India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave will be held in Kochi from August 14–16. Organised by Kerala Travel Mart Society with the Tourism Department, it aims to promote Kerala as a premier destination. PA Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism said, “The conclave aims to tap Kerala’s potential in this fast-growing segment, leveraging the state’s unique advantages to transform it into a global MICE and wedding tourism hub.” 

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has launched an initiative called TAAI DMC Connect to connect global DMCs, tourism boards and authorities with its outbound tour operators across India. With a network of over 2,000 members, it aims to promote destinations and boost clients’ businesses. 

Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, Asego, said, “There has been a clear increase in demand for comprehensive, top-tier travel protection plans. Travellers are now asking more informed questions, they want to know exactly what scenarios are covered, especially around medical emergencies. Many are upgrading medical coverage limits and actively opting for benefits, relevant to their destinations.  This growing awareness indicates that travel insurance is not considered as just a visa requirement anymore but a quintessential part of trip planning.” 

India has ranked 99th out of 167 nations in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Index, marking its first entry into the top 100. The UN Sustainable Development Report noted India’s score improved to 67 from last year’s 64. While global progress is stagnating, India and several Asian nations have shown steady gains in socioeconomic indicators since 2015. 

The Hotel Association of India held key discussions with Dr. Atul Patne, Principal Secretary-Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, on enhancing the state’s hotel ecosystem. HAI proposed industry electricity tariffs, a unified ‘One License One Property’ model, and stronger incentives under the 2024 tourism policy. The government responded positively, supporting long-term investment, sustainable growth and ease of doing business in hospitality. 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have unveiled an ambitious tourism roadmap featuring luxury resorts, a yacht marina and eco-adventure offerings. Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar highlighted efforts to gain UNESCO status for the Cellular Jail and boost heritage tourism. With growing tourist arrivals and expanded destinations, the islands aim to become a premium global destination rooted in sustainability and culture. 

Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI, said, “Cancellations are taking place. The options are offered to travellers as they are not preferring Air India. But this is temporary, in my opinion, since the fear has taken over decision making. There is no significant decline that is noticed. Lower booking classes would otherwise open up. Surely, the accident that happened, ought not to have happened but the airline is doing its best. We are confident of their extra care that would get invested. It will take some time for this setback to get cleared, particularly the fear driven decision making. Normalcy will take over, once repeated and consistent successes of flying is noticed.”  

Turtle Down Under in collaboration with Tourism Australia will conduct a webinar on 27 June at 12pm IST highlighting different experiences that visitors can indulge in when travelling to Australia. The webinar will include exclusive destination presentations from tourism board members. Register and attend for a chance to win an Amazon voucher. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.    

Sameer Karnani, Director, Arunodaya Travels, said, “Many Indian travellers are simply not comfortable flying right now. Even those who had summer travel plans have chosen to postpone. The overall sentiment is cautious, not just because of the Air India crash but due to a globally unstable environment. Multiple factors are contributing to a visible dip in confidence.” 

West Bengal now has the highest number of certified tourist guides in India, with 1,022 trained across districts under a dedicated state. Debjit Dutta, Director & CEO, Impression Tourism Services (India), said, “This is a landmark moment for West Bengal’s tourism industry. The initiative has not only created skilled guides but also empowered local communities to become tourism entrepreneurs.”