Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said that the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has served the nation with distinguished services. 

He made this remark while addressing the celebration of 60 years of the ITDC and 70 years of The Ashok in distinguished service to travel, tourism and hospitality in New Delhi yesterday. 

He described ITDC as a multidimensional growth engine for India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem. He said tourism is not only limited to hospitality but has expanded into diverse verticals. 

Mr Shekhawat congratulated both bodies for their long-standing services and said that with public support, the regained trust in ITDC’s services will continue to flourish. 

On the occasion, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram informed that one thousand five hundred tribal homestay operators will be trained in hospitality standards, financial literacy and digital operations. 

He added that they will be trained to strengthen community-based livelihood opportunities. Mr Oram said the initiative aims to generate sustainable employment and empower tribal communities through skill development. 

He noted that ITDC and The Ashok have been playing a significant role in promoting the country’s tourism and hospitality sector through their dedicated services and congratulated both institutions for their valuable contribution.

During the event, Mr Oram and  Shekhawat inaugurated a series of initiatives, and the ITDC and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi virtually congratulated ITDC on its diamond jubilee and appreciated the services being provided by the corporation.