While speaking at the launch of PHDCCI’s maiden ‘Wedding Tourism Summit & Expo‘, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, Govt of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat elaborated on the importance of the Wedding Segment in achieving the desired growth as well as the success story of the tourism sector in India.
“With 54% of the population under 30 years old, a large part of household income is spent on weddings. If we harness our country’s geographical and cultural diversity alongside this growth, the tourism and wedding industries could be the key drivers toward building a $1 trillion economy,” said Shekhawat while sharing his thoughts on the potential of wedding tourism sector.
Adding to this he further said, “With proper use of wedding infrastructure for other events, we can multiply its usage beyond the 70-75 days of the wedding season.”
Two daylong event organised under the umbrella of PHDCCI aims to explore how India can become a leading global wedding destination through right policies, infrastructure, and promotion.
The tourism minister acknowledged the importance of the summit and congratulated the organisers for exploring growth opportunity of the segment by bringing the Govt and industry stakeholders under one roof.
While highlighting the market size of the wedding tourism industry, President of PHDCCI, Hemant Jain, informed that the global wedding industry is valued at $300 billion with India’s market alone worth $50 billion, growing at 20-25% annually.
“Destination weddings, blending tourism and celebrations are now a multi-billion dollar industry, boosting sectors like hospitality & aviation. Significantly, India with its rich diversity of landscapes, cultures, and historic venues has long been a dream wedding destination,” added Jain.
“India’s tourism industry is a key pillar of our economy. In 2023, India welcomed over 15 million foreign tourists, generating over $30 billion in foreign exchange earnings,” said eminent panellists and Senior Member – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI Anil Parashar.
“According to a report published by the Economist, the wedding industry is the fourth-largest industry in India, recording a huge spending of US$ 130 billion per year. Its substantial scale provides employment opportunities for millions,” informed Parashar.
While sharing his thoughts Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI said, initiatives by the government of India, such as streamlining the visa process have led to a significant increase in tourism last year, driven by improved accessibility and infrastructure development in the country.
“With the active participation of the people, we look forward to suggestions, government’s focus, and increased importance placed on wedding tourism in the country,” added Dr. Mehta.
Event & Entertainment Management Association’s commitment to developing India’s wedding tourism sector is demonstrated through its contributions to the Incredible India campaign, the comprehensive ‘Wedding Tourism Strategy’ draft, and active participation in the maiden PHDCCI Wedding Tourism Summit & Expo says EEMA’s President Samit Garg while speaking on the occasion.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Rajan Sehgal, Senior Member – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI.
