Global Outreach Platform
India's presence at ITB Berlin, a preeminent international travel exhibition, served as a vital stage to enhance existing collaborations and firmly establish
the nation as a leading year-round global travel destination. This significant participation, held from March 3rd to 5th, 2026, at the Messe Berlin exhibition center, provided a crucial nexus for the worldwide tourism sector. It offered a prime opportunity for Indian travel stakeholders to engage in essential networking and exchange with industry leaders. The Union Tourism Minister, alongside a dedicated Indian delegation, actively participated, engaging in high-level discussions with key figures in the global tourism landscape. Germany, in particular, was recognized as a cornerstone tourism partner for India, contributing a substantial number of foreign tourist arrivals, with approximately 260,000 visitors in 2025, positioning it as the 8th largest source market.
Strategic Bilateral Engagements
During the event, meaningful bilateral discussions were conducted with prominent tourism officials. The Union Minister held productive meetings with Indonesia's Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, and Germany's Federal Government Commissioner for Tourism, Christoph Ploß. These conversations were instrumental in exploring avenues to escalate tourism exchanges, promote sustainable travel practices, expand air connectivity between nations, and deepen interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, engagements with Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary General of the UNWTO, focused on strategies for advancing sustainable and regenerative tourism development. These interactions underscored India's commitment to collaborative growth and responsible tourism initiatives on an international scale.
Showcasing India's Appeal
India's robust showcase at ITB Berlin underscored its strategic objective to significantly increase inbound tourism and cement its reputation as a premier global destination accessible throughout the year. The exhibition provided an invaluable forum for solidifying current partnerships, forging new business connections, and introducing innovative travel routes and experiences to a receptive international market. The India Pavilion was a vibrant display of the nation's rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions, featuring engaging activities such as 'mehendi' application, block printing, and calligraphy, offering visitors a tangible connection to India's artistic legacy. The pavilion's theme centered on the unparalleled diversity of Indian tourism experiences, encompassing cultural immersion, varied languages, and traditions, alongside a spectrum of niche offerings including spiritual and wellness retreats, destination weddings, adventure sports, eco-tourism, and gourmet exploration.
Digital Promotion & Regional Focus
A key highlight of India's participation was the launch of two short films produced in collaboration with the OTT platform Netflix, commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism. One film celebrated India's vibrant culture, living traditions, festivals, and timeless heritage, while the other delved into the rich flavors and diversity of Indian cuisine. This partnership with Netflix aims to present Indian destinations to a global audience through its 'Incredible India' platform. Over the course of the year, ten short promotional videos will be curated, inspired by Netflix's cinematic offerings, each highlighting a distinct facet of India, from its culinary delights and festivals to its adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty. Representatives from various states, including Rajasthan, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territories of Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, along with IRCTC, were present to promote their unique destinations and offerings to international travelers.
