Tourism Builds Bridges
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Cultural initiatives, easier travel and youth engagement strengthen India-Bahrain people-to-people ties
Tourism remains a key driver of India’s economic growth, employment and regional development, contributing 5.22 per cent to GDP in terms of its total impact and supporting 13.34 per cent of total employment, according to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 by the Ministry of Tourism.
The Union Budget 2026–27 has renewed focus on the sector, emphasizing the development of new destinations, sustainable and experiential tourism, improved connectivity, heritage conservation and better visitor services. The approach aims to showcase India’s rich cultural, spiritual, natural and historical heritage while creating greater opportunities for local communities.
Key initiatives proposed for 2026–27 include developing Buddhist Circuits in the North-Eastern Region, expanding eco-tourism and nature trails, and developing archaeological sites as experiential cultural destinations. The Budget also proposes a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid, a National Institute of Hospitality and training for 10,000 tourist guides. Five Regional Medical Hubs are also proposed to strengthen medical and wellness tourism.
Tourism development in the Purvodaya States and continued initiatives under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, SASCI and PRASHAD further reflect India’s focus on sustainable tourism, heritage preservation, connectivity and community-led growth.
Deepening India-Bahrain Tourism Ties
India’s diverse tourism landscape has been central to the Embassy of India in Bahrain’s outreach since October 2023. Under the leadership of Ambassador H.E. Mr. Vinod K. Jacob, the Focus State/Union Territory Initiative has showcased the tourism attractions, cultural heritage and One District One Product offerings of Indian States and Union Territories.
Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Haryana have been featured through tourism and ODOP walls, exhibitions, cultural programmes and public engagement activities. In 2026, Maharashtra and Goa tourism and ODOP walls were inaugurated in February, followed by Keralam and Puducherry in June.
The third edition of the “India in Bahrain” Festival, held at Dana Mall on February 6, 2026, further celebrated cultural ties between the two countries. Held as part of the 55th anniversary of India-Bahrain diplomatic relations, the festival featured music, dance, cuisine, handicrafts and traditional attire.
Travel facilitation has also strengthened tourism ties. Since the e-Visa system for Bahraini citizens was introduced in July 2025, 4,651 e-Visas had been issued by mid-July 2026, making travel to India more convenient for tourism, business, wellness and education.
Youth engagement has been another important part of the Embassy’s outreach. Through the Visit Embassy Programme, nearly 693 students from 38 schools and educational institutions have explored India’s tourism circuits, ODOP products, craftsmanship, Ayurveda, higher education and technological capabilities.
As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day and India and Bahrain mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, tourism and cultural engagement continue to strengthen their longstanding friendship. Greater travel, cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement can further build bridges between the two countries, with India continuing to welcome its Bahraini friends to discover its diverse heritage, traditions and modern experiences.
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