The PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 is all set to take place from 1–3 December in Chiang Rai, Thailand, bringing together thought leaders and creative experts shaping Asia-Pacific destination branding. Held under the theme ‘Steeped in Tradition, Rooted in Wellness,’ the forum will explore wellness tourism, hyper-local experiences, cultural heritage, technology and destination reinvention. Designed to empower emerging destinations, the three-day event blends local immersion with practical sessions to help them grow into globally recognised tourism hubs.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) received the ‘Best State – Tourism Board’ award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Yuvraj Padole, Deputy Director – Events and Marketing, MPTB, said, “We are proud and honoured to receive this award. It motivates our team to enhance tourism, increase visitor footfall, and strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s offerings, taking us to new levels of excellence.”

According to Agoda’s latest report, 91% of Indian travellers would explore new destinations if visa barriers were eased, underscoring the role of accessibility in travel decisions. With 61% respondents eyeing destinations that currently require visas, simplified entry processes, better connectivity, and digital innovations could open up secondary cities and lesser-known regions, transforming India’s outbound travel patterns.

Narendra Singh Rathore, President, Tourist Guides Federation of India (TGFI), highlighted shortages of trained tourist guides in Maharashtra, Gujarat, South, and East India. “Centralised training post-2017 reduced local applications. We request the ministry to restart station-based, area-specific training programmes, as online courses are insufficient and fail to match local demand,” he said.

IHCL reported strong growth with the company’s H1 FY2026 revenue reaching ₹4,226 crore, up 21% year-on-year. Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, said, IHCL now has 591 hotels and 319 in the pipeline, adding 26 new properties this fiscal. He noted 9% domestic and 11% international RevPAR growth, reflecting sustained demand across markets.

The Competent Authority has approved the assignment of additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, to Vivek Aggarwal, IAS (MP:1994), who currently serves as Secretary, Ministry of Culture. He will hold this role with immediate effect until the joining of Srivatsa Krishna, IAS (KN:1994), or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The Mayor of Singleton, Sue Moore, will highlight the best of Hunter Valley – from vineyard escapes and hot-air balloon rides to unforgettable countryside adventures – at this exclusive webinar on Nov 28, 2025 at 11.30AM IST presented by Turtle Down Under. Three lucky winners stand a chance to win Amazon vouchers by filling out the live survey during the session. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Southern Travels has been felicitated with the Traveller’s Choice Award for Excellence at the India Travel Awards 2025. A Krishna Mohan, Managing Director, said, “This award is very special to us, and we feel honoured and proud to receive it. It recognises our responsibility to deliver better services and inspires us to shape the future of travel with technology, data, and personalisation.”

Speaking at a recent PATA webinar, Simon Moriarty, VP – Syndicated Research, MMGY Global, said that more than 53% of Indian consumers are now more interested in travelling within India than a year ago, driven by cost, safety, and rising destination awareness. Internationally, interest in India varies as 25% of Americans, and 17% of Europeans and Canadians express intent to visit. Domestic travellers’ global experiences continue to shape positive sentiment about India.

Air India Group plans to induct 26 wide-body and narrow-body planes, with 81% of international flights operated using upgraded aircraft by end-2026. Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India, said, “2026 will be a year of very visible change for Air India, despite recent challenges, and we are continuing our capital expenditure commitments.”