India Boosts Tourism Appeal with New Ministry of Tourism–Mastercard Partnership

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India, has signed a strategic two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mastercard to enhance India’s profile as a premium destination for both domestic and international travellers. The partnership will leverage Mastercard’s global influence particularly its Priceless programme to showcase India’s rich cultural, spiritual, natural and culinary offerings to global audiences.

Showcasing India’s Heritage on Global Platforms

Announcing the collaboration, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, highlighted India’s diverse tourism potential.
He said, “India offers travellers a wealth of experiences rooted in its heritage, culture, spirituality, cuisines, landscapes, and traditions. By leveraging global platforms, corporates can further elevate India’s positioning as a must-visit destination and deepen global engagement with our vibrant tourism ecosystem.”

Through Mastercard’s well-established marketing channels, tailored campaigns will be created for different traveller demographics, expanding India’s reach and appeal across international markets.

Curated Experiences From Goa, Varanasi, and Beyond

In its initial phase, the collaboration will introduce curated travel experiences from Goa on priceless.com. This will be followed by similar showcases from Varanasi, Andhra Pradesh, and additional destinations as the partnership progresses. These curated offerings will help travellers experience India’s cultural and spiritual depth in meaningful ways.

Strengthening Digital Payments Within the Tourism Ecosystem

A core component of the MoU is promoting secure and responsible digital payment practices across the tourism value chain. Both organisations will work with public and private stakeholders to encourage seamless digital transactions for travellers, enhancing convenience and safety.

The agreement also includes:

• Exploration of co-branded payment products linked to iconic Indian destinations
• Initiatives to improve digital payment acceptance, especially in remote tourism regions
• Industry-wide capacity building to support the tourism sector’s digital transformation
• Mastercard’s Commitment to India’s Digital Economy

Gautam Aggarwal, President, India & South Asia, Mastercard, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing India’s digital payment infrastructure.
He said, “Mastercard is committed to strengthening India’s digital economy by making payments safer and more accessible across the country. This collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism will help unlock new opportunities for tourist spending and enable greater economic participation for local communities.”

Ministry of Tourism as the Knowledge Partner

As the Knowledge Partner, the Ministry will:

• Identify key travel corridors across India
• Facilitate partnerships with State Tourism Boards
• Collaborate with the Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Culture
• Support the development of high-impact tourism experiences nationwide

The MoU, valid for 24 months, marks a significant step toward making India a globally competitive and digitally empowered tourism destination.