The 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group Meeting was convened in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on August 19, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. This gathering was part of India’s ongoing BRICS Chairmanship and was chaired by Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism. The meeting built upon earlier discussions from the inaugural BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group Meeting that was held virtually on May 25.

Delegates from various BRICS Member States attended the meeting, aiming to further improve cooperation across India’s thematic priorities, which include Artificial Intelligence and Tourism, Sustainability and Responsible Tourism, Tourism Skilling and Capacity Building, and seamless travel facilitation. The overarching theme was “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” underlining the collective commitment to enhancing tourism collaboration among participating nations.

Thematic Priorities Addressed

During the meeting, participants acknowledged the critical role of tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, sustainable development, and the enhancement of people-to-people exchanges. The discussions addressed the dynamic global tourism environment shaped by technological advancements, evolving traveller expectations, and the pressing need for sustainability.

Four key thematic priorities, previously identified under India’s Chairmanship, were the focus of the conversations: responsible technology usage in tourism, community-centred tourism, human capital development related to tourism, and improved connectivity among Member States. These priorities aim to promote a more sustainable tourism landscape, and deliberations sought to outline additional areas for enhanced collaboration moving forward.

Through this dialogue, the Working Group aimed to forge stronger connections and share best practices among BRICS nations, thereby fostering a collective approach to tourism that is not only innovative but also sustainable and inclusive.

Significance of the Meeting

Bhuvnesh Kumar remarked on the importance of the meeting in progressing the tourism agenda within the BRICS framework. He noted that the discussions and consultations originating from the first Working Group Meeting had set the stage for substantial advancements in India’s BRICS Tourism initiatives. Kumar emphasised that the objective of India’s Chairmanship is to enhance collaboration in areas such as sustainable practices, skill development, seamless travel, and smart tourism approaches.

The outcomes of these discussions are anticipated to inform the upcoming BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for August 21. This next step is crucial for aligning goals and enhancing cooperative efforts among BRICS nations in tourism development.

As part of the programme, delegates were given the opportunity to explore integral tourism and heritage sites in Jaipur, including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Amer Palace. This initiative allowed the representatives to engage with Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage and architectural landmarks, further enhancing the experience and understanding of local tourism dynamics.

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