STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, industry leaders, and tour operators from India and abroad, graced the 33rd annual South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE 2026) at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi.
The premier travel and tourism exposition brings together stakeholders to promote India as a global tourism destination.
The event witnessed the presence of prominent personalities including Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets India; Anita Mendiratta, General of UN Tourism; Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism; Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel Group; Dr. Upasana Arora, Managing Director, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals; and Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister of Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh, among others.
Speaking at the event, Union Tourism Minister Shekhawat emphasized that tourism, long overlooked in national policy, has now become central to India’s development agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that tourism drives livelihood generation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth. Highlighting the shift in traveler preferences, he said today’s global tourists seek authentic cultural experiences, wellness, heritage, and meaningful human connections. The Minister added that India is being positioned as an experience-led destination with focus on heritage conservation, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment.
Kavinder Gupta highlighted the rapid development in the Union Territory, citing world-class road connectivity from Leh to remote border areas and the ongoing construction of the Zoji La Tunnel, which will ensure all-weather access to Ladakh. He showcased Ladakh’s iconic attractions including Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Leh, Khardung La, Magnetic Hill, Tso Moriri, Hemis Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Zanskar Valley, Lamayuru Monastery, Drass, Aryan Valley, and Hanle, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
Describing Ladakh as a fast-emerging global tourism hub, he detailed initiatives to promote year-round tourism, including fixed dates for UT-level festivals, participation in national and international travel marts, FAM tours, and a new tourism logo. He assured support to hotels and travel operators through simplified registration processes and emphasized environmental sustainability through investment in sewage treatment infrastructure. Inviting operators to showcase Ladakh prominently, he said every visitor would be ensured a safe, memorable, and enriching experience.
Concluding his address, Gupta invoked the famous line of Amitabh Bachchan, saying, “Kuch Din Toh Aaiyein Ladakh Mein,” inviting travelers to explore the region’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. He later inaugurated the Ladakh Pavilion and interacted with tourism stakeholders.
Around 2,000 exhibitors from India and abroad, representing 60 countries, are participating in SATTE 2026, which also hosts extensive B2B meetings to strengthen the global travel and tourism network.