CB Ramkumar, Vice Chair, GSTC, said, “After Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh are also showing interest in sustainability and we are actively conducting training and awareness programs with local tourism boards and officials. We have offered to work with these states to operationalise their policies, provide training.”

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) joined hands with Nexus DMC, launching the innovative NEXTAAl platform. This collaborative effort aims to revolutionise the travel industry, offering unparalleled benefits and opportunities to the association’s members. The aim is to empower travel excellence through this strategic partnership.

Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, Oberoi Group, said, “The group is set for expansion into new markets, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, while maintaining a strong focus on the domestic Indian market.” The group delivered one of its strongest performances in FY2025. The hotel chain aims to capitalise on the growing premium travel segment.

In a significant policy shift, VK Saxena, LG, Delhi has withdrawn the requirement for police-issued licences and NOCs for 7 trade categories, including hotels, motels, guest houses & eating houses. K B Kachru, President, HAI, hailed it as a landmark decision, stating it would boost Delhi’s appeal as a competitive & investment-friendly hospitality hub.

As Indian travellers delve deeper into experiential tourism, such as Motorbike rides and Road trips across the nation, Asego steps up with a bold, first-of-its-kind offering: Motorbike Road Trip Protect, designed to meet the rising demand for safer, worry-free riding adventures. From long-distance road trips to high-adrenaline trail biking, Asego’s new plan offers riders comprehensive protection, covering accidents, emergency evacuations, outpatient care, breakdown assistance, and even support for family during hospital stays. Speaking about the launch, Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, Asego, shared, “Motorbike tourism is booming, but adventure should never come at the cost of safety. With Road Trip Protect, we are empowering riders and travel partners alike to embrace India’s incredible road journeys with confidence.” As adventure travel operators increasingly curate motorbike experiences for both domestic and global tourists, Asego’s latest solution positions itself as a timely game-changer, making India’s growing biking tours safer, more accessible, and fully protected.

The mandatory police approval to run hotels and restaurants in Delhi, will no longer be necessary, according to an official order issued by Government of NCT of Delhi. The requirement of Police Licence/Clearance (Eating House Licence) for operating hotels and restaurants has been removed as stated in the order. This decision is the outcome of continuous representations and sustained follow-up by HRANI on behalf of the hospitality industry of Delhi. HRANI welcomed and appreciated this pro-industry initiative which will significantly enhance Ease of Doing Business in the hospitality sector and create a more enabling environment for growth, investment, and employment in the capital.

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been named ‘Best Airline Staff Service’ at the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held recently at the 56th edition of the Paris Air Show 2025 in the iconic Air and Space Museum. The airline also climbed three spots in the global Skytrax rankings, securing 17th place among the world’s best airlines following a comprehensive voting process involving millions of travellers worldwide. This recognition reflects the outstanding dedication and performance of Saudia’s team across all the touch points of the guest journey. From seamless ground services to onboard experiences rooted in authentic Saudi hospitality, Saudia staff have played a pivotal role in enhancing guest satisfaction, strengthening brand loyalty, and elevating service standards. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General, Saudia Group, said, “This award reflects the dedication of our incredible frontline team and the trust of our guests. Rising from 82nd to 17th in the Skytrax World Airline Rankings is a proud milestone—but it is just the beginning. With bold investments and a clear vision, we are on a journey to become one of the world’s leading airlines.” Edward Plaisted, CEO, Skytrax, said, “We are pleased to present Saudia with the award for Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the 2025 World Airline Awards. The airline’s cabin and ground staff maintain a service style that is both composed and welcoming, and this is delivered consistently by a multi-national team that brings a range of cultural strengths to the customer experience. It is this blend of professionalism and warmth that continues to leave a lasting impression on passengers.” Saudia has demonstrated remarkable progress in recent years, rising from 82nd place …

