Delhi’s Education and Urban Development Minister, Ashish Sood, participated in the 2nd ICC Aviation and Tourism Summit 2026, expressing plans to enhance Delhi as a prominent tourism destination. Minister Sood highlighted the vision of transforming Delhi into a leading tourism city as reflected in the Delhi Budget 2026–27, focusing on order, aesthetics, and opportunities. The summit, hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), recognized individuals and institutions with the ICC Tourism Excellence Awards for their remarkable contributions to the tourism sector.
The event gathered key figures from the aviation and tourism industries, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss sectoral growth, upcoming prospects, and strategic planning. The summit aimed to foster collaboration and innovation to position India, particularly Delhi, as a global hub for tourism and aviation. Minister Sood acknowledged the contributions of notable figures like Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Amitabh Kant, Sudhir Mishra, and Sanjay Kumar Verma in enhancing India’s global presence.
Minister Sood emphasized the significance of the arrival experience in tourism, noting that the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport mirrors Delhi’s essence. He highlighted the airport’s recognition as the best in India and South Asia for the eighth consecutive time on March 18, symbolizing operational excellence and the city’s cultural identity. Through initiatives like “Delvibe,” the airport terminals have been transformed into vibrant cultural spaces, offering visitors a welcoming atmosphere with cultural elements and modern technologies for a seamless travel experience.
Speaking about the recently unveiled Delhi Budget, Minister Sood outlined the Rs 1,37,000 crore budget for 2026–27 as a roadmap for developing the national capital. Delhi’s economy is growing at 8.53%, surpassing the national average, with increased capital expenditure to drive extensive development in roads, transport systems, and public spaces. The allocation of Rs 12,613 crore for transport and infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of 750 km of roads, underscores the city’s focus on enhancing its first impressions through improved infrastructure.
