Category Archives: States

Highlighting the ways to promote tourism in India through concepts like ‘concert tourism’, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, said, “We have come up with the concept of concert tourism in the state and try to organise as many such events as possible in the future as it is a growing industry that can have a huge impact on local economies.”  

Omar Abdullah, CM, Jammu & Kashmir recently apprised the legislative assembly that over 4.40 crore tourists, including 1.20 lakh foreigners, visited Jammu and Kashmir in the past two years. To further promote tourism, the UT has allocated ₹390 crore for tourism development. in financial budget 2025-26

Dharmendra Pradhan, Education Minister, GoI requested the Union Minister of Tourism to set up a dedicated tourism circuit encompassing Debrigarh, Bhimamandali and Hirakud in Odisha. He said these efforts would boost the state’s tourism landscape and promote the country’s standing as a hub for heritage tourism.

KR Naidu, Aviation Minister, GoI, said, “We are going to extend the UDAN scheme for another 10 years starting from April 2027. During the 10 years, 120 new destinations will be added to the existing ones. The scheme will benefit 4 crore people, just like how we have seen addition of 1.5 crore people in the last 8 years.”  

Participating in the Winter Tourism Program in Uttarakhand, PM Narendra Modi said, “There should be no off-season in the picturesque hill state and this would strengthen the state’s economy in a big way, making a strong pitch for round the year tourism. The government’s vision of round the year tourism will strengthen the economy and create jobs for the youth.”

Goa has been honoured with two prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards at ITB Berlin 2025, one of the world’s largest travel trade fairs, reaffirming its position as India’s premier tourism destination. The award for Tourism Minister of the Year – India was conferred upon Rohan A Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and governance in advancing Goa’s tourism sector. Goa was also awarded as the Destination of the Year – India, recognising the state’s diverse tourism offerings, sustainability initiatives, and global appeal. The awards were received by Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, on behalf of the Minister at the ceremony held at ITB Berlin. Expressing his gratitude, Khaunte said, “This recognition on a global platform is a testament to our commitment to responsible and innovative tourism. Goa continues to evolve as a world-class destination, offering sustainable, high-value tourism experiences while preserving its rich heritage and natural beauty.” These awards further strengthen Goa’s international positioning and reinforce its appeal as a preferred travel destination for global travellers.  

Karnataka is set to boost tourism by introducing sea planes to key destinations like Hampi and KRS. Highlighting their commitment, HK Patil, Tourism Minister, Karnataka, said that the government also plans a multi-lingual website and 3D virtual tours of heritage sites, making the state’s cultural and historical landmarks more accessible to tourists worldwide.

Highlighting the state’s potential as a leading hub for adventure sports, Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister, Odisha revealed that the state government is laying the groundwork for the state’s tourism industry, aiming to make it a premier destination for adventure and exploration over the next 50 years. “We are committed to developing these sites, not just for today, but for future generations,” she said.

Inaugurating the second edition of Karnataka International Travel Expo 2025 in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister, Karnataka unveiled the Tourism Policy 2025-2029 and said, “With a budget of ₹1,350 crore, the state tourism policy will help in attracting around ₹8,000 crore as direct investment and generate employment opportunities to 1.5 lakh people in next four years.”

The Global Investors Summit (GIS) in Bhopal is set to open new avenues for tourism investment in Madhya Pradesh. The state’s new Tourism and Film Tourism Policies provide substantial incentives to investors. A streamlined “single-window system” ensures quick, transparent approvals for film shooting. The policy also includes grants for regional films in dialects like Malvi and Bundelkhandi, along with special incentives for children’s cinema and women-centric films. Additional grants are available for films based on the state’s cultural and historical legacy, as well as independent short films.