Following tourism associations’ initiatives to revive travel in Kashmir, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat met J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for a forward-looking discussion on tourism development. Key focus areas included infrastructure upgrade, heritage promotion and sustainable livelihoods. The meeting reflects Centre-state alignment and renewed commitment to reposition Jammu & Kashmir as a leading tourism destination. 

In a renewed appeal this month, the Ministry of Tourism urged associations and tour operators to include dolphin-centric destinations in their tour packages and itineraries. Highlighting the potential of dolphin-based eco-tourism as a sustainable and engaging travel experience, The Ministry has also shared a list of potential dolphin tourism sites compiled by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The letter requests tourism stakeholders to not only promote these sites but also share details of any initiatives already undertaken in this regard. This move aligns with the government’s broader push to develop responsible wildlife tourism and enhance eco-tourism offerings in India. Tour operators are encouraged to refer to the “Handbook of Whale and Dolphin Watching” while designing experiences to ensure responsible and sustainable practices.   

Thailand has welcomed over one million Indian tourists in the first half of 2025, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This milestone reflects the growing India-Thailand travel bond, driven by visa exemptions, digital arrival cards and diverse tourism offerings. The surge reaffirms Thailand’s strong appeal among Indian travellers seeking cultural, luxury and leisure experiences.

Haldane Dodd, Executive Director, Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), said, “Aviation supports 42 million jobs and $890 billion in GDP across Asia-Pacific. One in every 45 jobs is aviation-linked. For every $1 of direct aviation value, $3.70 of economic activity is generated.” He added, “The multiplier effect underscores why aviation must remain central to economic and tourism development.” 

India must now focus on attracting higher-spending, experience-driven travellers, said Dr Jyotsna Suri, CMD, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. “We’ve had backpackers. Now, we need better quality tourists. For them, slight price differences with Thailand or Indonesia don’t matter,” she noted. “India offers great value—and that’s what we must promote through a sharper, segmented Incredible India campaign,” she added. 

Sirigesanong Trirattanasongpol, Director, TAT, Delhi Office shared that IndiGo and TAT are in dialogue to start a direct flight from India (city not confirmed) to Chiang Mai. Stakeholders believe that it will boost the numbers of Indian travellers to Chiang Mai i.e. North Thailand. Currently Indians mostly prefer South Thailand due to direct connectivity. This may help Thailand in reaching its target of welcoming around 2.3 million Indians in 2025.

Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC, said, “India has great infrastructure, but to grow further, we must embrace digital and seamless travel.” Citing her easy UK-to-India visa experience, she stressed replicating that for others. “We should learn from China’s short-stay visa model-fast, digital and paperless,” she added, advocating smart reforms to support tourism recovery and expansion. 

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Policy 2025 to promote tourism, improve accommodation standards, and generate local jobs. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said the policy enhances tourist experiences while supporting economic growth. It also mandates NOCs from local bodies for operational compliance by eligible homestay and B&B units. 

Commenting on India’s outbound, KD Singh, Founder & President, TravelBullz.com, said, “India’s outbound market is going to grow by at least 10-12%, minimum, if not more. We are issuing a million passports a month. That is the base for the future travel people. Indians who have seen it all will go out but they are wanting to go to Kenya or Egypt. They are going to make walking tours. Overall, their way to look at a holiday is changing.” 

Dr Jyotsna Suri, CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, revealed plans to develop a mid-segment hotel in Chitrakoot as part of a broader focus on religious tourism. “We also have an interest in developing the religious circuit. We’re not really keen to do more hotels in the metros. I now want to move to offbeat locations,” she said. Suri emphasised a shift from metro cities to emerging destinations.