Category Archives: States

Centre has given administrative and financial sanction for two major projects with a total outlay of  ₹169.05 crores for enhancing the tourist appeal of water tourism in Alappuzha and the Malampuzha Garden in Palakkad. Both the projects were submitted by the Kerala tourism department, seeking clearance under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.

Padmapani Bora, MD, Assam Tourism Development Corporation, said, “As Assam witnessed rise in tourist footfall, the state government is actively working on increasing large-scale concerts to attract music lovers and cultural enthusiasts. By hosting these events, the state aims to draw visitors from across the country and beyond.”

Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa stated that the government was working on a new initiative aimed at attracting high-spending international tourists through incentives to specific countries and airlines. Khaunte revealed that from 1 April, all hotels and guest houses in Goa would be required to upload guest data on the Tourism Information Management Enterprises the (TIME) software.

Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has passed a resolution granting industrial status to hotels, aligning with Rajasthan’s tourism policy. This move is expected to boost investment, reduce operational costs, and accelerate growth in the hospitality sector as the state is currently focusing on expanding tourism in UP.

Emphasising on bridging the gap between Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and the hospitality sector during HRANI’s  11th Conclave in New Delhi, Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President, HRANI, said, “The direct linkage between hotels, restaurants, and FPOs is a game-changer for both sectors. This model not only ensures high-quality farm-fresh produce for the hotel industry but also enhances farmers’ income.”

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, has said that the public sector should look at sustainability, not as a compliance but commitment. “The private sector should look at green buildings, creating offerings that are carbon neutral and creating community which has ethical and local sourcing. These things must be built in business. Then sustainability will not be a trade-off, but a big strategic advantage for us,” he said.

IHCL has announced the signing of the Palitana Palace under the Taj brand in Palitana, Gujarat. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “Taj has been redefining luxury for over 121 years and its recognition as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Brand is testament to it. We are honoured to partner with His Highness Thakore Saheb Mandhatasinhji Jadeja of Rajkot to bring the Palitana Palace under the Taj brand. This addition reinforces our commitment to preserving India’s rich heritage and expanding our portfolio of Palaces, Havelis and Forts.” “As one of Gujarat’s revered destinations, Palitana holds immense potential for spiritual tourism. This also presents an opportunity for us to build the social and weddings segment in the region,” he added. Further to extensive restoration, the 65-key Taj Palitana will feature luxurious rooms and suites, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern luxury. The hotel will include an all-day diner, a specialty restaurant, a lounge, and state-of-the-art facilities such as a gym, pool, and spa. Catering to the growing demand for social and wedding events, the Palitana Palace will house a 3,000 sq. ft. ballroom, flexible meeting spaces, and outdoor lawns. In addition to restoring the Palace to its original grandeur, a collection of royal art and historical artifacts will be displayed within the property.

Highlighting the role of safety initiatives in enhancing Goa’s tourism appeal, Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Goa, said, “The state’s commitment to responsible and regenerative tourism extends to ensuring a secure experience for visitors. The integration of the 1364 tourist helpline and Pink Force reinforces our efforts in making the state a world-class, safe, and traveller-friendly destination.”

N Prakash Reddy, Managing Director, TGTDC, said, “To develop a comprehensive master plan for dedicated tourism clusters in Telangana, International consultants will be approached through a tender process. Established through PPP, these clusters will identify appropriate locations for essential infrastructure development. The plan encompasses hotels, resorts, transportation networks including roads, along with various tourist-centric amenities to enhance visitor experience.”

Travel Wedding Show hosted over 70 wedding planners from across India at Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, facilitating over 2,000 meetings in two days. The event served as a premier platform for business and networking, bringing together top planners to discuss luxury trends, collaborations and the future of destination weddings. With a focus on innovative venue partnerships and bespoke experiences, the gathering reinforced Jaipur’s status as a premier wedding hub while shaping the future of India’s luxury wedding industry.