Encalm Hospitality has joined forces with AVIS India to transform the airport experience. Central to this initiative is Atithya by Encalm, the brand’s signature meet and assist service, which now extends beyond the terminal through integration with AVIS India’s premium chauffeured transfers, delivering travellers a unified, elevated, and thoughtfully curated passage. Atithya has long been synonymous with calm, personalised care from the moment guests arrive at the airport. With the addition of AVIS India’s professionally managed fleet, featuring luxury cars, all impeccably maintained with an average age of just 24 months, this experience now extends beyond the terminal. Whether it is a business traveller on a tight schedule or a family setting out on a holiday, guests are seamlessly guided from gate to vehicle, where a well-trained chauffeur awaits to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition. This enhancement elevates the Atithya journey by incorporating door-to-door convenience, including pickups from home, hotel, or office to the airport-and vice versa. AVIS India’s well-versed chauffeurs, hygienic interiors, and 24/7 customer support complement Encalm’s commitment to attentive hospitality and seamless service delivery. Together, the two brands offer a consistent, high-touch standard of care—both within the airport and on the road—allowing travellers to relax and focus on the journey ahead. Bringing together Atithya’s bespoke assistance and AVIS India’s mobility expertise results in a truly integrated end-to-end airport experience, anticipating every traveller’s need and delivering a journey that is as reassuring as it is refined. Commenting on this evolution, Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm Hospitality, shared, “Atithya has always been more than just assistance, it is about making travellers feel truly cared for at every stage. Expanding Atithya to include door-to-door transfers aligns perfectly with our philosophy …

WGH Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality arm of World Group, welcomed P Rajeev, Minister for Industry, Government of Kerala to the site of its upcoming flagship project in Kochi. The visit marks a significant milestone for the group, as this luxury development was among the prestigious projects showcased at the Kerala Global Investment Meet, aligning with the state’s vision for sustainable and experience-driven tourism. In 2012 the group made its mark in Kerala’s tourism and hospitality sector with the acquisition of World Backwaters Alleppey. Today, World Group Heritance (WGH) proudly owns and operates distinctive properties across prominent destinations like Alleppey, Munnar and Thekkady. The group is now making bold strides with new developments in Kochi, Varkala, Trivandrum, and Ashtamudi—including an exclusive wellness resort—each uniquely designed to international standards while deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural richness. During the visit, the minister will be presented with the master plan and design philosophy of the WGH Kochi project, set to launch on 1 January, 2028. This luxury destination will set new benchmarks in hospitality by combining modern infrastructure with authentic Kerala experiences. J Jayakrishnan, Director of World Group and WGH Hotels & Resorts, expressed his gratitude for the government’s continued support and investment-friendly policies. “Kerala’s infrastructure development and progressive tourism policies are perfectly aligned with our vision. Our projects aim to promote responsible and sustainable tourism while gifting guests an immersive experience of Kerala’s unique lifestyle and traditions,” said Jayakrishnan. The World Group, with nearly four decades of entrepreneurial legacy starting from mining and expanding into sectors like DRI, retail, logistics, agriculture and consulting, has invested INR 250 crores in Kerala’s hospitality sector over the past two years. The group has committed an …

New Records Set in 2024 as Madhya Pradesh, the Heart of India, Becomes a Tourism Hotspot Madhya Pradesh, rich in diversity and heritage, continues to emerge as one of India’s most vibrant tourism destinations. Known for its cultural legacy, historical monuments, natural beauty, and rich wildlife, the state has become the preferred choice for travellers. In 2024, Madhya Pradesh witnessed an unprecedented rise in tourism, recording 134.1 million tourist arrivals — a remarkable increase of 19.6% from 2023, approximately 50.6% from 2019, and an astounding 526% from 2020. Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board stated, “Madhya Pradesh is a culturally and ecologically diverse state that offers a complete travel experience to visitors. The arrival of 134.1 million tourists in 2024 is proof that Madhya Pradesh is not only making its mark nationally but is also emerging strongly on the global tourism map. This achievement is the result of visionary policies, development of robust infrastructure, and active participation of local communities.” Foreign Tourist Arrivals In 2024, Madhya Pradesh also welcomed 167,000 foreign tourists. Khajuraho recorded 33,131 foreign arrivals, Gwalior 10,823, and Orchha 13,960. Urban destinations also saw a rise in foreign tourists with Indore receiving 9,964 and Bhopal 1,522. Wildlife parks attracted global visitors too, including Bandhavgarh (29,192), Kanha (19,148), Panna (12,762), and Pench (11,272), reflecting the state’s growing global appeal. Major Tourism Attractions Religious Tourism: A New Centre of Faith in India Madhya Pradesh’s religious destinations attracted 107 million visitors in 2024, a 21.9% increase over 2023. Six out of the state’s top ten tourist destinations were religious sites. Ujjain led with 73.2 million tourists, a …