The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated multiple initiatives at The Ashok, New Delhi, marking 60 years of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and 70 years of The Ashok Hotel. He described ITDC as a growth engine for India’s tourism ecosystem and highlighted its digital transformation strategy aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Commemorative releases and digital memorabilia
In collaboration with the Department of Posts, a commemorative “My Stamp” sheet was released to mark The Ashok’s 70-year legacy. ITDC also unveiled an illustrated comic book, A Day at the Hotel, with Amar Chitra Katha to introduce students to hospitality careers.
A QR-enabled commemorative postcard and a promotional film on The Ashok were launched, combining memorabilia with digital engagement and global promotion.
Publications and gastronomy
A heritage coffee-table publication, The Ashok Recipe Book Inspired by “Gyan Bharatam”, documenting state banquet menus served at Hyderabad House since 1975, was released. The book highlights gastronomy as an instrument of soft power and cultural diplomacy.
Infrastructure upgrades and venues
The refurbished swimming pools at Hotel Samrat, including upgraded adult and children’s areas, were inaugurated, with seasonal memberships opening in mid-March.
The Ashok expanded its event infrastructure with renovated Aishwarya Gardens and a new multi-purpose venue, Airawat Outdoors, supporting weddings and conferences. ITDC also introduced standardised prepaid gift vouchers across The Ashok, Hotel Samrat and Kalinga Ashok properties.
Governance and operational frameworks
ITDC released a modernised Procurement of Goods & Services Manual 2026 aligned with updated financial and compliance guidelines, replacing the 1997 version.
It also introduced a Sound & Light Shows Manual 2026 with a structured framework for heritage shows, and a unified General Clauses Template 2026 to streamline tendering, agreements and licensing processes across divisions.
Education and skill development
The Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management was repositioned as IHM Ashok, aligning with the national IHM framework.
An MoU with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs will train 1,500 tribal homestay operators in hospitality and digital operations, while students from JK Lakshmipat University were felicitated for a systems design project at Taj Restaurant, Agra.
Tourism promotion and digital platforms
Teasers for immersive Sound & Light Shows were launched across five heritage sites, using projection mapping and laser technology.
Ashok Travels & Tours introduced a new services brochure, while ITDC launched an online booking portal for government and institutional travel. A teaser for “Chalo India with Eric Ji” (Mizoram) was also released in partnership with NITI Aayog.
