MakeMyTrip and India's Tourism Ministry Launch Global Campaign to Reconnect Indian Diaspora with Their Roots

On the eve of India’s 78th Independence Day, MakeMyTrip (MMT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging the global Indian diaspora to reconnect with their homeland. The initiative, titled “India: The Homecoming,” seeks to inspire Indians worldwide to rediscover the cultural and natural beauty of their country, which has undergone significant transformation in recent years.

A central element of the campaign is an evocative online film, narrated by the acclaimed lyricist Gulzar, which captures India’s evolving landscape and rich heritage. The film, with its poignant message, "कितना हुआ है इनदिनों बदलाओ तो देखो, तुमअपने घर में लौटकर आओ तो देखो" (kitna hua hai inn dino badlav toh dekho, tum apne ghar mein laut kar aao toh dekho), is a call for those abroad to witness firsthand the changes within their homeland.

Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the campaign's importance, stating, “This Independence Day, we invite the Indian diaspora across the globe to return home and experience the richness of Incredible India—not just for themselves, but for all those whom Incredible India awaits.”

This campaign is part of a broader ongoing effort to promote India as a top travel destination, echoing the sentiments of the long-standing "Incredible India" campaign, which has been instrumental in showcasing the country's diverse cultural and natural wealth to the world. Launched in 2002, the "Incredible India" initiative has consistently highlighted India's ancient traditions, modern achievements, and stunning landscapes, making it one of the most successful tourism campaigns globally. Over the years, it has drawn millions of tourists, captivated by the slogan's promise of an experience that is both awe-inspiring and unique.

Rajesh Magow, co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, expressed excitement about the campaign, highlighting its potential to reignite pride and nostalgia among Indians abroad. He noted that the campaign builds on MakeMyTrip’s recent expansion, which has made its platform globally accessible, reaching over 150 countries including major markets such as the UK, Germany, Japan, and France.

This initiative follows the success of last year’s “The Traveler’s Map of India,” which promoted over 600 lesser-known destinations across the country. It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader “Chalo India” campaign, which seeks to engage the Indian diaspora in promoting tourism by encouraging their global acquaintances to explore India.

Magow also underscored MakeMyTrip’s commitment to facilitating inbound travel, with the platform now offering services in multiple currencies and expanding its coverage to over 2,000 cities. This expansion is seen as a strategic effort to tap into the vast Indian diaspora and international tourists, offering them an opportunity to discover India’s hidden gems.

The launch of “India: The Homecoming” marks a concerted effort by both the government and MakeMyTrip to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora, leveraging their influence to bolster India's tourism sector and showcase the nation's progress to the world. Through this campaign and the continued efforts of the "Incredible India" initiative, the aim is to present India not just as a travel destination, but as a home that welcomes back its people, offering them a chance to reconnect with their roots and rediscover the incredible tapestry of their heritage.