Underscoring that MSMEs, including boutique hotels and local catering services, are crucial to the MICE segment in India, Barun Gupta, General Manager, ExpoInn Suites & Convention, said, “Boutique is the new big. These enterprises make India event-ready, but to grow, they need low-interest infrastructure loans, policy stability and public-private partnerships.”

In a significant push to the tourism sector, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) signed 82 MoUs for investments amounting to ₹10,329 crore during the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0. The pact spans wellness, eco-tourism, caravan tourism, hospitality infrastructure, homestays, and digital solutions.

With Wimbledon underway and the India-England Test match around the corner, tourism companies in India are witnessing steady bookings from high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) for curated experiences abroad. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Leisure Travel & MICE, Thomas Cook, said, “We have introduced trips specially for the India-England Test match and Wimbledon.”

Indian travellers and lovers of authentic cuisine have something new to look forward to at Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier Bali Kuta. The hotel has officially launched an exclusive partnership with Bali’s iconic Queen’s Tandoor, bringing the warmth and richness of Indian food straight to guests’ rooms via its in-room dining service. Whether you’re unwinding after a flight or relaxing poolside, the aroma of freshly grilled Paneer Tikka, the creamy richness of Butter Chicken, or the comforting spice of a Veg Biryani is just a phone call away. Each dish is crafted by Queen’s Tandoor’s expert chefs using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, ensuring an experience that’s as close to home as it gets. “Food is a powerful connector to culture and comfort,” said Anders Lund, Cluster General Manager of Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier Bali Kuta. “With so many Indian travellers visiting Bali, we wanted to offer something that feels both familiar and special delivered with the convenience of in-room dining.” Guests can order from a carefully curated menu that includes: Classic Samosa – crisp pastry filled with spiced potatoes Paneer Tikka – grilled cottage cheese cubes marinated in aromatic spices Chicken Tikka Masala – grilled chicken in a vibrant red curry Jeera Pulao – fragrant cumin-infused basmati rice Veg Biryani – a comforting pot of rice, spices, and mixed vegetables Gulab Jamun – soft milk dumplings soaked in warm sugar syrup The menu also offers a variety of vegetarian, eggless, and gluten-free options, making it inclusive for different dietary preferences. Available exclusively through Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier’s in-room dining, all meals are freshly prepared and delivered under 90 minutes. For late-night cravings or a cozy night in, it’s a perfect …

Domestic air passenger traffic is expected to grow by 7-10% in FY2026 on a YoY basis, reaching 175-181 million passengers, following a 7.6% increase on a YoY basis in FY2025 to 165.4 million passengers, according to ICRA.

Hilton has opened its Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport, marking the debut of the brand in India’s financial capital. The hotel is strategically positioned within minutes of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Developed in partnership with Fariyas Hotels & Resorts, the 140-room hotel is set to welcome business and leisure travellers with thoughtful amenities, intuitive service, and exceptional hospitality.

Chalet Hotels may look at bringing its own brand of hotels after having firmly established itself among the top-four players in India’s hospitality space with a market cap of more than ₹19,000 crore. Sanjay Sethi, MD and CEO, Chalet Hotels, says the company’s performance, its strategy to diversify into leisure hotels and expansion to more geographies provide a springboard to launch its own brand.

Outlining the government’s action roadmap to ensure safe tourism with a multi-pronged action plan, Paul Lyngdoh, Tourism Minister, Meghalaya, said that all accommodation units across the state – lodges, resorts, homestays or paying guest facilities- must now mandatorily register every traveller through the government’s tourism app. He added that the state will induct 50 new prime tourism vehicles by July.

Chairing the 82nd meeting of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), Bandaru Dattatreya, Governor, Haryana, said, “Kurukshetra must be turned into a must-see site and suggested celebrating 48 utsavas, or festivals, to that end, annually. The objective is to transform Kurukshetra into a top destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. Also, the board members decided to introduce electric buses in the city, connecting important pilgrimage sites along the 48 Kos Parikrama circuit.”

Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department, Jammu & Kashmir, has said that they are planning to hold roadshows in the remaining part of the year to increase their interaction with the associations.” A calendar of roadshows has been submitted to Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister & Tourism Minister, J&K. Once he approves, it will start.”