Category Archives: States

Speaking at a conference of all State Tourism Secretaries, V Vidyavathi, Tourism Secretary, MOT, has urged the state governments to fast-track the completion of ongoing tourism projects funded by the Ministry, and to focus on identifying tourist destinations for development. She also discussed the implementation of G20 Goa Roadmap and Travel for LiFE program with the states for their effective implementation.

Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur has said that the government is going to announce a new filmmaking policy. “The incentive for foreign film production has been enhanced from 30% to 40%. The incentive for foreign film production in the country stands today at 40 % of the expenses incurred with an increased cap limit of Rs. 30 crore and an additional 5% percent bonus for Significant Indian Content (SIC). This step will give further impetus to India’s efforts to attract medium and big-budget international film projects to the country.”

Given the government’s focus on rural and border tourism and developing tourism infrastructure in rural areas of Ladakh, the Administration of UT of Ladakh plan to establish 10,000 homestays over the next 5 years. It has recently released its revised Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023 to strengthen its rural economy. It is drafted based on feedback from stakeholders.

V Vidyavathi, Secretary Tourism emphasized on the importance of promoting Andhra Pradesh’s tourism assets like musical, arts, crafts, and gastronomic offerings. Ministry of Tourism also aims to celebrate rich culture and shed light on lesser-known spots.     

The Kerala government said that the first-ever Tourism Investors Meet (TIM) has boosted Kerala’s travel and hospitality sector during post-Covid. The meet led to investment offers worth ₹15,116.65 crore, including an MoU with Kerala Tourism and Tamara Leisure Experiences.

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has allocated 1.5 cr for land based activities and 1cr for training with an aim to promote Tehri as paragliding capital of the world and not just India, says, Ashwin Pundir, Additional CEO (adventure), Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board”

Dusit International has signed HMA and RMA agreements with Ziogreen Private Limited to manage four properties in Karnataka. Slated to open in mid-2026, all four properties will have a ‘holistic wellness’ focus and will operate under Dusit Princess and Dusit Princess Residences.   

In tune with Workation Goa initiative, we’re coming up with SeaHubs: Co-Working Spaces on Beaches for Digital Nomads to Work while enjoying the Sun, Sand & Sea in addition to Homestays equipped with Connectivity for the Digital Nomads who want to Work while enjoying the beauty of our Hinterlands.

In order to help inbound tourists plan their itinerary better and entice them to visit Maharashtra, the Tourism Department of Government of Maharashtra has planned to release set dates of all festivals starting with the Mumbai International Festival during January 20-28, 2024. Radhika Rastogi, Principal Secy, Tourism & Culture Affairs, Maharashtra, said, “This was one of our biggest takeaways from our discussions with tour operators who sell India.”

Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, announces its’ 15th Annual Convention. This event is slated to take place at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat from December 16-19, 2023. The four days will bring together stakeholders from all over the country to discuss and celebrate the growth and potential of responsible adventure tourism in India. Ajeet Bajaj, President ATOAI says “Adventure tourism, before the pandemic, was a burgeoning global industry valued at $683 billion, with a remarkable 21% Compound Annual Growth rate since 2012. The World Bank recognizes it as the largest niche market, attracting approximately 238 million travelers annually. Pre-pandemic projections from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and George Washington University, USA, anticipated that by 2024, adventure travel would burgeon into a trillion-dollar global industry. India, with its rich natural heritage, is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this sector. Our diverse geographical terrains, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage make us an unparalleled destination for adventure enthusiasts. With the right strategies and initiatives, we can potentially double our inbound tourist figures in the next five years through Adventure Tourism alone. This not only boosts our economy but also promotes sustainable development in remote regions of our country. Gujarat, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is emerging as a vibrant hub for adventure tourism in India. We are excited to unveil the untapped potential of this magnificent state, offering thrilling experiences and unforgettable journeys to adventure enthusiasts from around the world.” Hareet Shukla (IAS), Secretary Tourism, Government of Gujarat says “We are thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to the esteemed members of the Adventure …