Category Archives: States

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 …

Mukesh Agnihotri, Deputy Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, said that a total of ₹300 crore will be spent on the promotion of tourism and water activities infrastructure to create distinct identity for Nadaun-Kaswa and its adjoining areas in the district.

Releasing the Caravan Tourism policy in Goa, State Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte said, “Caravan tourism is another step towards diversifying tourism by inviting tourists to our hinterlands. It is in tune with our initiatives to offer the rustic experience of Goa to that niche segment which seeks solitude as well as thrills beyond the beaches. Goa Tourism aims at bridging the gap between urban and rural tourism while achieving Sustainable Development Goals in the tourism sector.”

Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary, Punjab Tourism, says that with an aim to lure investors, government is developing tourism spots in Mohali, Pathankot and Sri Mukstar Sahib. She shared, “The Wonderla Group has committed to invest ₹500 cr in Mohali to establish a theme park and water sports facilities.”

Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy CM, Bihar mentioned, “In 2019, total number of tourists in Bihar was 3.5 crores but with continuous efforts to boost tourism, we have reached 5.75 cr till Sept.” This shows great scope in Bihar so we are launching tourism policy very soon, he added.

An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, (MPTB) and The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) in Bhopal today to strengthen, promote and develop cooperation in research, promotion and tourism development in Madhya Pradesh. MPTB and IATO agreed to assist each other to promote tourism to the state by organizing travel visits to destination of Madhya Pradesh; Organizing familiarization trips of Madhya Pradesh; Marketing & Awareness through all possible means; Exchange of publication, reports and other academic materials; Co-organize Travel and Tourism trade events/exhibitions; and Promoting Tourism Destinations through Media and PR. MPTB shall provide Madhya Pradesh Tourism specific brochures and publicity materials to IATO which IATO will share with its large membership base and foreign tour operators through its members in order to promote tourism destinations in Madhya Pradesh and rural tourism destinations. IATO will also  share the information with potential investors in IATO membership for Capital Investment subsidy for creation of Tourism infrastructure and to establish Tourism Projects etc. by way of investment and interest subsidy with an intention to promote investment in Madhya Pradesh. IATO will also share the information with the foreign tour operators through its members regarding Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy and motivate foreign filmmakers through FTOs to shoot films in location of Madhya Pradesh and get all the available benefits. The MoU was signed by Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Managing Director – Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) and Mr. Rajiv Mehra Mehra, President – Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).  Shri Vivek Shrotriya, IAS, Additional Managing Director- MPTB, Mr. Yuvraj Padole, Deputy Director- MPTB, Mr. Ravi Gosain, Vice President – IATO and Mr. Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman – …

Digital travel platform Agoda has found a preference amongst Indians to head West and South to celebrate Diwali this year with Goa, Ooty, Pondicherry, Mumbai and Bangalore emerging as the top five destinations to revel in the festivities. These locations have replaced the previous year’s Northern hotspots – New Delhi and NCR, Jaipur, and Udaipur. Agoda insights also reveal a 13% increase in searches for travel around Diwali compared to 2022. Each of the Indian locales provides a unique canvas to honor the Festival of Lights – Goa and Pondicherry boast of beautiful beaches, Ooty is renowned for its pleasant climate and picturesque landscapes, and Mumbai and Bangalore embrace a cosmopolitan culture, offering a plethora of diverse experiences. Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda: “It’s great to see the increase in domestic travel for this Diwali season. Travellers choosing Agoda can see the world for less with our great deals for travel to India’s beautiful coastlines and bustling cities, or internationally to the world beyond. The long weekend means more people are taking advantage to travel with family and friends to enjoy the festivities together.” When it comes to international preferences, the five most popular international destinations are Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, Pattaya, and Kuala Lumpur respectively. The Southeast Asian destinations offer rich cultural experiences, culinary adventures, and a mix of landscapes, while Dubai entices with its vibrant nightlife, luxurious lifestyle, and modern marvels. During this Diwali season, Agoda has also observed an increase of tourists coming to India, with the highest number of visitors arriving from the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and the Netherlands.

Goa Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte has revealed that a new homestay and caravan policy will be launched within a month. The move will position Goa as a year-round destination that can be explored beyond its beaches and nightlife. He also shared that the vision of ‘Goa Tourism 2.0’ emphasises on ‘quality over quantity’ and responsible and sustainable practices that respect nature and are in consonance with local culture.

Tamil Nadu announces its first tourism policy to grant industry status to the sector and attract ₹20,000 cr investment. It will benefit tourism projects and stakeholders, leading to increased employment opportunities and training, according to TamilNadu Travel Mart Society.