Category Archives: MOT

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said they will do their best to “minimise” the dent on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the attack. “I am in touch with everybody in J&K, and so is my office. Secretary, Tourism is taking regular updates from the UT’s Tourism Secretary and Chief Secretary”, he added.

In the aftermath of the recent terrorist incident in Kashmir, V Vidyavathi, Secretary (Tourism), has requested all tourist service operators, travel agents, tour operators, and OTAs, tourist transport providers, hoteliers and all other accommodation units to provide all possible assistance to the tourists, including waving off cancellation fees. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu held an urgent meeting with all airline operators and issued a strong advisory against surge pricing. Airlines have been directed to maintain regular fare levels, ensuring that no passenger is burdened during this sensitive time. As part of immediate relief measures, four special flights from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai—have been arranged, with additional flights kept on standby to cater to further evacuation needs.

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.

As part of the Three Hundred Seventy Ninth Report on Demands for Grants (2025–26) of the Ministry of Tourism, a Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended forming a Fund Utilisation Task Force. Comprising financial and project management experts, the task force will conduct monthly reviews to track fund usage and identify bottlenecks, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency in tourism projects.

“India doesn’t need to build artificial attractions—we already have 43 UNESCO sites and unmatched natural beauty,” said Mugdha Sinha, former DG, Ministry of Tourism, GoI. She urged tourism players to repackage existing heritage with modern amenities and narratives. “Take them back to the Taj Mahal—but with better logistics, better storytelling,” she added.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has been appointed as the new Director General, Tourism and has replaced Mugdha Sinha. According to recent appointments released by Department of Personnel and Training, Sinha has now taken over as Managing Director, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

“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.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, said, “From predictive analytics to smart visitor management, digital innovation will define the next era of travel.” He emphasised on government’s push for tech-driven solutions, citing opportunities for collaboration between startups, airlines and tourism bodies.

At a recent PATA forum, Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, delivered a compelling message to the country’s travel trade. She emphasised to empower Indian tour operators, convert global partners into India ambassadors and think beyond destinations by thinking of markets. Sinha called on tourism associations to offer consistent, high-quality training to equip Indian tour operators with deeper knowledge of their own country. “It is not just about showcasing India. It is about understanding it well enough to package it meaningfully,” she said.

India is set to expand its presence at the Arabian Travel Market 2025, which will take place from 28 April to 1 May in Dubai. The country’s participation this year is likely to grow by 41% compared to last year. India’s MOT, along with key exhibitors such as Air India, Air India Express, and regional tourism boards from Goa, Karnataka, MP, and UP, will all be present at the event, showcasing India’s diverse tourism offerings.