(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
New Delhi, April 2025 – Ushering in a new era of innovation and strategic growth, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has announced the appointment of Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS (1999 batch, Rajasthan cadre), as its new Managing Director. A seasoned bureaucrat with the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India, Ms. Sinha brings with her an impressive legacy of public service, marked by visionary leadership and transformative policymaking.

With more than two decades of extensive experience in administration and governance, Ms. Sinha’s appointment is seen as a bold and forward-looking move by ITDC, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Tourism. Her rich background in cultural and tourism policy makes her a uniquely positioned leader to guide ITDC’s multifaceted operations.

Prior to this appointment, Ms. Sinha served with distinction as the Director General of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, where she was instrumental in shaping national tourism strategies. Her tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on innovation and the integration of big data into policy frameworks, helping redefine how tourism is managed and marketed across India. Her earlier role as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, where she led the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) division, further showcases her deep commitment to preserving India’s heritage while making it accessible to global audiences.

Now at the helm of ITDC, Ms. Sinha is set to oversee a wide array of verticals that collectively form the backbone of India’s state-run tourism and hospitality initiatives. These include the iconic Ashok Group of Hotels, Ashok Events, Ashok Travels & Tours, Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management (AIH&TM), Ashok International Trade (duty-free shops), catering services, and Ashok Consultancy & Engineering Services.

In her first remarks following the announcement, Ms. Sinha stated, “It is a privilege to join ITDC. My focus will be on modernising operations, enhancing the tourism and hospitality experience, and building a globally competitive brand rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage.” Her words reflect not only ambition but also a deep understanding of the transformative role ITDC can play in the evolving landscape of global tourism.

The tourism sector in India stands at a critical juncture, where innovation and heritage must go hand in hand to meet the expectations of modern travelers. With Ms. Sinha’s leadership, ITDC is poised to revamp its offerings, making them more agile, tech-driven, and aligned with global standards — all while staying rooted in India’s timeless cultural ethos.

As ITDC embarks on this new chapter, industry watchers and stakeholders alike are optimistic. Ms. Mugdha Sinha’s arrival signals not just a change in leadership but a renewed commitment to excellence, sustainability, and global relevance in India’s tourism narrative.