BRICS Tourism Ministers adopt Jaipur Declaration (Ministers’ Communique)
The BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting under India’s Chairship concluded in Jaipur with the adoption of the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Communiqué 2026 (Jaipur Declaration), providing a framework for strengthening tourism cooperation among BRICS Member States.
Meeting Highlights
- Chairship: India, led by Union Minister for Culture & Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
- Theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
- Participants: Nine BRICS Member States, including ministerial delegations from Brazil, Iran, South Africa, UAE, and heads of delegation from China, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Russia.
Jaipur Declaration (Communiqué 2026)
The declaration provides a framework for strengthening tourism cooperation among BRICS nations, focusing on four thematic priorities:
1. Artificial Intelligence & Tourism – responsible, safe, human-centred AI for destination management, visitor services, multilingual communication, and travel facilitation.
2. Sustainability & Responsible Tourism – community-centred tourism, protection of natural and cultural heritage, and promotion of diverse tourism products.
3. Tourism Skilling & Capacity Building – continuous upskilling, industry-academia partnerships, and workforce development.
4. Tourism Exchanges & Seamless Travel Facilitation – data sharing, best practices, and stronger people-to-people connectivity.
Key Outcomes
- Recognition of AI and digital technologies as transformative tools in tourism.
- Emphasis on sustainable tourism investment and infrastructure.
- Strengthening community-based tourism and cultural heritage protection.
- Promotion of bilateral cooperation (India held side meetings with Brazil, Iran, South Africa, and UAE).
- Showcasing of traditional arts, crafts, and community initiatives to delegates.
Cultural Engagement
- Delegates will visit Jaipur’s iconic heritage sites on 22 August 2026: Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Amber Fort, experiencing India’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
This declaration positions BRICS tourism as a driver of resilience and inclusive growth, while also aligning with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by spreading economic opportunities beyond major cities into towns, villages, and remote regions.
