New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) - On Thursday, Delhi's Minister for Education and Urban Development, Ashish Sood, participated in the 2nd ICC Aviation and Tourism Summit 2026, expressing a commitment to transform the national capital into a prominent tourism destination.

"It's time to elevate Delhi from merely being a transit point to becoming a prime tourism city," Minister Sood stated during the summit hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

The Delhi Budget 2026–27 aligns with a vision for a developed capital characterized by order, aesthetics, and abundant opportunities.

During the event, the ICC Tourism Excellence Awards were given to individuals and organizations recognized for their exceptional contributions to the tourism industry.

This summit gathered influential figures from the aviation and tourism sectors, policymakers, industry specialists, and stakeholders to discuss growth prospects, emerging opportunities, and future strategies.

The aim of this gathering was to foster collaboration and innovation to position India, particularly Delhi, as a global center for tourism and aviation.

Minister Sood welcomed esteemed guests including the Civil Aviation Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, alongside Amitabh Kant, Sudhir Mishra, and Sanjay Kumar Verma, acknowledging their crucial roles in enhancing India's international reputation.

Stressing the significance of first impressions in tourism, Minister Sood pointed out that while the focus is often on destinations, the arrival experience should receive equal emphasis.

He remarked that the atmosphere at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport embodies the essence of Delhi.

On March 18, IGI Airport was awarded the title of the best airport in India and South Asia for the eighth consecutive year—an accolade that represents not only operational excellence but also the cultural identity of the capital.

Through the "Delvibe" initiative, airport terminals have been converted into lively cultural hubs, with visitors welcomed by the soothing sounds of the santoor and the fragrances of sandalwood and jasmine, while modern technologies like DigiYatra ensure a seamless travel experience.

"In Delhi, optimism is not just a policy—it's an experience that starts from the moment one arrives," he asserted.

Discussing the recently unveiled Delhi Budget, Minister Sood noted that the ₹1,37,000 crore budget for 2026–27 serves as a strategic framework for advancing the national capital's development.

Delhi's economy is experiencing growth at a rate of 8.53%, surpassing the national average.

He underscored the Delhi government's commitment to investing in alignment with its priorities.

"We have increased capital expenditure to ₹32,000 crore to promote large-scale advancements in roads, public transport systems, and communal spaces," he said.

He further highlighted that a city's first impression is largely shaped by its roads, hence ₹12,613 crore has been allocated for transportation and infrastructure, along with plans for the redevelopment of 750 km of roads.