India officially launched its tourism diplomacy agenda for the year by hosting the first BRICS Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting virtually on May 25, 2026. This inaugural session, held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship, brought together member nations to align on a vision of resilience and innovation in the global travel sector. The meeting serves as the foundation for high-level ministerial deliberations scheduled for later this year in Rajasthan.
Theme and Strategic Vision for 2026
The meeting was centered on the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” This theme underscores India’s commitment to a people-centric approach, positioning tourism as a strategic pillar for economic stability and cross-border collaboration. Chaired by the Joint Secretary (Tourism) from the Ministry of Tourism, the session focused on transforming the tourism sector into a resilient engine of growth after global disruptions.
India’s vision for the 2026 Chairship emphasizes a “humanity-first” model. This approach seeks to balance rapid industrial growth in tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental integrity. By fostering closer cooperation among member states, the working group aims to develop unified standards for sustainable travel that can be implemented across the diverse geographies of the BRICS bloc.
The Four Pillars of Tourism Cooperation
During the virtual meeting, India identified four core thematic pillars that will guide the BRICS tourism agenda throughout the year. These priorities are designed to address both the digital future and the environmental challenges of the sector.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Transformation
The working group discussed the integration of Artificial Intelligence to enhance personalized travel experiences and optimize destination management. This includes using AI for real-time visitor analytics, multi-language accessibility for travelers, and improving the efficiency of smart tourism ecosystems.
2. Sustainability and Responsible Travel
A primary focus remains on promoting eco-friendly and community-led tourism models. Member nations aim to develop climate-resilient infrastructure and reduce the environmental footprint of travel. This pillar builds on the BRICS Alliance for Green Tourism, an initiative launched during India’s 2021 Chairship.
3. Skilling and Capacity Building
Addressing the workforce gap is a major priority. The agenda includes upskilling the hospitality workforce to meet the demands of digital transformation and experiential travel. India proposed creating a collaborative certification network to standardize training across member nations.
4. Seamless Travel and Enhanced Connectivity
To boost intra-BRICS tourism flows, India emphasized the need for simplified travel processes. This includes exploring flexible visa models, such as e-visas or visa-free access, and enhancing people-to-people connectivity through expanded air links and cultural exchange programmes.
The Expanded BRICS Landscape in 2026
The 2026 Chairship is historic as it marks the first full cycle of meetings with the expanded BRICS membership. The bloc now includes 11 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Indonesia, which formally joined in January 2025.
In addition to full members, the group has operationalized a “Partner Nation” tier. This includes countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Kazakhstan. The inclusion of these high-growth tourism markets significantly expands the reach of the BRICS tourism agenda, allowing for broader regional cooperation across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Upcoming High-Level Engagements in Jaipur
The virtual meeting held in May serves as a preparatory step for in-person deliberations in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The “Pink City” will host a series of high-level tourism engagements in August 2026:
| Date | Event | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| August 19–20, 2026 | 2nd Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting | Finalization of the “Jaipur Roadmap” for tourism cooperation. |
| August 21–22, 2026 | BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (TMM) | Adoption of the Joint Ministerial Declaration on sustainable growth. |
These meetings are strategically timed to precede the 18th BRICS Summit, which will culminate in a Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi in September 2026. The tourism track is expected to contribute significantly to the broader People-to-People Exchange pillar of the BRICS partnership.
Key Takeaways
- The inaugural BRICS Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting was held virtually on May 25, 2026, under India’s Chairship.
- The theme for the 2026 tourism agenda is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
- India identified four thematic pillars for cooperation: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sustainability, Skilling, and Seamless Travel.
- The expanded BRICS bloc in 2026 includes 11 full members, with Indonesia being the latest addition in January 2025.
- The second TWG meeting and the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting are scheduled to take place in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in August 2026.
- These deliberations will lead to the finalization of the “Jaipur Roadmap” for long-term tourism cooperation.
