In a significant move to boost India’s tourism sector, Visa and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) announced their collaboration during the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2026 in Mumbai. This initiative aims to simplify the process of discovering and accessing India’s vast range of tourism offerings, which is particularly vital as the industry seeks to rebound post-pandemic.
The announcement was made on September 11, 2026, highlighting ONDC’s commitment to creating a more inclusive digital marketplace. Visa’s involvement will leverage its extensive network and technological expertise to enhance the visibility of Indian tourism products and services. This partnership is expected to facilitate smoother transactions and better user experiences for both domestic and international travelers. Originally reported by The Economic Times.
Transforming Tourism Accessibility
Visa and ONDC’s collaboration is a strategic response to the challenges faced by the Indian tourism industry, especially after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With international travel picking up, making Indian destinations more accessible is vital. The initiative aims to provide a unified platform where travelers can easily discover attractions, book services, and plan itineraries, all through a seamless digital interface.
According to ONDC, the platform will not only serve as a marketplace for various tourism-related services but will also promote local businesses. This approach aligns with the Indian government’s vision of empowering small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and promoting domestic tourism. By bringing various stakeholders together, including hotels, travel agencies, and local artisans, Visa and ONDC hope to create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports sustainable tourism.
Technological Innovations Driving Tourism
The integration of technology into tourism is seen as a vital component for recovery and growth. Visa’s technological infrastructure, combined with ONDC’s open network, will facilitate better connectivity among service providers and travelers. This collaboration aims to harness data analytics and artificial intelligence to personalize travel experiences, making it easier for users to find offerings that suit their preferences.
In practice, customers will benefit from personalized recommendations based on their travel history and preferences. Moreover, the platform is designed to be user-friendly, appealing to a broad audience, including tech-savvy millennials and older generations who may be less familiar with digital platforms. Visa’s global reach will also enhance international travelers’ experience, ensuring they can easily navigate India’s diverse tourism landscape.
Boosting Economic Growth through Tourism
The tourism sector is a significant driver of economic growth in India, contributing to approximately 10% of the country’s GDP. With the pandemic’s impact still lingering, initiatives like the Visa-ONDC partnership are crucial for revitalizing this sector. By making tourism offerings easier to discover, the collaboration is expected to attract a higher volume of tourists, both domestic and international, which will, in turn, stimulate job creation and local economies.
As part of this initiative, Visa has committed to investing in training programs aimed at educating local business owners on how to effectively utilize digital tools. This investment is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of this collaboration filter down to the grassroots level, empowering local communities and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Looking ahead, the partnership between Visa and ONDC represents a forward-thinking approach to tourism in India. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this will be instrumental in ensuring that India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse travel offerings remain competitive on a global scale. With enhanced accessibility, travelers are likely to discover new destinations within India that were previously overlooked, leading to a more vibrant and inclusive tourism sector.
Originally reported by The Economic Times. View original.
