Why are Tourism leaders are gathering in Shirdi – here’s why

The two-day conclave will spotlight spiritual tourism, destination development and Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28 in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Maharashtra Tourism; Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC); and Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, is organizing रूहmantic: PHDCCI’s 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave on 12–13 June 2026 at the Auditorium of Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi.

Focus on Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28

The conclave will bring together senior policymakers, tourism leaders, temple administrators, hospitality stakeholders, destination planners, travel companies and spiritual organizations to deliberate on the future of India’s rapidly expanding spiritual tourism sector. This year’s edition places special emphasis on Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28 in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, positioning it not merely as a mega religious gathering, but as a transformative opportunity to strengthen Maharashtra’s spiritual tourism ecosystem and global tourism appeal.

Key dignitaries

The conclave will be graced by Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.

Distinguished dignitaries including Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC; Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), CEO, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi; Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director – Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra; Jayashri Vishnu Thorat, President, Shirdi Nagar Parishad; and Abhay Shelke Patil, Vice President, Shirdi Nagar Parishad will also address the gathering.

Virtual keynote address

The conclave will feature a virtual keynote address by Amrit Abhijat (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary – Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, sharing perspectives from one of India’s most successful spiritual tourism destinations.

Spiritual tourism report launch

A major highlight of the conclave will be the release of the PHDCCI-KPMG Report on Spiritual Tourism, titled ‘From darshan to destination: The transformation of spiritual tourism in India’. The report will provide valuable insights into evolving pilgrim behaviour, emerging travel trends, infrastructure requirements, digital transformation and the growing economic impact of faith-based travel in India.

Session highlights

The day-long deliberations will feature a series of thought-provoking sessions:

Simhastha 2027 – From Kumbh to Spiritual Tourism Corridor

Moderated by Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, Founder, Temple Connect, the session will feature Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), CEO, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust Shirdi; Shekhar Singh (IAS), Commissioner, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority; and Govind Jadhav, Chief Officer, Trimbakeshwar. The discussion will explore how Simhastha can drive destination development, regional growth and the creation of a world-class spiritual tourism ecosystem for Maharashtra.

Creating round-the-clock spiritual experiences

Chaired by Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism and moderated by Aalap Bansal, Partner, KPMG India, the session will examine how pilgrimage destinations can evolve beyond day visits through night tourism, cultural programming and enhanced visitor engagement. Panelists include Dr Kiran Shinde, Professor – Planning, La Trobe University Australia; Prasad Ajgaonkar, Managing Director, iRealities; Vikash Mishra, Founder & CEO, Trip to Temples; and Sameer Bajaj, Head – Corporate Communications & Corporate Affairs, MakeMyTrip.

The architecture of faith

Hosted by Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, this conversation with Kiran Kalamdani, Conservation Architect and Prof. Manoj Mathur, Architect, will explore how temple architecture, heritage conservation and storytelling can deepen cultural understanding and enrich visitor experiences.

Roohmantic reflections

Featuring Sister Deepa of Brahma Kumaris, the session will examine the growing convergence of spirituality, wellness and mindful travel.

Familiarisation visits and spiritual experiences

Beyond conference deliberations, delegates will experience Maharashtra’s spiritual heritage through darshan at Shri Saibaba Temple and a familiarization visit to Nashik and the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, providing first-hand exposure to destinations that will play a central role during Simhastha 2027–28.

Supporting partners

The conclave is supported by Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board; Jharkhand Tourism; IRCTC; DigiDevalaya; Vama; Ramalaya; Hotel Radisson Individuals, Shirdi; Mann Fleet Partners; KPMG; Temple Connect; Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI); Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO); and Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).

This ₹100 crore deal marks Imagicaaworld’s next big expansion move

Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited has approved a strategic investment of up to ₹100 crore in Shanku’s Water Park in Mehsana, Gujarat, near Ahmedabad. The investment is part of the company’s expansion strategy in regional leisure markets across India. Located near Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Mehsana, the park serves multiple regional catchment areas and is positioned within Gujarat’s organised family entertainment and tourism sector.

The park spans over 25 acres with more than 25 attractions

The park spans over 25 acres and includes more than 25 rides and attractions. Located in Mehsana, Gujarat, Shanku’s has connectivity to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and surrounding regions. The park has also undergone renovation and infrastructure upgrades, including updated water filtration systems.

