MakeMyTrip has entered a strategic partnership with India's Ministry of Tourism to roll out more than 350 guided tours spanning 60 cities, with bookings opening on August 15. The initiative is designed to give travellers a deeper, more structured encounter with India's heritage, culture, spirituality, and cuisine, led by local experts. It aligns with the government's ongoing Incredible India and Dekho Apna Desh campaigns, which aim to boost domestic travel and showcase the country's diversity.
The tour portfolio includes a wide range of formats—walking tours, cycling excursions, vehicle-based itineraries, and multi-day packages—each crafted to bring local stories to life. Notable offerings include a tea-tasting session in Palampur, a heritage play in Agra, and the Sacred Ganges Immersion experience in Varanasi. More unconventional options include an electric cycle ride through Goa and a guided walk through Mumbai's Dharavi district, one of Asia's largest slums. Prices start at INR 500 (approximately USD 6), making the experiences accessible to a broad audience.
Government and industry backing
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism & Culture, underscored the critical role of local guides and communities in India's tourism value chain. “Our guides, local experts and communities are the backbone of India's tourism value chain,” he said. The partnership is expected to create new income opportunities for guides and small tour operators while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Rajesh Magow, Executive Director and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, highlighted the ease of booking these tours through the platform, comparing it to reserving a flight or hotel. “Travellers can now book these curated experiences as effortlessly as they book their flights or hotels,” he noted, adding that the initiative will help showcase India's stories through well-researched, locally informed content.
The launch is supported by a promotional campaign, including a film that captures the essence of the tours. The move is part of a broader push by the Indian government to position the country as a year-round destination and to encourage Indians to explore their own nation. Similar efforts have been seen across the region, such as sustainable tourism training in Japan and motorcycle itineraries in Sri Lanka.
For travel agents and tour operators, the new inventory offers a ready-made product to sell to both domestic and international clients. The tours are bookable via MakeMyTrip's website and app, and the company plans to integrate them into its broader holiday packages. This development also signals a growing trend of online travel agencies partnering with government bodies to formalise and scale local experiences, a model that could be replicated in other markets.
The Ministry of Tourism has been actively promoting domestic travel through campaigns like Dekho Apna Desh, and this partnership with MakeMyTrip is expected to give a significant boost to that effort. With the summer travel season winding down and the festive period approaching, the timing of the launch is strategic, aiming to capture the upcoming holiday demand.
Industry observers note that the success of such initiatives will depend on the quality and consistency of the guided experiences, as well as the ease of booking and cancellation policies. MakeMyTrip has assured that all tours will be conducted by trained and certified guides, and that customer feedback will be closely monitored to maintain standards.
The partnership also comes at a time when India's aviation sector is expanding, with new routes such as EVA Air's upcoming Taipei-Delhi service and Akasa Air's new loyalty programme enhancing connectivity and traveller engagement. These developments collectively point to a more dynamic and accessible Indian travel market.
As the tours go live, both MakeMyTrip and the Ministry of Tourism will be watching uptake closely. If successful, the model could be extended to more cities and specialised themes, including wellness, adventure, and culinary tourism. For now, the focus is on delivering authentic, memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.
