In a landmark move to revitalize the capital’s tourism landscape and engage the next generation of cultural leaders, the Government of Delhi has launched the Tourism and Heritage Fellowship Programme, offering a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 to selected young professionals. Announced on July 14, 2025, this ambitious initiative aims to empower youth while enhancing Delhi’s status as a hub for cultural innovation and sustainable tourism.
Designed and managed by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the program marks a significant step in Delhi’s commitment to inclusive tourism development, grassroots engagement, and long-term heritage conservation.
Fostering a New Generation of Tourism Professionals
The Tourism Fellowship is open to 40 talented individuals under the age of 35, offering a one-year, full-time opportunity to work directly within Delhi’s tourism and heritage ecosystem. Selected fellows will receive ₹50,000 per month in financial support, along with professional training and field experience in tourism management, event planning, digital content creation, and cultural heritage promotion.
To qualify, applicants must be graduates with at least one year of experience in the tourism or related sectors. Preference will be given to those holding degrees in tourism or heritage studies. Fluency in Hindi and English is essential, along with digital literacy, ensuring fellows can effectively communicate and promote Delhi’s offerings to both domestic and international audiences.
Hands-On Experience Across Heritage and Tourism Hubs
Fellows will participate in a diverse range of activities designed to give them a 360-degree view of Delhi’s tourism sector. These include:
- Leading guided tours and heritage walks at iconic sites.
- Supporting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism events.
- Creating multilingual promotional content for digital campaigns.
- Organizing cultural festivals and interactive experiences at venues like Dilli Haat and the Garden of Five Senses.
- Facilitating film tourism by coordinating on-location shoots at heritage landmarks.
By placing fellows at the heart of Delhi’s tourism revival, the government aims to blend youthful creativity with heritage expertise, generating compelling narratives and visitor experiences.
A Core Pillar in Delhi’s Long-Term Tourism Vision
This initiative aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) strategy, with a specific focus on local talent empowerment and community-led tourism. The Delhi government envisions the fellowship as a mechanism for strengthening institutional capacity within its tourism and cultural sectors.
Speaking at the launch event, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated, “Delhi’s youth are our cultural ambassadors. This fellowship will nurture their talent, amplify their ideas, and support their journey in shaping a more vibrant, inclusive, and globally attractive Delhi.”
In tandem, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra emphasized the need for a sustainable, bottom-up tourism approach: “This program reflects our vision of comprehensive tourism development—one that protects our heritage, nurtures talent, and builds a skilled tourism workforce for the future.”
Certification and Future Career Prospects
Upon successful completion of the fellowship, participants will receive an official certificate from the Government of Delhi. Beyond a prestigious credential, this recognition will open doors in the broader fields of tourism policy, heritage management, cultural consultancy, and international travel organizations.
The fellowship is also expected to act as a feeder program for long-term tourism leadership roles, positioning graduates for high-impact careers in both public and private sectors.
Application Process and Timelines
The first application cycle is expected to open shortly, with the initial cohort of fellows to be onboarded by the end of 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early, ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements and clearly express their vision for tourism and cultural advancement in Delhi.
Applicants will undergo a competitive selection process involving a written proposal, resume review, and personal interview, evaluated by a panel of experts from DTTDC and tourism sector stakeholders.
For the latest updates, applicants should monitor the official DTTDC website, which will soon post detailed application guidelines and deadlines.
Bridging Communities, Creativity, and Conservation
What makes the Delhi Tourism Fellowship stand out is its emphasis on community integration. Fellows won’t just be working behind desks—they’ll be in the field, interacting with local artisans, historians, tour guides, and event planners. This hands-on exposure fosters a deeper understanding of Delhi’s diverse cultural identity, while reinforcing the city’s commitment to responsible tourism.
The program also supports Delhi’s goal of becoming a UNESCO-recognized model for urban heritage management, where tourism development goes hand-in-hand with ecological balance, inclusivity, and cultural authenticity.
A Transformative Opportunity for Delhi and Its Youth
The Delhi Tourism and Heritage Fellowship marks a turning point in the capital’s approach to tourism development. By investing in young minds, the government not only builds professional capacity but also ensures that heritage preservation becomes a shared societal mission.
As Delhi continues to rebrand itself as a modern heritage metropolis, this initiative could become a blueprint for other Indian states to follow—balancing innovation, conservation, and economic growth through strategic youth engagement.
For aspiring changemakers in tourism, this is a rare and powerful opportunity to shape Delhi’s future—from within its timeless past.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
