The ICONIC Travel & Tourism Summit 2026, hosted by Red Hat Communications in collaboration with Zee Network, convened at the prestigious ITC Maurya, drawing influential voices from across travel, aviation, hospitality and policy.
Held under the forward-looking theme “Tourism 4.0: Coding the Resilience of the New Tomorrow,” the summit positioned itself as a critical platform for dialogue on digital transformation, sustainability and India’s expanding footprint in the global tourism ecosystem.
A Convergence of Industry Leadership
The event brought together senior executives, policymakers, diplomats and tourism stakeholders, reflecting the increasing interconnectedness of the travel value chain. Discussions focused on emerging travel trends, the role of artificial intelligence, aviation growth, destination preparedness and the evolution of guest experience in a rapidly digitising world.
At the centre of these conversations was Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council and CEO of Red Hat Communications, who underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation and skilling in strengthening India’s tourism ecosystem.
Addressing the summit as a keynote speaker, Ms. Jyoti Mayal emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and skilling in shaping the future of India’s tourism ecosystem. She highlighted how platforms like ICONIC foster meaningful dialogue among industry leaders across travel, aviation, and hospitality, enabling the sector to collectively navigate challenges and unlock new growth opportunities. Underscoring the theme of “Tourism 4.0,” she spoke about embracing digital transformation and resilience to position India as a strong global tourism powerhouse.
Prominent Voices Across Sectors
The summit featured a diverse lineup of speakers representing key segments of the industry. Among them were Nikhil Sharma of Radisson Hotel Group, JB Singh of InterGlobe Hotels, and Sandeep Dwivedi of Amadeus.
Additional industry leaders included Manish Puri from Air India, Meena Bhatia of Le Méridien New Delhi, Yummi Talwar from VFS Global, and Ranju Alex of Accor.
The speaker roster also featured Vasudha Sondhi, Ratna Chadha, Parikshit Choudhary from MakeMyTrip, and Anil Parashar, among others—each contributing insights on innovation, customer engagement and sectoral growth.
Global Partnerships Take Centre Stage
Reinforcing the importance of international collaboration, the summit welcomed senior diplomatic representatives from key international markets, including H.E. Mr. Kamel Zayed Kamel Galal, Ambassador of Egypt to India, H.E. Pradeepa Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India and H.E. Aliki Koutsomitopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to India —reinforcing the importance of global partnerships in accelerating inbound and outbound tourism opportunities.
Their participation highlighted the growing role of bilateral and multilateral partnerships in driving both inbound and outbound tourism flows.
Expanding the Conversation: Culture, Content and Inclusion
Beyond traditional industry discussions, the summit explored evolving narratives within travel. A fireside chat featuring Ashwani Lohani of the Prime Minister’s Museum and Library offered insights into heritage and institutional storytelling.
An interactive session titled “She Travels, She Posts: The Truth About Solo Female Travel” brought together digital creators Mia Lakra, Deeksha Mishra, and Means Malhotra, reflecting the growing influence of social media in shaping travel decisions and narratives—particularly among women travellers.
Toward a Smarter, More Resilient Tourism Ecosystem
As the summit concluded, a clear consensus emerged: the future of tourism lies at the intersection of technology, sustainability and human-centric experiences. Stakeholders emphasised the need for continued investment in skills development, digital infrastructure and collaborative frameworks to ensure long-term growth.
Speaking on the successful conclusion of the summit, Ms. Jyoti Mayal, visionary behind the ICONIC platform and Chairperson, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), said:
“It is always encouraging to see the travel and tourism industry come together on one platform to share ideas, discuss challenges, and look ahead with optimism. Through WION ICONIC Travel & Tourism Summit 2026, we aimed to create meaningful conversations that can support the growth of our sector. The response this year has been truly heartening, with leaders from across travel, hospitality, aviation, and tourism sharing valuable perspectives. I truly believe that with the right collaboration, innovation, and focus on skilling, Indian tourism has immense potential in the years ahead. Platforms like these are important because they help us learn from one another and move forward together as an industry.”
A Platform Shaping Industry Dialogue
With its high-level participation and forward-looking agenda, the ICONIC Travel & Tourism Summit continues to cement its role as one of India’s most influential forums for the travel and hospitality industry. As the sector evolves in response to global shifts, such platforms are proving essential in shaping strategy, fostering partnerships and driving collective progress.
