In the last decade, India’s sacred geography has not merely been visited—it has been rediscovered. The mountains are no longer just landscapes; they are living sanctuaries. From the snow-draped shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath to the meditative calm of Bodh Gaya and the golden stillness of Sarnath, India’s spiritual soul has stirred—one pilgrim at a time. Tourism in this era was not crafted through brochures but through bhakti, memory, and the civilisational impulse to reconnect. Between 2014 and 2024, this spiritual awakening reshaped the country’s cultural map. Kedarnath, once a symbol of tragedy, rose like a phoenix—welcoming over 16 lakh pilgrims in 2024, up from barely 40,000 a decade earlier. Ujjain, rejuvenated as a city worthy of Mahakal, drew 7.32 crore visitors in 2024. Kashi, reborn in light and sanctity, saw 11 crore people walk its sacred lanes. Bodh Gaya and Sarnath quietly echoed across continents, drawing over 30 lakh seekers in 2023. And then came a moment that transcended statistics—the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya in January 2024. It was not an inauguration; it was a restoration of the civilisational heartbeat. In just six months, over 11 crore devotees arrived—not just to witness, but to belong. Equally monumental was the Mahakumbh 2025, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, with over 65 crore pilgrims at the confluence of faith and transcendence. Together, Ayodhya and Prayagraj became twin lighthouses of Bharat’s spiritual renaissance. This was not tourism—it was homecoming. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, this return was given shape, infrastructure, and soul. No longer a checklist-driven industry, tourism became a national mission to rediscover the sacred self. PM Modi’s visionary mantra— “Wed in India, Visit India, Invest in India”—recoded …
Read More »Experiential travel market in India to hit USD $45 bn in 2 years led by Gen Z
WanderOn, a new age tech travel company shared a survey on the Indian Travel Experiential Market. The company stated that the major force that will be driving the market would be Indian youth, and the experiential travel market is expected to reach USD 45 billion by 2027. This includes solo trips, guided tours, concerts, cultural immersions, and offbeat destination experiences that resonate deeply with Gen Z’s preference for meaningful and personalised journeys. India’s tourism industry is undergoing tremendous transformation and emerging as a leading economic contributor to GDP’s growth in the country. Aspirational spending in today’s youth is one of the huge contributors to the overall numbers of travel industry. As per reports, around 93% of young travellers are now decision makers when it comes to planning trips or family vacations. As per WanderOn’s consumer data, around 65% of the revenue is generated from the younger population. There is a broader evolution in travel experiences as Gen Z is not shying away from booking luxury rail rides or cruises. Govind Gaur, Founder & CEO, WanderOn said, “Nearly 50% of our customers have travelled with us more than 7 to 8 times, over the past 2–3 years. Nearly 60 to 65% of our revenues are coming from the younger generation within the age group of 18 to 35 years. We are witnessing a rising demand for curated, hassle-free, and immersive travel experiences, particularly among the 18–45 age group. This segment is a key driver of our revenue, consistently seeking innovation, excitement, and unique adventures that go beyond conventional travel.” “When we started, our average ticket size ranged from INR 12,000 to 16,000, which has now nearly doubled. We are looking forward …
Read More »ANA celebrates 60th anniversary of Yokohama–Mumbai sister city ties with special in-flight and airport activations
This year marks a significant milestone in the friendship between Japan and India as 2025 commemorates the 60th anniversary of the sister city affiliation between Yokohama and Mumbai, officially established on 26 June, 1965. To celebrate this enduring relationship, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is rolling out a series of special initiatives throughout June 2025 on its NH829 (Narita–Mumbai) and NH830 (Mumbai–Narita) routes. As part of the anniversary celebrations: Commemorative stickers featuring the 60th anniversary logo will be distributed to passengers flying on NH829 and NH830 throughout the month. A 60th Anniversary Leaflet featuring the Lucky Draw and prizes from Yokohama & ANA will be distributed at Mumbai airport at departures and arrivals. Passengers can scan a dedicated ANA QR code to enter a lucky draw, with exciting prizes including: Complimentary stays at Hotel Associa Shin-Yokohama and The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu ANA aircraft models Yokohama Zoo and Sankeien Garden tickets Yokohama-themed merchandise such as coasters, bandanas, and ANA-branded tote bags From June 1 to June 30, 2025, the ANA check-in counters at Mumbai International Airport will proudly feature the official 60th-anniversary logo. A special in-flight announcement will be made on June 27, 2025, on both NH829 and NH830 flights, commemorating the occasion of the sister city agreement. This initiative not only highlights ANA’s commitment to connecting cultures but also strengthens the emotional and historical ties between Yokohama and Mumbai. As India–Japan relations continue to grow, ANA is honoured to play a part in celebrating this legacy of friendship.
