The Ashok Recipe Book, a heritage coffee-table release inspired by Gyan Bharatam, documents state banquet menus at Hyderabad House since 1975
Marking a landmark moment for India’s tourism sector, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) inaugurated a series of high-impact physical and digital initiatives in New Delhi to celebrate 60 years of ITDC and 70 years of its flagship property, the Ashok Hotel, underscoring its renewed focus on technology-led transformation, immersive experiences, institutional reforms and inclusive growth.
In a press statement, ITDC says that the initiatives were inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who describes ITDC as a multi-dimensional growth engine for India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
It says as it marks its 60th anniversary, the corporation continues to strengthen its market leadership through modernisation, institutional reforms and technology-enabled transformation.
Commissioned in 1956, the Ashok Hotel, the flagship property of ITDC and the country’s only government-owned five-star luxury hotel, marks 70 years of distinguished service to the nation. Together with its sister property, Hotel Samrat, it continues to play a key role in India’s diplomatic hosting, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism and luxury hospitality, and has been recognised with National Tourism Awards for facilities for differently abled persons and for excellence as a hotel-based meeting venue.
According to the statement as part of the celebrations, a customised commemorative ‘My Stamp’ postage stamp sheet was released in collaboration with the Department of Posts, honouring the Ashok’s 70-year legacy. The officially valid stamps are positioned as collectables, branding tools and heritage souvenirs.
A memorial postcard embedded with a QR code was also launched, allowing users to access a film on the Ashok and relive the celebrations digitally. In addition, a promotional film showcasing the hotel’s expansive greens, micro-climate, architectural grandeur and modern indulgence was unveiled for year-round global promotion.
ITDC has also unveiled a specially curated illustrated comic book, A Day at the Hotel, developed in partnership with Amar Chitra Katha, aimed at introducing school and college students, particularly from Tier II, Tier III and rural India, to career opportunities in hospitality.
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The statement adds that the initiative aligns with the Budget 2026-27 announcement on the proposed National Institute of Hospitality Management. A heritage coffee-table publication, The Ashok Recipe Book, inspired by Gyan Bharatam, documenting state banquet menus served at Hyderabad House since 1975, was also released on the occasion, highlighting gastronomy as an instrument of soft power and cultural diplomacy.
According to the statement, further infrastructure upgrades included the inauguration of refurbished swimming pool facilities at Hotel Samrat, featuring upgraded adult and children’s pools with enhanced safety and premium amenities, with seasonal memberships opening in mid-March. To strengthen the Wed in India and Meet in India segments, the Ashok expanded its outdoor event infrastructure with renovated Aishwarya Gardens and the launch of Airawat Outdoors, a new multi-purpose venue for exhibitions, fairs, conferences and weddings.
The statement says that to enhance guest engagement and structured revenue streams, standardised ITDC-branded prepaid gift vouchers for rooms, dining and gifting solutions were introduced across the Ashok, Hotel Samrat and Kalinga Ashok properties.
The corporation adds that in the skilling and experiential tourism space, the Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management was repositioned as IHM Ashok, aligning with the national IHM framework and reinforcing its role as a centre of excellence.
According to the statement, an MoU was signed with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to train 1,500 tribal homestay operators nationwide through IHM Ashok in hospitality standards, financial literacy and digital operations.