The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated a series of high-impact initiatives at the Convention Centre of The Ashok, New Delhi, commemorating the dual milestones of 60 years of 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,” Shekhawat highlighted the organisation’s renewed strategy for the digital and metaverse era, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The celebration unveiled a suite of physical, digital, intellectual, and institutional initiatives reflecting the Union Budget 2026’s focus on Gen AI, immersive experiences, and smart digital infrastructure.
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 standards. Its flagship property, The Ashok, commissioned in 1956, continues to serve as a landmark of India’s diplomatic and luxury hospitality landscape.
Key announcements included the release of a commemorative “My Stamp” in collaboration with the Department of Posts, and the launch of a comic book titled A Day at the Hotel, developed with Amar Chitra Katha to introduce students to hospitality careers. A heritage coffee-table publication, The Ashok Recipe Book Inspired by Gyan Bharatam, documenting state banquet menus since 1975, was also released.
Infrastructure developments included refurbished swimming pools at Hotel Samrat, expanded outdoor event spaces such as Aishwarya Gardens and Airawat Outdoors, and new ITDC-branded prepaid vouchers. The organisation also launched a modernised Procurement of Goods & Services Manual 2026 and a Sound & Light Shows Manual 2026, integrating projection mapping and digital evaluation frameworks.
ITDC’s hospitality institute was rebranded as IHM Ashok, reinforcing its academic alignment with the national IHM network. Teasers were launched for five immersive sound and light shows across Leh, Purana Qila, Bundi, Sarkhej Roza, and Udayagiri & Khandagiri.
In partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, ITDC signed an MoU to train 1,500 tribal homestay operators nationwide. Additionally, Ashok Travels & Tours unveiled an upgraded brochure and launched the new booking platform www.itdcbookings.in
for integrated travel and hospitality services.
The celebrations underscored ITDC’s evolution into a technology-driven, experience-centric hospitality leader, poised to play a defining role in advancing India’s tourism sector toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