Read More »A Decade of Dharma: Cultural Renaissance in the Modi Era
In January 2024, as the sun rose over the holy city of Ayodhya, a prayer whispered for centuries finally found its voice. The Pran Pratishta of Shri Ram in his Ram Mandir was not just a religious milestone—it was a moment of civilizational redemption. After centuries of invasion, colonial distortion, and political delay, the temple stood tall—etched in sandstone, echoing with mantras, and pulsing with history. It wasn’t just about architecture; it was about the healing of a wounded soul. The return of Shri Ram to his birthplace rekindled the spirit of a nation that had long carried the silence of exile in its heart. A few months prior, another symbol of India’s ancient spirit quietly returned to its rightful place. During the inauguration of the new Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi installed the Sengol—a sacred scepter presented to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 by Tamil Adheenams to mark the dharmic transfer of power. For decades, it had been forgotten, mislabeled, and dismissed as a walking stick. Its restoration was not just an act of remembrance—it was a powerful declaration that India would no longer view itself through borrowed eyes. The Sengol represented rule anchored in righteousness, not relics of empire—a decisive embrace of India’s own statecraft and spiritual traditions, long overlooked in a post-colonial order. Together, these moments signaled a deeper cultural resurgence—a civilisational stirring that would unfold across eleven transformative years. From the outset in 2014, it was clear that under the Modi Government, culture would no longer be ornamental—it would be foundational. International Yoga Day, first observed in 2015, saw millions across the globe celebrate an ancient Indian practice that fuses body, mind, and spirit. Yoga was not …
Read More »Just one month to go for OTOAI Moscow Convention 2025
OTOAI announced the dates of its 6th Convention. The 3-day convention will be held in Moscow from 10 to 13 July. Experience the vibrant pulse of modern life at Red Square! Amidst the majestic architecture, history seamlessly intertwines with contemporary energy, creating a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary atmosphere of this legendary destination! See you at 6th OTOAI Convention in Moscow! Just 30 days to go!
Read More »ITDC celebrates World Environment Day 2025 with tree plantation drive at The Ashok
India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) marked World Environment Day 2025 with a deeply symbolic and heartfelt event held at The Ashok and Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri. The celebration revolved around the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,’ aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide initiative launched on 5 June, 2024, encouraging citizens to plant a tree in honour of their mothers. The commemorative event was led by ITDC’s Managing Director, Mugdha Sinha, IAS, and saw enthusiastic participation from Functional Directors, senior management, and other members of Team ITDC – notably the dedicated gardening personnel and their children, who were recognised as the unsung green champions of The Ashok and Hotel Samrat. Echoing the United Nations’ 2025 World Environment Day theme – Beat Plastic Pollution – the event brought to life ITDC’s enduring commitment to sustainable tourism. The day’s activities included a symbolic tree plantation drive where each child and guest planted a sapling in their mother’s name, fostering a strong emotional connection with nature. Speaking on the occasion, Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director, ITDC, remarked, “Planting a tree in the name of a mother is like paying homage to the universal Mother Earth, the nurturing life force that procreates, nurtures and sustains all of life. Inspired by Hon Prime Minister’s call of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,’ on this World Environment Day, ITDC reiterates its commitment towards a circular economy and sustainable environment, free from plastic waste.” Both The Ashok and Hotel Samrat, flagship properties under ITDC, exemplify climate-responsive design, having been built around natural contours, preserving existing trees, and reducing heat-island impact to help maintain a naturally cooler microclimate.
Read More »Virgin Atlantic launches ‘Sky High Club’ rewards programme for travel trade
Virgin Atlantic has introduced a first-of-its-kind rewards programme exclusively for Indian travel agents. Exclusive Virgin-style Rewards and Benefits including epic experiences and exclusive event invitations. A first-of-its-kind for Virgin Atlantic in India, Sky High Club is more than a loyalty programme – it is a celebration of the passion, hustle and heart that define the Indian travel industry. With every booking, agents will now have the chance to earn points and unlock a world of extraordinary rewards and unforgettable experiences
Read More »Karnataka to formulate SOPs for mega events to prevent untoward mishaps
G Parameshwara, Home Minister, said, “Karnataka government will formulate a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for mega events, meetings and celebrations aimed at preventing any untoward incidents. He added that the government will take strict measures to identify lapses.
Read More »Tamil Nadu Travel Expo set to take place in Madurai from 26 to 28 September
The 2nd edition of Tamil Nadu Travel Expo (TTE) is all set to be held from 26 to 28 September in Madurai. With the theme of heritage, wellness and wedding, the event this year envision to showcase Tamil Nadu’s tourism potential to hotels, tour operators, tourism transport businesses, destination companies, wedding planners and wedding decor experts.
Read More »IATO team meets Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, mulls issues & seeks support
Newly elected IATO office bearers, led by President Ravi Gosain, met Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI to invite him to the 40th IATO annual convention scheduled to be held in Puri from 22 to 25 August. The delegation discussed several key issues affecting inbound tourism. The minister assured support and said proactive steps by the ministry are already in progress.
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