Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein emphasised the need to develop a Buddhist circuit in the region to promote spiritual tourism and cultural exchange. He was speaking at the two-day International conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the culture of Northeast. He said that Namsai is a unique example of how an ancient way of life is still being practiced here. Making a strong case for initiating a Buddhist Circuit in the state he said our culture is deeply rooted in socio-religious festivals.

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the Centre to form a Himachal Scouts Battalion with local recruitment from border areas. He also sought Army support to boost border tourism up to the LAC and called for removing inner line check posts to ease permit hurdles, aiming to simplify travel and improve the tourist experience.

Global travel app Skyscanner in its ‘Pitch Perfect Journeys’ report, reveals how the love of cricket is shaping the travel choices of Indians. With nearly half (47%) of Indians ready to swap their sofas for seats at the stadium–both within the country and abroad–the passion for the sport is higher than ever before. In fact, 50% of fans are choosing to extend their cricket trips by 3–4 days, turning it into a full-fledged getaway.  From savouring local flavours to checking off tourist landmarks and iconic sites, fans are making the most of their trip by exploring the host city.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its latest property, Cozzet Mahad in Maharashtra. This strategic expansion strengthens the brand’s regional presence, catering to business and leisure travellers. In its first phase, Cozzet Mahad features an inventory of 55 keys under Superior, Club and Suite categories. The second phase will further enhance the offering with an additional 55 rooms, providing guests with a wider selection of accommodations. In terms of its F&B offerings, Cozzet Mahad houses C Pavilion, an all-day dining restaurant catering to diverse culinary preferences. Guests can indulge in a diverse selection of fresh, healthy, hygienic, and thoughtfully prepared world cuisines at C Pavilion. The restaurant also offers tempting mocktails and relishing light bites for a quick snack. Gossip Veg Bistro is a fully vegetarian eatery which offers exquisite tastes. Guests can also bask in the comfort of their room while digging on their favourite food at any time of the day, thanks to in-room dining. More to this is the perched high above the city, Metro Sky Lounge is a stunning 60-cover rooftop restro bar that offers a perfect blend of ambiance, taste, and skyline magic. With panoramic views that stretch across the urban horizon, it’s the ultimate destination for those who seek elevated evenings and unforgettable moments. Cozzet Mahad offers an elegant MICE venue, Summit, a well-appointed banquet and conference hall designed for both formal and informal gatherings. With modern amenities and a versatile layout, the facility comfortably accommodates up to 250 guests, making it ideal for conferences, celebrations, and intimate events alike. Speaking on the latest opening, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, shared, “The Cozzet is a …

The India Pavilion at MATTA Fair 2025 in Kuala Lumpur marks a key highlight of the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025. Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has taken the lead in curating and coordinating India’s participation, with a strong focus on Northeast India’s tourism potential. India’s representation this year includes 50 delegates from 18 Indian states and union territories such as Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram, Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, J&K, Andamans & Nicobar among others, each contributing regional strengths to a unified national showcase. “This platform gives us an opportunity to present India’s cultural and geographical richness to a global audience,” said Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles. “Our presence at MATTA Fair reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties with ASEAN countries. Assam and the entire Northeast region have distinctive offerings; from wellness retreats and river cruises to wildlife experiences and community-led travel models. This year, we are bringing these stories to the forefront.” Padmapani Bora, IRS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt of Assam Managing Director, Assam Tourism Development Corporation added, “ATDC is proud to implement India’s participation in this landmark event and grateful to the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India for nominating us as implementing agency. We are not only representing Assam but also coordinating efforts to position Northeast India as an integral part of India’s global tourism identity. Beyond exhibitions, this is a space for building relationships, exchanging ideas, and opening new channels of growth for regional tourism stakeholders.” India’s participation at MATTA Fair is part of the broader Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025, a two-part initiative designed to foster closer tourism engagement between …

This is a proud moment for India on the global stage! SanJeet, Director of DDP Publications, was honoured with the prestigious PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. In recognition of his tireless contribution to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and steadfast support of the PATA Chapter network, SanJeet, Director of DDP Publications Private Limited, was honored with the PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. A PATA member since 1999, SanJeet has served over 18 years in key leadership roles, including two terms on the Executive Board. He has been instrumental in strengthening the India Chapter and was a driving force behind bringing the PATA Travel Mart to New Delhi in 2023. This award celebrates his enduring legacy and continued commitment to shaping the future of global travel and tourism.

Magnicity, offering panoramic and immersive city experiences, has appointed Aviareps India as its official sales, marketing, and PR representative to strengthen brand visibility and engagement in the Indian market. With India’s outbound tourism projected to become the 5th largest globally by 2027, this partnership aims to expand Magnicity’s presence across key cities in India. Magnicity offers visitors more than just spectacular panoramic views. Alongside immersive storytelling and multi-sensory experiences, guests can also enjoy curated culinary offerings through the city’s culture, architecture, and history. Alexia Vettier, CEO of Magnicity, commented, “We are excited to strengthen our presence in the Indian market, a country known for its vibrant and curious travellers. This collaboration marks the beginning of our expansion plans into Asia, and we look forward to welcoming more Indian visitors to our global locations.” Through this partnership, AVIAREPS India will implement targeted sales initiatives, strategic media outreach, and industry collaborations to position Magnicity as a must-visit experience for Indian FIT and MICE travellers alike.   Ellona Pereira, General Manager, AVIAREPS India, added, “We are delighted to represent Magnicity, a brand that transforms sightseeing into a storytelling journey. With India’s deep-rooted appreciation for culture and immersive experiences, Magnicity’s philosophy will truly resonate with Indian travellers, enhancing their journeys with unforgettable moments and unique perspectives at every destination.” Celebrating its 50th anniversary last year, Magnicity — founded in France in 1974 — has expanded its global presence by using iconic observation spaces atop towering landmarks. The brand now operates across 6 sites: Paris Montparnasse Observatory in France, Berliner Fernsehturm in Germany, 360 Chicago in the USA, Euromast and Celest’ in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Highline Warsaw coming up in 2025, Poland.    

“The Ministry of Tourism will identify a new set of 50 destinations by the end of the year. Informal consultations with states and industry have already begun,” said Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. “We’re currently drafting the first-cut guidelines, which will be shared with both stakeholders for feedback.” He added that the Ministry hopes to identify the first set of 50 tourism destinations within this year.

According to WTTC, today, only 1–2% of Indian tourism is sustainable compared to 10% globally. Deep Kalra, Founder and Chairman, MakeMyTrip, said, “India’s sustainable tourism market is modest, about $37 million or roughly ₹320 crore, but projected to grow to $216 million in 10 years.” Based on a MakeMyTrip survey, he said that 79% of travellers care about sustainability but lack access, affordability and trust. “They just need better tools,” he emphasised.

Insights from American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report state that Indian travellers are prioritising unique experiences and purchases. While 50% Indians are planning an international trip in 2025 to purchase a luxury good/investment piece, 58% are planning to travel to domestic and international destinations to attend a specific concert or show. Indians are willing to go the distance and travel both domestically (36%) and internationally (32%) for a sporting event in 2025.