CB Ramkumar, Vice Chair, GSTC, said if India integrates GSTC criteria into its tourism policies, it will provide clarity for states and credibility for businesses. Certification also makes business sense. Platforms like Booking.com and MakeMyTrip prioritise certified hotels in their search rankings, improving visibility and bookings. Sustainability, therefore, is both a growth strategy and a risk mitigation tool, he noted

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has successfully launched the upgraded PSP V2.0, GPSP V2.0, and e-passport for Indian citizens in India and abroad. The revamped website and mobile app now provide auto-filled forms, simplified document uploads, and seamless online payments via UPI or QR codes, making the passport application process faster and more convenient.

Speaking at TravTalk ThinkTank held at Le Meridien New Delhi, Ruhani Duggal, Founder & Lead Curator, Vilasa Luxury Travel, said, “We have to understand that a country’s product offerings and perception go hand-in-hand. Marketing alone is not enough to shift perception.” She emphasised that India’s luxury must be emotionally packaged to resonate with mobile, expressive travellers.

After a successful WTM presence, the Ministry of Tourism is planning wider outreach and deeper collaboration with private players. Harikishore S, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said interest in India is rising and the country must expand its presence at key shows. Work is also underway to explore AI tools that enhance traveller discovery and planning.

At the recent India Travel Awards, Asego Travel Insurance was presented the Excellence in Travel Insurance Services Award. Akshay Sharma, AVP, Corporate Vertical & Key Relations, Asego, said, “Winning this award is a tremendous honour, validating our team’s dedication and commitment to excellence. It inspires us to innovate, enhance performance, boost morale, and leverage new opportunities.”

IATA’s 2025 Global Passenger Survey shows 54 per cent of travellers prefer dealing directly with airlines through mobile apps. Airline website bookings dropped from 37 to 31 per cent last year. Web app preference rose to from 16 to 19 per cent, led by younger travellers, signalling growing confidence in mobile-first travel management.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, announced disbursal of ₹460 crore for acquiring land for Kangra Airport expansion, with ₹1,899 crore more ready for disbursal. Reviewing tourism projects, he said the expansion will boost Kangra’s economy, create jobs, and attract high-end tourists. He urged faster completion of heliport and ADB-funded tourism projects statewide.

WTTC 2025 report projects Indian leisure travel spending to over double by 2030 compared to 2019, reflecting rising incomes and growing travel aspirations. While China stayed the largest outbound market, India’s expansion signals its emergence as a key driver of global tourism demand, offering opportunities for destinations across Asia and beyond.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, India’s only pure play luxury hotel brand, today announced the signing of a management agreement with The Godwin Group for The Leela Jaisalmer, marking its foray into Rajasthan’s fabled desert capital, the Golden City. Spread across 30 acres of desert landscape, this 80-room luxury Desert Resort and Spa is slated to open in 2026, further expanding The Leela’s footprint across India’s most captivating leisure and cultural destinations. The signing marks a significant milestone in The Leela’s strategic growth journey reflecting its commitment to expanding through a balanced portfolio of owned and managed assets, while maintaining its hallmark of luxury and service excellence. Nestled in the storied Thar Desert, strategically located near the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Leela Jaisalmer will offer an oasis of bespoke luxury and calm in the heart of Rajasthan’s golden sands. The resort is well connected to Jaisalmer Airport and easily accessible from Jodhpur, creating seamless connectivity for domestic and international travellers. Conceptualised as a luxury desert retreat, the resort will feature elegantly designed rooms and tented villas, an expansive spa, a salon, a dedicated kids’ club, a swimming pool, multiple dining venues, a large man-made lake, a pillarless ballroom, and generous outdoor lawns and courtyards ideal for destination weddings, milestone celebrations, and curated experiential gatherings. With this signing, The Leela further enhances its footprint across Rajasthan’s high-demand leisure circuit while also creating synergistic itineraries with The Leela Palace Udaipur and The Leela Palace Jaipur, strengthening the brand’s presence across India’s premier tourism state. Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts Limited, said: “We are delighted to announce …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Expedia Group, one of the world’s leading online travel agencies, have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership, formalised at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025.   This multi-year agreement, signed by HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi and Jennifer Andre, VP of Business Development, Expedia Group Advertising, will  implement targeted consumer advertising campaigns and initiatives across 15 key source markets across Expedia Group brand sites and apps, including Expedia, Vrbo and Hotels.com. The partnership aims to significantly boost awareness and inspire global traveller interest in Abu Dhabi’s diverse and unique tourism offerings.   Building on the success of the Sunshine Pass campaign launched by DCT Abu Dhabi and Expedia earlier this year at Arabian Travel Market, this expanded collaboration will intensify promotional efforts, and further position Abu Dhabi as a premier year-round destination, encouraging deeper exploration of its rich cultural heritage, activities, and attractions.   HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Strategic partnerships with global travel leaders like Expedia Group are fundamental to our long-term vision for sustained tourism growth across diverse markets. This expanded collaboration will significantly strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global promotion, highlighting our unique cultural and tourism attractions. We are committed to showcasing Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a year-round destination, creating lasting value for our tourism sector and welcoming every type of visitor.”   By ensuring prominent visibility across Expedia Group’s expansive network of brands, this partnership will maximise Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a vibrant, world-class destination for holidaymakers.   Planned initiatives will strategically target visitors for the upcoming winter …