PHDCCI’s 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave ‘रूहmantic 2026’ Convened India’s Leading Voices in Spiritual Tourism at Shirdi

Shirdi, Maharashtra: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted the 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave – ‘रूहmantic 2026’ in the sacred city of Shirdi, bringing together an influential gathering of policymakers, tourism leaders, temple administrators, hospitality stakeholders, destination planners, travel companies, and spiritual organizations on a common platform to discuss the future of spiritual tourism in India.

The conclave aims to foster meaningful dialogue, strategic partnerships, and innovative approaches to position India as a leading global spiritual tourism destination while promoting sustainable development and visitor experiences across pilgrimage circuits.

The inaugural session was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Shri Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), Shri Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director, Maharashtra Tourism, and Shri Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi.

The Tourism & Hospitality Committee of PHDCCI, under the leadership of Mr. Anil Parashar, Chairman, has curated the conclave to address emerging opportunities in spiritual tourism, infrastructure development, destination management, technology integration, community participation, and sustainable pilgrimage experiences.

Dignitaries’ Perspectives

Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said:"India’s spiritual heritage is one of its greatest strengths and a powerful driver of tourism. Spiritual tourism not only connects people with faith and culture but also contributes significantly to local economies. Platforms like रूहmantic help create collaborative frameworks that strengthen pilgrimage infrastructure, improve visitor experiences, and promote India’s spiritual destinations on the global stage."

Shri Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC, said:"Maharashtra is home to some of the country’s most revered spiritual destinations. Through strategic planning, infrastructure enhancement, and stakeholder collaboration, we are committed to positioning the state as a premier spiritual tourism destination. This conclave offers an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and chart a progressive roadmap for the sector."

Shri Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director, Maharashtra Tourism, said, "Spiritual tourism today extends beyond pilgrimage; it encompasses culture, wellness, heritage, and meaningful travel experiences. Maharashtra Tourism is focused on creating integrated visitor experiences that combine accessibility, sustainability, and authentic cultural engagement. The discussions at this conclave will contribute significantly to this vision."

Shri Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, said:"Shirdi welcomes millions of devotees every year from across India and the world. As custodians of one of the country’s most visited spiritual destinations, we recognize the importance of enhancing pilgrim services while preserving the sanctity of the destination. Hosting this conclave in Shirdi is both an honour and an opportunity to share best practices in spiritual destination management."

Mr. Anil Parashar, Chairman, Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said:"The objective of रूहmantic 2026 is to bring together all key stakeholders of the spiritual tourism ecosystem under one roof. India’s spiritual destinations possess immense potential to drive tourism growth, community development, and cultural preservation. Through this conclave, we aim to facilitate actionable discussions, meaningful partnerships, and innovative solutions that will shape the future of spiritual tourism in India."

Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair, Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), expressed his sincere gratitude to all distinguished dignitaries, industry leaders, stakeholders, and participants for their valuable presence and support at the 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave ‘रूहmantic 2026’. He noted that the enthusiastic participation and insightful deliberations have significantly contributed to advancing the vision of strengthening India’s spiritual tourism ecosystem. Mr. Sehgal also thanked the Government of India, Maharashtra Tourism, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, and all partner organizations for their cooperation and commitment in making the conclave a meaningful platform for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in the spiritual tourism sector.

Held in the spiritual heartland of Shirdi, रूहmantic 2026 promises to be a landmark platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration, contributing to the continued growth and transformation of India’s spiritual tourism landscape.