The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, last evening inaugurated a series of multi-dimensional, high-impact initiatives at the Convention Centre of The Ashok, commemorating the joint celebration of 60 years of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and 70 years of The Ashok Hotel.
Describing ITDC as a “multi-dimensional growth engine for India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem,” the Minister underscored the organisation’s re-imagination strategy for the digital and metaverse age, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
A Landmark Celebration of Growth and Transformation
Established in 1966, ITDC is a Schedule ‘B’ Mini-Ratna CPSE under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Over six decades, it has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s tourism infrastructure, hospitality standards, and international outreach. As ITDC marks its Shashthipoorti (60 years), it continues to strengthen its market leadership through modernisation, institutional reforms, and technology-enabled transformation.
Commissioned in 1956, The Ashok, New Delhi—ITDC’s flagship property and India’s only PSU-managed five-star luxury hotel—celebrates 70 years of distinguished service to the nation. Alongside its sister property, Hotel Samrat, it continues to set benchmarks in hospitality excellence. The Ashok is a recipient of the National Tourism Award for Best Facilities for Differently-Abled Persons and Best Hotel-Based Meeting Venue, and remains central to India’s diplomatic engagements, MICE tourism, and luxury hospitality landscape.
Key Initiatives Launched
The celebration witnessed the launch of a comprehensive bouquet of physical, digital, intellectual, and institutional initiatives aligned with the Union Budget 2026 emphasis on emerging technologies such as Gen AI, immersive experiences, and smart digital infrastructure.
Commemorative Stamp Release:
In collaboration with the India Post, a customised “My Stamp” postage stamp sheet was released to honour The Ashok’s 70-year legacy. These officially valid stamps will serve as collectables, branding tools, and heritage souvenirs.
Illustrated Comic Book Launch:
ITDC unveiled a specially curated illustrated comic book, “A Day at the Hotel,” in partnership with Amar Chitra Katha, introducing school and college students—particularly from Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural India—to career opportunities in hospitality. This initiative aligns with the proposed National Institute of Hospitality Management announced in Budget 2026–27.
Digital-Enabled Memorabilia:
A stylised commemorative postcard embedded with a QR code was launched, enabling users to access a film on The Ashok and digitally relive the celebration. A promotional film showcasing The Ashok’s expansive greens, architectural grandeur, and contemporary luxury was also unveiled for global year-round promotions.
Heritage Coffee-Table Publication:
A heritage publication titled The Ashok Recipe Book Inspired by “Gyan Bharatam” was released, documenting state banquet menus served at Hyderabad House since 1975. The book highlights gastronomy as an instrument of soft power and cultural diplomacy.
Infrastructure Enhancements:
The refurbished swimming pool facilities at Hotel Samrat—including upgraded adult and children’s pools with enhanced safety features and premium amenities—were inaugurated. Seasonal memberships are set to open in mid-March.
To strengthen India’s “Wed in India” and “Meet in India” segments, The Ashok expanded its outdoor event infrastructure with renovated Aishwarya Gardens and the launch of Airawat Outdoors, a newly developed multi-purpose venue for exhibitions, fairs, conferences, and weddings.
Standardised Gift Vouchers:
ITDC introduced standardised branded prepaid gift vouchers for rooms, dining, and gifting solutions across The Ashok, Hotel Samrat, and Kalinga Ashok properties, enhancing guest engagement and structured revenue streams.
Governance and Institutional Reforms
A fully modernised ITDC Procurement of Goods & Services Manual 2026 was released, aligned with revised General Financial Rules, CVC circulars, the GeM platform, and Department of Expenditure guidelines. Replacing the 1997 manual, it strengthens transparency, compliance, and efficiency.
ITDC also launched the Sound & Light Shows Manual 2026, becoming the only government organisation with a structured operational framework for heritage Sound & Light Shows, integrating projection mapping, QCBS evaluation mechanisms, and standardised execution processes.
A unified ITDC Template for General Clauses 2026 was introduced to streamline tendering, agreements, and licensing processes across ITDC divisions, promoting speed, scale, and governance uniformity.
The Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management was repositioned as the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Ashok, aligning with the national IHM framework and reinforcing its identity as a Centre of Excellence.
Immersive Tourism and Digital Expansion
Teasers were unveiled for five state-of-the-art immersive Sound & Light Shows at Leh, Purana Qila, Bundi, Sarkhej Roza, and Udayagiri & Khandagiri, leveraging projection mapping, laser technology, and immersive storytelling to revitalise historic destinations.
Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT) launched a comprehensive physical and digital brochure, repositioning itself as a one-stop solution offering bespoke tours, visa and passport services, concierge support, transportation, ticketing, and premium accommodation.
ITDC also launched its online booking portal, www.itdcbookings.in, designed as a digital ecosystem for Government Ministries, PSUs, Defence, and Paramilitary forces, enabling seamless booking of flights, hotels, transport, and conferences.
Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism
An MoU was signed with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to train 1,500 tribal homestay operators nationwide through IHM Ashok in hospitality standards, financial literacy, and digital operations—advancing inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Students from JK Lakshmipat University were felicitated for their pro-bono systems design project enhancing user experience at Taj Restaurant, Agra.
A teaser for “Chalo India with Eric Ji” (Mizoram) was launched in partnership with NITI Aayog, promoting Mizoram’s tourism potential under the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s “Chalo India” campaign.
The joint celebration symbolises ITDC’s evolution into a technology-enabled, governance-driven, and experience-centric hospitality leader, seamlessly integrating heritage with innovation. Through strategic reforms, immersive tourism initiatives, digital modernisation, and inclusive capacity building, ITDC is poised to play a defining role in advancing India’s tourism sector towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
