Category Archives: States

The government of Meghalaya secures $79.05 million grant from New Development Bank. The aim is to construct cutting-edge infrastructure that will elevate the tourism industry in Meghalaya to new heights, which will expand the tourism sector.

Sandeep Nanduri, IAS, Director of Tourism and MD, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation disclosed, “According to 63rd edition of the Indian Tourism Statistics Report,  Tamil Nadu was ranked 1st in domestic tourists visit”. The state has witnessed a remarkable influx of tourists, he added.

Tourism and hospitality sector in Rajasthan has been designated full-fledged industry recognition. As a result, investors are exhibiting a keen interest to invest in the state’s tourist sector. Rashmi Sharma, director of the tourism department , “ The Rajasthan Tourism Department is currently focusing on identifying and developing new, lesser-known tourist destinations within the state as part of its new tourism policy, which is continually luring Investors to invest in the state and allows them to conduct all of their business through a single window rather than compelling them to visit various places” Industrial Status: The department issues entitlement certificates to tourism units in order to grant industrial status benefits. The units that receive this certificate receive power at industrial prices, which are around 30% lower than commercial rates. At the same time, UD tax on these units is levied at industrial rates, which are 80% lower than commercial rates. There were 1,262 applications for entitlement certificates for industrial status received by the department, out of which 859 have been issued. Similarly, 41 applications have been received under the Rural Tourism Scheme 2022, of which 35 certificates have been issued. So far 25 guest houses have been registered by the department in the state. The state operates about 850 home stays (paying guests) by combining old and new policies. What is included in tourism units: Hotel and Motel, Heritage Hotel, Budget Hotel, Restaurant or Cafeteria, Resort, Sports Resort, Health Resort Spa, Camping Site, Amusement Park, Animal Safari Park, Convention Center / Mice, Museum, Rope Way, tourist luxury coach, caravan and cruise tourism.

‘Meghalaya Tourism Policy, 2023 in Shillong’ aims to develop tourism sector as a game changer for the state and effectively augment its meagre resources by exploiting the abundantly available natural bounty that can attract visitors from across the globe.  

Speaking at a programme in Ponda-South, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said there is a vast scope in the tourism and hospitality sector in Goa. “The way star hotels are established in Goa and increasing footfall of tourists, in future Goa will become tourism capital of India,” he added.  

Kumar Pushkar, APCCF (Wildlife) has extended insurance benefits to travelers going to Karnataka amidst risky factors. He expressed concern about safety, “We are going to collaborate with insurance agencies to provide insurance across all eco-tourism places”.

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, UNWTO said, “We must ensure recovery of tourism to be sustainable, inclusive and resilient. Goa Roadmap for Tourism to work as channel for achieving SDGs & offering G20 economies proposed plan leading towards better future.”

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) gathered leading Travel & Tourism stakeholders and G20 Ministers in a Public-Private Dialogue in Goa today to address the sector’s vast potential and challenges. Joined by India’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. G. Kishan Reddy, and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO commended India’s Ministry of Tourism for its leadership during India’s G20 Presidency and highlighted Travel & Tourism’s substantial contribution not only to the global economy but to employment. Currently representing 9.2% of the world’s GDP and supporting one in every 11 jobs globally, the sector is experiencing remarkable growth, outpacing the global economy by growing twice as fast. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It is proven where governments and the private sector work together in Travel & Tourism the economy is stronger, jobs are created, and people get to enjoy and understand other cultures. “Together, businesses and governments can build back a better, stronger, and more resilient sector. Governments also heard first-hand the value of having streamlined visa processes, digital borders, and a strong focus on sustainability. We need each other to achieve this”. During her address, Simpson emphasised the opportunities for investors, governments, and society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaboration. India’s impressive expansion in Travel & Tourism was praised as a prime example. The sector is projected to contribute over INR 16.5TN to India’s economy this year, create 1.6MN new jobs, to reach a total employment figure of nearly 40MN people. By the end of the decade, tourism is forecast to contribute approximately 7% of India’s economy. Simpson addressed three key challenges facing the industry: Visa backlogs pose a significant obstacle, with excessive …

Shripad Yesso Naik, Ministry of State for tourism highlighted the various inland and sea cruise experiences offered by Goa and stressed on the importance of a strategic infrastructural boost to position the state as a favored cruise tourism destination in the country.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, CM, HP,  said the government is considering framing a new tourism policy to increase the number of tourists by promoting lesser-known destinations. The government aims to footfall from three to five crore in the next five years.