The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, today inaugurated a series of multi-dimensional, high-impact initiatives at the Convention Centre of The Ashok, New Delhi, marking the joint celebration of 60 years of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and 70 years of The Ashok Hotel. Describing ITDC as a “multi-dimensional growth engine for India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem,” the Minister underscored the organisation’s re-imagination strategy for the digital and metaverse age, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The landmark celebration witnessed the launch of a comprehensive bouquet of physical, digital, intellectual, and institutional initiatives aimed at catalysing growth across the tourism and hospitality sector. These initiatives reflect the Union Budget 2026 emphasis on emerging technologies, including Gen AI, immersive experiences, and smart digital infrastructure for commercial excellence. Established in 1966, ITDC is a Schedule ‘B’ Mini-Ratna CPSE under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Over six decades, it has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s tourism infrastructure, hospitality standards, and international outreach. As ITDC celebrates its Shashthipoorti (60 years), it continues to strengthen market leadership through modernization, institutional reforms, and technology-enabled transformation. Commissioned in 1956, The Ashok, New Delhi, ITDC’s flagship property and India’s only PSU-managed five-star luxury hotel, marks 70 years of distinguished service to the Nation. Along with its sister property Hotel Samrat, it continues to redefine excellence in hospitality. The Ashok is a recipient of the National Tourism Award for Best Facilities for Differently-Abled Persons and Best Hotel-Based Meeting Venue, and remains central to India’s diplomatic engagements, MICE tourism, and luxury hospitality landscape. In collaboration with the Department of Posts, a customized commemorative “My Stamp” postage stamp sheet was released to honour The Ashok’s 70-year legacy. These officially valid stamps will serve as collectibles, branding tools, and heritage souvenirs. ITDC unveiled a specially curated illustrated comic book, “A Day at the Hotel,” in partnership with Amar Chitra Katha, introducing school and college students—especially from Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural India—to career opportunities in hospitality. The initiative aligns with the Budget 2026–27 announcement regarding the proposed National Institute of Hospitality Management. A stylized commemorative postcard embedded with a QR code was launched, enabling users to access a film on The Ashok and relive the celebration digitally, blending memorabilia with immersive technology. A promotional film celebrating The Ashok’s expansive greens, micro-climate, architectural grandeur, and modern indulgence was also unveiled for year-round global promotions. 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. The refurbished swimming pool facilities at Hotel Samrat, including upgraded adult and children’s pools with enhanced safety and premium amenities, were inaugurated. Seasonal memberships are scheduled to open in mid-March. To strengthen India’s “Wed in India” and “Meet in India” segments, The Ashok expanded its outdoor event infrastructure with renovated Aishwarya Gardens and the launch of Airawat Outdoors, a newly developed multi-purpose venue for exhibitions, fairs, conferences, and weddings. Standardized ITDC-branded prepaid gift vouchers for rooms, dining, and gifting solutions were introduced for The Ashok, Hotel Samrat, and Kalinga Ashok properties, enhancing guest engagement and structured revenue streams.