Category Archives: MOT

Lauding Maharashtra govt’s approach to boost tourism in Vidarbha, Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI, says, “Such initiatives not only showcase the natural beauty of the region but also create immense potential for growth in the hospitality sector. The Ambhora bridge development, coupled with innovative attractions like the light and sound show, aligns perfectly with our vision for Maharashtra as a nature-focused, holistic tourism destination.”

The Ministry of Tourism is organising a nine-day annual mega event “Bharat Parv” at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of Red Fort, Delhi as part of the Republic Day Celebrations. Being held since 2016, this year it is being celebrated from 23rd – 31st January 2024. The highlights of the mega event are the Republic Day Parade tableaux, dynamic cultural performances by the Zonal Cultural Centres and engaging presentations by cultural troupes from various States and Union Territories, food stall representing all the States and UTs, handicraft and handloom display and enthusiastic performances by the Armed Forces Band. The event is open to the public and entry is free. This year the Parv has participation from 26 Central Ministries and Departments showcasing citizen centric schemes and initiatives of the Government such as Mission Life, One District One Product, Viksit Bharat, Nari Shakti, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. An experiential zone through latest technology has also been setup to promote Dekho Apna Desh. Additionally, the event will feature a Food Court with stalls offering delectable delicacies representing the diverse culinary traditions of different states and UTs in India. To enhance the cultural experience, a Pan-India Crafts Bazaar will be set up, featuring handicraft and handloom stalls, adding to the richness and vibrancy of the overall showcase. Thematic Pavilions of more than 30 States/UTs have also been setup to showcase diverse tourist attractions of the country. Cultural performances by various Delhi based regional cultural associations will also be organized. Parva is also promoting Vocal for Local by the way of local artisans across the country taking part in this by displaying and selling their products.

Bihar government has identified tourism as a priority sector and is implementing a series of infrastructural and business friendly reforms to encourage investments. Part of this is the new Bihar Tourism Policy 2023 which will be unveiled today by state CM and Tourism Minister in Patna with presence from representatives from hotel industry.

Tourism Ministry organised a Conference on Mahabharat Circuit on 10 January followed by a familiarisation trip to Kurukshetra, Jyotisar, and Thanesar. The conference was organised to create awareness about tourism potential of these regions for tour-operators, opinion makers, and influencers.

DGCA has issued revised flight duty time rules, under which weekly rest periods have been increased from 36 hours to 48 hours for flight crew. As per new guidelines, night duty will now cover the period from midnight to 6 am in the morning as compared to five am earlier.

The Indian government has made international travel complex, says Pritish Shah, Founder & CEO at ATD Journeys, with GST and 20% TCS. “Indian outbound tourism is having a tug of war moment. The question is, will the Indian outbound traveller be restricted due to government measures or will it get to experience more of what the world has to offer?” he asks.

Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Tourism, stressed on the importance of coming up with a new medical tourism policy. “In order to improve medical tourism, the government in the upcoming budget will include subsidies and benefits for patients coming to India,” he said.

TAFI has urged the PM to show more support to the travel agent channel. It stated, ‘The tourism sector can surely become more robust if all cogs in the wheel of tourism trade do well and work in tandem. The travel agent channel has been largely ignored and remains an area where your support would go a long way.’

Management Consultant & Professor for aviation and tourism industries, Gavin Eccles, says India needs a more integrated vision between air services and tourism. “I have been saying this for the last few years. It is really time for India to look at an inbound aviation strategy. UDAN scheme has been great but what about an India Air Connectivity Programme? I have made many pitches to both the Central Government and the Indian states. Is 2024 the year that India can develop a strong inbound air services programme?”

According to Indian government owned website Invest India, the tourism and hospitality industry in the country is projected to generate revenue of over $59 billion. It also highlights that Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) are anticipated to reach 30.5 million by 2028.