The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, is organising an exclusive webinar for the Indian travel trade on 2 July at 3 pm IST. Speakers from Oman Air, JW Marriott Muscat and Zahara Tours will highlight the latest offerings and leisure experiences. Register and attend for a chance to win exciting prizes. For details, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 

India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave will be held in Kochi from August 14–16. Organised by Kerala Travel Mart Society with the Tourism Department, it aims to promote Kerala as a premier destination. PA Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism said, “The conclave aims to tap Kerala’s potential in this fast-growing segment, leveraging the state’s unique advantages to transform it into a global MICE and wedding tourism hub.” 

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has launched an initiative called TAAI DMC Connect to connect global DMCs, tourism boards and authorities with its outbound tour operators across India. With a network of over 2,000 members, it aims to promote destinations and boost clients’ businesses. 

Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, Asego, said, “There has been a clear increase in demand for comprehensive, top-tier travel protection plans. Travellers are now asking more informed questions, they want to know exactly what scenarios are covered, especially around medical emergencies. Many are upgrading medical coverage limits and actively opting for benefits, relevant to their destinations.  This growing awareness indicates that travel insurance is not considered as just a visa requirement anymore but a quintessential part of trip planning.” 

India has ranked 99th out of 167 nations in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Index, marking its first entry into the top 100. The UN Sustainable Development Report noted India’s score improved to 67 from last year’s 64. While global progress is stagnating, India and several Asian nations have shown steady gains in socioeconomic indicators since 2015. 

The Hotel Association of India held key discussions with Dr. Atul Patne, Principal Secretary-Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, on enhancing the state’s hotel ecosystem. HAI proposed industry electricity tariffs, a unified ‘One License One Property’ model, and stronger incentives under the 2024 tourism policy. The government responded positively, supporting long-term investment, sustainable growth and ease of doing business in hospitality. 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have unveiled an ambitious tourism roadmap featuring luxury resorts, a yacht marina and eco-adventure offerings. Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar highlighted efforts to gain UNESCO status for the Cellular Jail and boost heritage tourism. With growing tourist arrivals and expanded destinations, the islands aim to become a premium global destination rooted in sustainability and culture. 

Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI, said, “Cancellations are taking place. The options are offered to travellers as they are not preferring Air India. But this is temporary, in my opinion, since the fear has taken over decision making. There is no significant decline that is noticed. Lower booking classes would otherwise open up. Surely, the accident that happened, ought not to have happened but the airline is doing its best. We are confident of their extra care that would get invested. It will take some time for this setback to get cleared, particularly the fear driven decision making. Normalcy will take over, once repeated and consistent successes of flying is noticed.”  

Turtle Down Under in collaboration with Tourism Australia will conduct a webinar on 27 June at 12pm IST highlighting different experiences that visitors can indulge in when travelling to Australia. The webinar will include exclusive destination presentations from tourism board members. Register and attend for a chance to win an Amazon voucher. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.    

In a pioneering initiative, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a PSU under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, marked the International Day of Yoga 2025 by organising a rejuvenating yoga session in collaboration with Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) at The Ashok, New Delhi. Led by expert instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), the grand event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance, 25 PSUs, and over 100 attendees. Following the global theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, the event stood out as a powerful reminder that wellness transcends organisational boundaries. Chairpersons, Managing Directors, and senior officials from Central PSUs including, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. ( BPCL), Cement Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL), Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL), National Divyangjan Finance & Development Corporation (NDFC), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), NBCC, ITI and NSFDC, amongst others, graced the event with their presence. NHPC’s participation, in particular, symbolised the confluence of environmental stewardship and holistic well-being, resonating deeply with this year’s theme. Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Managing Director, ITDC, reflected on the deeper meaning of the International Day of Yoga: “Yoga is not merely a physical discipline; it is a quiet revolution rooted in self-awareness, balance, and collective well-being. This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ powerfully underscores the deep interconnection between our individual wellness and environmental harmony. As leaders from various PSUs unite on the same platform today, we are reminded that true progress begins with inner harmony and shared purpose.” Thanking all the participants, she added: “This initiative embodies the ‘whole of CPSE approach,’ where all Central Public Sector Enterprises unite in pursuit of …