The investment includes operations and management support

The investment will be made through a mix of equity and debt, including capital allocated for future expansion on adjoining land. Imagicaaworld will also provide Operations & Management services across park operations, guest experience, safety systems, F&B, and revenue management under the agreement.

Imagicaaworld continues expansion beyond destination parks

These developments mark Imagicaa’s strategic expansion beyond destination parks into scalable, high-margin formats. The company recently announced its Q4FY26 results where revenue from operations stood at ₹91.9 crore with a significant increase in footfalls by 5% year-on-year to 6.21 lakh visitors, while continuing to witness steady consumer demand across its existing parks.

Leadership comments on the development

Commenting on the development, Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, said, “This transaction represents an important milestone in Imagicaaworld’s growth strategy as we deepen our footprint in Gujarat, one of India’s fastest growing leisure and tourism markets. Gujarat has a strong consumer base, rising discretionary spending, and significant long-term potential for organized entertainment destinations. Shanku’s Water Park is a well-established destination with high-quality infrastructure, strong regional recall, and significant growth potential. Strategically located within a one-hour radius of Ahmedabad and GIFT City, this asset sits at the crossroads of commercial growth and weekend tourism. Through this partnership structure, we aim to leverage Imagicaaworld’s operational expertise and brand capabilities to further enhance guest experiences, drive footfalls, and create long-term value for stakeholders.”

Koyna Daulat Dongri Festival draws over 2 lakh visitors, boosting Satara’s tourism appeal

A large-scale rural tourism event that brought together culture, adventure, and community participation in the Sahyadris.

The Koyna Daulat Dongri Festival 2026 successfully concluded on April 9, with a remarkable turnout of more than 2 lakh visitors, solidifying its reputation as one of the most sought-after rural tourism projects in Maharashtra. The three days added to the schedule, announced by the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, on April 6, were instrumental in attracting more visitors to the festival.

A collaborative effort across departments

Organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the District Administration, Satara, and the Regional Tourism Directorate, Pune, the festival witnessed consistently high participation throughout its duration. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Sahyadri mountain range, the festival showcased the region’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and strong community spirit.

Government focus on expanding tourism potential

During his visit, the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic response from the masses and reaffirmed the government’s intention to promote Satara as a significant tourist spot both nationally and internationally. Drawing inspiration from the event’s success, Shinde announced his intention to organise the Koyna Backwater Festival during the upcoming winter season, aiming to take it to the global level.

Tourism-led development and cultural integration

On the concluding day, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai noted that the festival brought together the Sahyadris’ natural beauty, cultural richness, and rural life into a cohesive experience, while supporting livelihoods, eco-tourism, and traditional art forms. He described the event as a success, thanked the organisers, and confirmed its return next year with an expanded programme.

Key dignitaries in attendance

Among those who graced the festival with their presence were Dr B. N. Patil (IAS), Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, Neelesh Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Santosh Patil (IAS), District Collector of Satara, Yashni Nagarajan (IAS), CEO of Zilla Parishad (Satara), Dr Vaishali Kadukar, In-Charge Superintendent of Police, Raviraj Desai, President of Morna Education Institution, and Yashraj Desai, Chairman of Loknete Balasaheb Desai Co-operative Sugar Factory, among others.

A mix of adventure, culture and community

Blending culture with adventure, the festival featured activities such as boating, jet water sports, paragliding, horseback and camel rides, and electric buggy rides. Boating and jet sports alone attracted over 13,000 visitors, highlighting strong public interest. The event also included agricultural and livestock exhibitions, food festivals, and initiatives by women’s self-help groups, drawing visitors from across Maharashtra.

Entertainment and knowledge-led experiences

Signature events like drone and laser shows and musical fountains drew strong appreciation, while an agricultural showcase highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence in modern farming. Cultural programmes, including traditional performances, devotional music, band showcases, and folk acts, along with live shows and musical evenings, sustained a festive atmosphere throughout.

Infrastructure and regional development initiatives

During the festival, the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, also inaugurated key infrastructure projects, including the Sangwad Bridge over the Koyna River, the Late Shivajirao Desai Memorial Hall, and the Shivajirao Daulat Stadium at Daulatnagar, marking a significant boost to regional development.