PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Maharashtra Tourism; Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC); and Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, is organizing रूहmantic: PHDCCI’s 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave on 12–13 June 2026 at the Auditorium of Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi.
The conclave will bring together senior policymakers, tourism leaders, temple administrators, hospitality stakeholders, destination planners, travel companies and spiritual organisations to deliberate on the future of India's rapidly expanding spiritual tourism sector. This year's edition places special emphasis on Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28 in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, positioning it not merely as a mega religious gathering, but as a transformative opportunity to strengthen Maharashtra's spiritual tourism ecosystem and global tourism appeal.
The conclave will be graced by Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.
Distinguished dignitaries including Mr. Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC; Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), CEO, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi; Mr. Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director – Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra; Smt. Jayashri Vishnu Thorat, President, Shirdi Nagar Parishad; and Mr. Abhay Shelke Patil, Vice President, Shirdi Nagar Parishad will also address the gathering.
The conclave will feature a virtual keynote address by Mr. Amrit Abhijat (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary – Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, sharing perspectives from one of India's most successful spiritual tourism destinations.
A major highlight of the conclave will be the release of the PHDCCI-KPMG Report on Spiritual Tourism, titled ‘From darshan to destination: The transformation of spiritual tourism in India’. The report will provide valuable insights into evolving pilgrim behaviour, emerging travel trends, infrastructure requirements, digital transformation and the growing economic impact of faith-based travel in India.
The day-long deliberations will feature a series of thought-provoking sessions:
· Simhastha 2027 – From Kumbh to Spiritual Tourism Corridor: Moderated by Mr. Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, Founder, Temple Connect, the session will feature Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), CEO, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust Shirdi; Mr. Shekhar Singh (IAS), Commissioner, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority; and Mr. Govind Jadhav, Chief Officer, Trimbakeshwar. The discussion will explore how Simhastha can drive destination development, regional growth and the creation of a world-class spiritual tourism ecosystem for Maharashtra.
· Creating Round-the-Clock Spiritual Experiences: Chaired by Mr. Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism and moderated by Mr. Aalap Bansal, Partner, KPMG India, the session will examine how pilgrimage destinations can evolve beyond day visits through night tourism, cultural programming and enhanced visitor engagement. Panelists include Dr. Kiran Shinde, Professor – Planning, La Trobe University Australia; Mr. Prasad Ajgaonkar, Managing Director, iRealities; Mr. Vikash Mishra, Founder & CEO, Trip to Temples; and Mr. Sameer Bajaj, Head – Corporate Communications & Corporate Affairs, MakeMyTrip.
· The Architecture of Faith: Hosted by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, this conversation with Mr. Kiran Kalamdani, Conservation Architect and Prof. Manoj Mathur, Architect, will explore how temple architecture, heritage conservation and storytelling can deepen cultural understanding and enrich visitor experiences.
· Roohmantic Reflections: Featuring Sister Deepa of Brahma Kumaris, the session will examine the growing convergence of spirituality, wellness and mindful travel.
Beyond conference deliberations, delegates will experience Maharashtra's spiritual heritage through darshan at Shri Saibaba Temple and a familiarization visit to Nashik and the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, providing first-hand exposure to destinations that will play a central role during Simhastha 2027–28.
The conclave is supported by Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board; Jharkhand Tourism; IRCTC; DigiDevalaya; Vama; Ramalaya; Hotel Radisson Individuals, Shirdi; Mann Fleet Partners; KPMG; Temple Connect; Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI); Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO); and Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).
