge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj to travel to ‘Satlok’ and become a permanent resident there.
National Tourism Day 2026 India: Quotes
- Satlok is the ultimate travel destination of all the living souls.
- The road to eternal peace and happiness lies in the refuge of a Complete Satguru.
- Expand your spiritual knowledge and explore the secrets about the creator God by reading the Sukshma Veda.
- Travel to the boundaries of spirituality by worshipping Almighty God Kabir.
- Human life is a direct path to Salvation if one takes the refuge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj.
- Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji has the Key to the Supreme Abode ‘Satlok’.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Tourism Day 2026
National Tourism Day is celebrated annually on January 25 to highlight the importance of tourism in India’s economic, cultural, and social growth.
To be announced; the 2025 theme was ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’.
This day raises awareness about tourism’s role in boosting the economy, creating jobs, preserving heritage, and fostering cultural exchange.
Cultural programs, tourism campaigns, exhibitions, webinars on sustainable tourism, and government initiatives to promote tourism are key highlights.
Tourism generates significant revenue, supports local businesses, creates employment opportunities, and promotes regional development.
: Explore India’s 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural diversity, and tourism’s role in jobs and economic growth.){kind=link}