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The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is intensifying efforts to promote India as a premier wedding tourism destination through a dedicated campaign titled “India Says I Do.” Recognizing the potential of India’s diverse cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, royal palaces, and spiritual settings, the campaign aims to place the country on the global map for destination weddings.
While the development and promotion of tourist destinations, including those targeted for wedding tourism, is primarily undertaken by respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, the Ministry of Tourism provides support through national and international promotional campaigns.
“India Says I Do” – A Strategic Campaign
Launched by the Ministry of Tourism, “India Says I Do” is a multi-pronged campaign designed to market India’s wedding destinations across global platforms. It utilizes:
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Digital marketing
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Social media campaigns
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Influencer collaborations
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Dedicated website presence
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Offline and online activations
The campaign showcases India’s potential as a unique and culturally rich destination for hosting grand weddings, offering everything from royal palaces in Rajasthan to serene beaches in Kerala and Goa, heritage sites, luxurious resorts, and spiritual destinations.
‘Wed in India’ Expo: A Collaborative Showcase
To further boost the initiative, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), organized the ‘Wed in India’ expo. This event was held alongside the Great India Travel Bazaar in Jaipur on 5th May 2024.
The expo brought together:
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Leading wedding planners from India and abroad
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State tourism boards
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Domestic and international tour operators
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Event management companies
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Members of the media
The event provided a platform to showcase India’s wedding infrastructure, services, and hospitality ecosystem while fostering networking among tourism stakeholders.
Local Role in Marriage Registration
While wedding tourism is being promoted at the national level, it is important to note that the registration of marriages is governed by local laws and handled by local administrations of respective States and Union Territories. The Ministry clarified this in a written reply presented by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in the Lok Sabha.
A Growing Global Trend
Destination weddings have become increasingly popular among Indian and international couples, and India is emerging as a top choice due to its heritage, traditions, and diverse scenic locations. The government’s push through the “India Says I Do” campaign aims to tap into this growing segment of the tourism industry, which also contributes significantly to local economies through hospitality, travel, and event services.
