Dehradun: In a major push to establish Uttarakhand as a global hub for tourism, destination weddings, and sustainable rural development, the HINDUSTHAN 2.0 – National Chintan Shivir & Expo will be held on July 15–16, 2026, at Punarnava Wellness Resort in Dehradun. The two-day national conclave will be inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Organisers said this year’s theme, “Wed in Uttarakhand,” is aimed at creating a comprehensive tourism-led development model while positioning the Himalayan state among India’s leading destination wedding locations.
The event will bring together policymakers, spiritual leaders, tourism and hospitality experts, wedding planners, event professionals, hotel and resort operators, corporate representatives, and industry leaders from across the country.
Focus on Six Key Tourism Sectors
The conference will feature extensive discussions on six major tourism segments:
- Religious Tourism
- Spiritual & Wellness Tourism
- Rural Tourism and Homestays
- Nature Tourism
- Adventure Tourism
- Destination Weddings
Experts will deliberate on strategies to integrate these sectors into a unified tourism ecosystem capable of generating year-round economic activity and attracting both domestic and international visitors.
‘Doon Declaration’ to Promote Rural Tourism
One of the key outcomes of the conclave will be the adoption of the Doon Declaration, centred on the resolution “Chalo Gaon Ki Ore” (Let’s Go to the Villages).
The declaration proposes linking Uttarakhand’s religious tourism with spiritual, wellness and cultural tourism to encourage longer visitor stays. It also envisions developing migration-affected villages by converting traditional homes into homestays while promoting organic farming, local handicrafts, folk arts, folk music and traditional cuisine as integral components of the tourism experience.
The initiative aims to generate sustainable employment for local youth and women, strengthen the rural economy and ensure tourism remains active throughout the year.
The conference will also discuss the “Journey in Himalaya” integrated tourism model, connecting the state’s religious, rural, adventure and nature tourism circuits to enhance visitor experiences and expand economic opportunities.
‘Wed in Uttarakhand’ Special Session
A dedicated session titled “Wed in Uttarakhand” will be organised on July 15, focusing on establishing Uttarakhand as one of India’s and the world’s premier destination wedding hubs.
The session will explore the development of world-class wedding venues, luxury resorts, hospitality infrastructure and global branding strategies highlighting Uttarakhand’s scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
BITA Awards 2026
The conclave will conclude on July 16 with the BITA Awards 2026, honouring individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to the tourism and wedding industries.
The awards will be presented by:
- Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Former Union Minister of Education
- Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Uttarakhand Minister for Higher Education and Health
- Khajan Das, Uttarakhand Minister for Social Welfare
Industry Leaders to Participate
The event will witness participation from leading personalities in the wedding, event and tourism sectors, including:
- Rituraj Khanna, CEO, Q Events and President, ICEI
- Dr. Ashish Semwal, CMD, Punarnava Wellness Resort
- Gunjan Singhal, Chairman, ICEI
- Jaideep Mehta, President, Event Management Federation (EMF), Gujarat
- Ala Balaram Babu, President, TCEI, Hyderabad
- Prasanjeett Maloo, President, Association of Event Entrepreneurs (AEE), Rajasthan
Apart from them, wedding planners, travel experts, hospitality professionals, hotel and resort operators, entrepreneurs and policymakers from across India are expected to attend.
Vision Beyond a Conference
According to the organisers, HINDUSTHAN 2.0 is envisioned as more than just a conference. It aims to serve as a national platform for promoting investment, strengthening local livelihoods, generating employment, revitalising Uttarakhand’s rural economy and positioning the state as an internationally recognised destination for religious, spiritual, wellness, rural, adventure and nature tourism, as well as destination weddings. The initiative seeks to create a sustainable and inclusive tourism development model that contributes to Uttarakhand’s long-term economic growth.
