Category Archives: States

Speaking at the 40th IATO Convention in Odisha’s Puri, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said, “India needs three times the current number of hotel rooms to meet future demand. Unless we are able to unlock that and push the needle, it is going to be a challenge.”

40 Rural Hosts Honoured; Minister Calls Village Tourism the Future of India’s Global Appeal Rural tourism revives India’s living heritage of community and culture, says Jaiveer Singh In a world racing forward, villages offer the pause people seek: Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh In a major push to position Uttar Pradesh as India’s next rural tourism capital, the Department of Tourism organised the Rural Tourism Conclave 2025 at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow. The event witnessed participation from various stakeholders, with Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh presiding as Chief Guest. Senior officials, policy experts, farm stay operators, and innovators from across the country joined the conclave to chart the roadmap for a vibrant village-led tourism economy. In a key highlight, more than 40 farm stay and homestay owners were felicitated for redefining hospitality in rural Uttar Pradesh, setting new benchmarks in experiential tourism. Among the dignitaries were MLC Dharmendra Singh, Padma Shri awardee farmer Ram Sharan Verma, Cooperative Registrar Yogesh Kumar, Director of Eco Tourism Prakhar Mishra, and sustainability champion Annadani Malligavad. India’s Story Begins in Villages, says Minister Jaiveer Singh Addressing the gathering, Minister Singh remarked, “India’s stories of gods, values, and culture begin in villages. From Lord Ram to Krishna, the soul of Bharat lies in its soil.” Emphasising that tourism must go beyond monuments, he noted that “Tourists today seek the warmth of rural kitchens, the simplicity of village life, and the joy of authentic hospitality.” He added that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, rural tourism is central to Viksit Bharat @2047 and will fuel empowerment, entrepreneurship, and environmental consciousness across villages. 234 Villages Identified, 750 Plus Homestays in Pipeline …

Speaking at the Rural Tourism Conclave 2025, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary Tourism, UP said 234 villages are being developed as tourism hubs with homestays and incentives. “Rural tourism is India’s soft power,” he noted, urging the trade to design immersive, culture-led experiences.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), representing the hospitality industry across the country, has requested Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Finance Minister and Chairperson of the GST Council, for the rationalisation of GST in the tourism and hospitality sector. The appeal seeks to position Indian tourism as a driver of economic growth while enhancing its global competitiveness in alignment with India’s Vision 2047. FHRAI welcomed the landmark GST reforms announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on August 15, 2025, describing them as a reflection of the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s tax regime, simplifying compliance, and paving the way for sustained growth. Tourism has long been one of India’s most strategic growth pillars, contributing nearly five per cent to the nation’s GDP, with the potential to double this contribution if supported by conducive policy measures. It remains one of the largest employment generators, offering extensive opportunities for youth and women, and is recognised for its high multiplier effect, where every rupee invested in hospitality generates a return of 3.5 rupees in output, while one direct job in the sector creates an additional 3.2 indirect jobs. Despite this strong potential, India’s current GST structure makes the tourism sector less competitive compared to its Asian peers. Countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia operate under lower tax regimes, ranging between 6 and 10 per cent, which helps them attract significantly larger tourist inflows. In contrast, India’s higher GST structure reduces affordability and weakens its appeal for international travellers. FHRAI has therefore emphasised the need for uniformity and simplicity in GST to make tourism services more accessible and globally competitive. It has recommended the introduction …

Airocity Visas has expanded its presence with the launch of a new branch in Chennai. Established in 2016, it has emerged as a trusted name in the travel industry for visa consultancy services. Headquartered in Delhi, the company also operates major branch offices in Mumbai and Chennai, India’s key metropolitan hubs.

The 2nd edition of the Tamil Nadu Travel Expo (TTE) will be held from 26–28 September in Madurai to redefine the tourism landscape of the event. The event aims to connect global buyers with around 400 state stakeholders, driving tourism growth and boosting Tamil Nadu’s international visibility.

Speaking at the Oman roadshow ‘Focus Oman’ in Jaipur, Yousuf Khalaf Al Mujaizi, Assistant Director, Business Development Department, Ministry of Heritage & Tourism, Oman, said, “India is a vital source market for us. In 2024, we welcomed 623,623 arrivals from India and look forward to building this momentum. We are investing in multi-channel campaigns targeting luxury travel, weddings, MICE and adventure tourism.”

IHCL has launched its new property ‘Gateway Goa’ in Palolem. This opening marks IHCL’s 250th operating hotel. It offers guests an immersive experience rooted in the local culture and heritage. The launch strengthens the brand’s presence in the segment with its entry in India’s top leisure destination.

According to a new report released by Capitalmind PMS, India’s tourism sector is witnessing a rapid growth surge, with projections indicating the industry will generate over ₹5,12,356 crore ($59 billion) by 2028. Rising incomes, infrastructure upgrades and booming domestic and international travel are driving this expansion.

Shillong has become the most-searched travel destination in India, according to the latest Travel Trends Report 2025 of Skyscanner. The city has left behind Goa and Manali in the race.