India’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture is considering recognising hotels as part of the country’s infrastructure. This means hotels could be treated like essential projects such as roads or airports.

In practice, it would make it easier for hotel developers to get loans at lower interest rates, access government incentives, and plan projects with clearer rules.

Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the move could unlock private investment, increase the number of hotel rooms, and improve India’s global competitiveness in travel.

The proposal is part of a broader vision to make tourism a $1 trillion industry by 2047, generating millions of jobs.

Investment and infrastructure boost tourism growth

India has already invested over Rs 12,000 crore in improving destinations and tourist facilities. Fifty destinations are being upgraded to international standards, with states competing on infrastructure quality, visitor experience, and sustainability.

Infrastructure improvements over the past decade include increasing operational airports from fewer than 75 to 127, building 10 international-standard cruise terminals, constructing 150,000 kilometres of highways, developing 38 inland waterways, and adding over 10,000 kilometres of metro lines across 23 major cities.

Revitalisation of heritage and temple corridors, such as Kashi, Kedarnath, Puri, and Ayodhya, is also underway.

Untapped potential and future opportunities

Despite its rich culture and history, India attracts only 10 million international visitors annually, far below France (90 million), Spain (84 million), and the United States (80 million).

FICCI President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal described this as a “vast opportunity waiting to be unlocked.”

Specialised tourism sectors, including wellness tourism, medical travel, concert tourism, and large-scale events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, are expected to draw high-value visitors and further support growth.