New Delhi — In a landmark evening of celebration and vision-setting, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated a series of transformative initiatives at The Ashok’s Convention Centre, marking 60 years of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and 70 years of The Ashok Hotel.
Describing ITDC as a “multi-dimensional growth engine for India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem,” the Minister outlined the organisation’s forward-looking digital and metaverse-ready strategy, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. These initiatives reflect the Union Budget 2026 emphasis on emerging technologies such as Generative AI, immersive tourism experiences, and smart digital infrastructure.
A Legacy of Leadership in Tourism
Established in 1966, ITDC — a Schedule ‘B’ Mini-Ratna CPSE under the Ministry of Tourism — has been instrumental in shaping India’s tourism infrastructure and global hospitality presence. The Ashok, commissioned in 1956 and managed by ITDC, is India’s only PSU-operated five-star luxury hotel, famed for its role in diplomacy, MICE tourism, and its award-winning accessibility standards.
Key Launches and Announcements
Heritage & Digital Initiatives
– Release of a commemorative “My Stamp” postage stamp sheet with the Department of Posts to honour The Ashok’s 70-year journey.
– Launch of a stylised commemorative postcard with QR code linking to a film on The Ashok — blending memorabilia with immersive digital storytelling.
– Unveiling of The Ashok Recipe Book Inspired by “Gyan Bharatam”, chronicling state banquet menus since 1975 as part of India’s culinary diplomacy.
Youth & Talent Development
– Illustrated comic book “A Day at the Hotel” with Amar Chitra Katha, aimed at inspiring youth in Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural India to pursue hospitality careers.
– Repositioning of The Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management as Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Ashok, strengthening its role as a Centre of Excellence.
Infrastructure Upgrades
– Refurbishment of adult and children’s swimming pools at Hotel Samrat, with seasonal memberships opening mid-March.
– Expansion of event spaces, including renovated Aishwarya Gardens and the newly launched Airawat Outdoors for exhibitions, conferences, and weddings.
Digital Modernisation & Governance
– Launch of www.itdcbookings.in— an integrated booking portal for government, PSUs, defence, and paramilitary agencies.
– Release of Procurement of Goods & Services Manual 2026 and Sound & Light Shows Manual 2026, enhancing transparency, operational efficiency, and heritage storytelling with projection mapping and immersive technology.
– Introduction of ITDC-branded prepaid gift vouchers for accommodation and dining at The Ashok, Hotel Samrat, and Kalinga Ashok.
Inclusive Tourism & Partnerships
– MoU with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to train 1,500 tribal homestay operators nationwide in hospitality, financial literacy, and digital skills.
– Launch of “Chalo India with Eric Ji” (Mizoram) teaser with NITI Aayog, spotlighting Mizoram’s tourism under the PM’s “Chalo India” campaign.
Immersive Heritage Experiences
Teasers for five new state-of-the-art Sound & Light Shows were presented, set to revive historic sites in Leh, Purana Qila, Bundi, Sarkhej Roza, and Udayagiri & Khandagiri, combining laser technology, projection mapping, and storytelling.
Minister Shekhawat reaffirmed that ITDC’s transformation into a technology-enabled, governance-driven, experience-centric organisation will propel India’s tourism industry towards becoming a global powerhouse by 2047.
With strategic reforms, inclusive capacity-building efforts, and a blend of heritage and innovation, the celebration heralds a new era for India’s tourism sector — one that aims to be future-ready while honouring the past.
