Why in News?
The BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, held in Jaipur under India’s 2026 BRICS chairship, concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Communique 2026, also known as the Jaipur Declaration. The declaration aims to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries in areas such as digital technology, sustainable tourism, skill development and seamless travel.
Key Highlights
- The meeting was chaired by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
- It marked the conclusion of the BRICS Tourism Track under India’s 2026 chairship.
- The theme was “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
- Tourism ministers and heads of delegation from nine BRICS member countries participated.
- The Jaipur Declaration focuses on four major areas:
- Artificial Intelligence and tourism
- Sustainable and responsible tourism
- Tourism skilling and capacity building
- Tourism exchanges and seamless travel facilitation
Major Provisions of the Jaipur Declaration
AI and Digital Technology in Tourism
The declaration recognises the role of responsible, safe and human-centred AI in transforming tourism.
BRICS countries will explore cooperation in:
- Tourism planning and destination management
- Visitor services
- Multilingual communication
- Digital travel facilitation
Sustainable Tourism
The declaration stresses sustainable and community-centred tourism.
It calls for greater attention to:
- Protection of natural and cultural heritage
- Sustainable tourism infrastructure
- Tourism investments
- Promotion of diverse tourism products
- Greater participation of local communities
Tourism Skills and Capacity Building
BRICS countries will promote skilling and upskilling of tourism professionals.
The declaration also encourages:
- Industry-academia partnerships
- Exchange of tourism data and statistics
- Sharing of best practices
- Greater cooperation between tourism stakeholders
Seamless Travel and People-to-People Connectivity
- The declaration supports greater tourism exchanges and connectivity among BRICS countries.
- It seeks to make travel easier while promoting stronger people-to-people contacts between member countries.
India’s Tourism Priorities
- Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the role of tourism in India's goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.
- He noted that tourism can create employment and economic opportunities beyond major cities by supporting homestays, hotels, taxi operators, tourist guides, artisans, weavers, farmers and local entrepreneurs.
India is also focusing on developing a tourism ecosystem that is:
- Economically prosperous
- Environmentally responsible
- Technology-enabled
- Culturally authentic
India’s Bilateral Engagements
- On the sidelines of the meeting, India held bilateral discussions with Brazil, Iran, South Africa and the UAE to strengthen cooperation in tourism.
- Delegates also experienced Jaipur’s cultural heritage and were scheduled to visit Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Amber Fort.