Both countries agree to establish technical groups to promote lesser-known destinations, strengthen industry ties and prepare for the proposed India–Italy Year of Culture and Tourism 2027
India and Italy have agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation, with a focus on film tourism, destination promotion, skills development and business partnerships, following a bilateral meeting held in New Delhi on 29 September.
The second India–Italy Joint Working Group (JWG) on Tourism was co-chaired by Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary in India’s Ministry of Tourism, and Emanuela Tripi, Secretary-General of Italy’s Ministry of Tourism. Officials from both countries discussed measures to expand tourism exchanges and build stronger links between their respective travel industries.
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Key areas of discussion included sharing tourism data, promoting lesser-known destinations, developing film-related tourism and encouraging partnerships between destinations in the two countries
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The talks also covered training, capacity building and greater business-to-business engagement between tourism stakeholders
Film tourism, which involves attracting visitors to locations featured in films and television productions, offers opportunities for both countries to showcase their landscapes, cultural heritage and historic sites to international audiences.
The two sides agreed to establish specialised technical groups and designate points of contact to advance the proposals discussed at the meeting. The mechanism is intended to support continued coordination between government agencies and industry representatives.
India’s delegation included officials from the Ministries of Tourism, Culture and External Affairs, representatives of the Indian Embassy in Rome and members of the Indian Association of Tour Operators. The Italian delegation comprised officials from its tourism and foreign affairs ministries, the Italian Embassy in New Delhi and the Italian National Tourist Board, ENIT.
The discussions also examined opportunities arising from the proposed India–Italy Year of Culture and Tourism 2027, which could provide a platform for expanding cultural exchanges and encouraging travel between the countries.
The initiative comes as India and Italy seek to deepen their bilateral engagement through tourism, cultural links and industry collaboration. Further progress will depend on the technical groups translating the agreed areas of cooperation into practical initiatives.
The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to developing stronger institutional and commercial links in tourism, potentially creating new opportunities for tour operators, hospitality businesses and travellers.
