Category Archives: States

In its continued efforts to position Rajasthan as a premier global destination, the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), is making an exclusive and vibrant appearance at the prestigious “Colors of the World Fair” being held from 18 April to 20 April, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey. The Rajasthan Pavilion is an immersive celebration of the State’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and warm hospitality. On day one, the Pavilion witnessed a grand opening ceremony and quickly became a hub of activity and attraction. Visitors were welcomed by senior officials from the Department of Tourism, along with the Presidents of FHTR and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), and prominent members of Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO). The delegation also includes renowned hoteliers, travel agents, destination management companies, event professionals, folk artists, and culinary experts. It is to be noted that Rajasthan’s presence stood out with vibrant traditional attire, including saris and turbans, soulful folk music, live culinary experiences, and engaging cultural activities and giveaways. The Pavilion received an overwhelming response from international guests, who were particularly enchanted by the live music performances and the unique opportunity to sample Rajasthani culture firsthand. President of FHTR, Kuldeep Singh Chandela delivered a heartfelt welcome address, setting the tone for Rajasthan’s participation. He, along with Joint Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Dr. Punita Singh, also joined an insightful panel discussion on the future of global tourism, engaging with high-ranking tourism officials from across the world. The fair has also highlighted the tremendous tourism potential between Turkiye and Rajasthan, with cultural similarities and …

Ved Khanna, President, ADTOI, expresses confidence in Kashmir’s resilience as a destination. Acknowledging the immediate fallout with a spike in cancellations, he says, “My members in Kashmir have informed me their original bookings stand with people still showing interest in travelling to Kashmir, especially for the Amarnath Yatra in July. We have seen such situations before and Kashmir has always bounced back.”

GRT Hotels & Resorts hosted a vibrant meet in the capital, bringing together key players from the fraternity for an evening of networking, knowledge sharing, and partnership building. The event witnessed participation from some of the most respected names in the industry, reinforcing GRT’s commitment to strengthening its travel trade relationships across the country. The gathering showcased GRT Hotels’ expanding portfolio and innovative experiences across South India, with special emphasis on its award-winning resorts and urban escapes. Guests were also given exclusive updates on new offerings, signature experiences, and the brand’s vision for the year ahead. Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said: “Our travel trade partners have been integral to our growth journey. Events like these allow us to reconnect, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities together. At GRT Hotels & Resorts, we believe in creating not just stays but stories – and our partners help us take those stories far and wide.”

IHCL signed the SeleQtions hotel in Anjuna, Goa, a conversion of a standalone resort with expansion of inventory to 51 keys. The hotel will offer an array of culinary experiences, including an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, and a cocktail bar. Guests can unwind with a range of recreational amenities such as a swimming pool and a well-equipped gym.

As India becomes the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, Mumbai is all set to host the Inter Passenger Terminal Show (IPTS 2025) at the Bombay Exhibition Centre on 11-12 June. The global debut of the event will showcase cutting-edge airport infrastructure and passenger experiences.

RateGain, in its latest ‘State of Car Rental’ report, revealed that 64% of operators rely heavily on competitor pricing, indicating reactive strategies and limited internal forecasting capabilities. Only 12% of operators actively use AI-driven pricing, it added.  

According to new research from MakeMyTrip, 69% Indian travellers expressed their willingness to choose destinations that actively promote responsible travel, with an emphasis on local sustainability initiatives. Deep Kalra, Founder & Chairman, MMT & Chairman, WTTCII, said, “The Market is ready, the challenge now is for the industry to provide the products and services that meet demand.”

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.

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.