New Delhi, 09 May (H.S.): Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Culture, said on Saturday that the government has set a target to increase the share of the tourism sector in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current 5 percent to 10 percent within the next decade.

Suman Billa made these remarks during the inauguration of the 15th Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) Open Seminar and Exhibition Services Expo 2026 held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. The two-day event was jointly inaugurated by Suman Billa and Javed Ashraf, Chairman of India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO).

Suman Billa stated that infrastructure is being rapidly developed to enhance the economic impact of tourism in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. The number of airports has doubled to 150 since 2014. Now, instead of merely counting tourist numbers, focus will be on 'high-value travel' and revenue growth. Describing tourism as an underutilized engine, she said that hotel room capacity needs to be tripled to meet growing demand.

India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) Chairman Javed Ashraf said that trade fairs have now become global engines of exports and innovation, not just promotional platforms. He emphasized transforming exhibitions through technologies like digital registration, AI-driven matchmaking, and data analytics. He stated that their vision is to establish India as a major global trade and exhibition hub, providing international recognition to MSMEs and startups.

Indian Exhibition Industry Association President Suraj Dhawan informed that over 1,200 industry leaders and international representatives are participating in this edition. The program has brought together CEOs, managing directors, and key decision-makers from across India and around the world, including exhibition organizers, trade bodies and regional associations' leaders, government officials, service providers, and venue representatives.

On this occasion, Yamuna Authority (YEIDA) CEO SK Bhatia, India Expo Mart Limited Chairman Rakesh Kumar, IEIA Honorary Secretary Jagdish Patankar, MSME Ministry Joint Secretary Mercy Epao, JWC and GMBH Senior Advisor Sebastian Witt, among other prominent figures, were present.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar