In January 2024, as the sun rose over the holy city of Ayodhya, a prayer whispered for centuries finally found its voice. The Pran Pratishta of Shri Ram in his Ram Mandir was not just a religious milestone—it was a moment of civilizational redemption. After centuries of invasion, colonial distortion, and political delay, the temple stood tall—etched in sandstone, echoing with mantras, and pulsing with history. It wasn’t just about architecture; it was about the healing of a wounded soul. The return of Shri Ram to his birthplace rekindled the spirit of a nation that had long carried the silence of exile in its heart. A few months prior, another symbol of India’s ancient spirit quietly returned to its rightful place. During the inauguration of the new Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi installed the Sengol—a sacred scepter presented to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 by Tamil Adheenams to mark the dharmic transfer of power. For decades, it had been forgotten, mislabeled, and dismissed as a walking stick. Its restoration was not just an act of remembrance—it was a powerful declaration that India would no longer view itself through borrowed eyes. The Sengol represented rule anchored in righteousness, not relics of empire—a decisive embrace of India’s own statecraft and spiritual traditions, long overlooked in a post-colonial order. Together, these moments signaled a deeper cultural resurgence—a civilisational stirring that would unfold across eleven transformative years. From the outset in 2014, it was clear that under the Modi Government, culture would no longer be ornamental—it would be foundational. International Yoga Day, first observed in 2015, saw millions across the globe celebrate an ancient Indian practice that fuses body, mind, and spirit. Yoga was not …

OTOAI announced the dates of its 6th Convention. The 3-day convention will be held in Moscow from 10 to 13 July. Experience the vibrant pulse of modern life at Red Square! Amidst the majestic architecture, history seamlessly intertwines with contemporary energy, creating a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary atmosphere of this legendary destination! See you at 6th OTOAI Convention in Moscow! Just 30 days to go!

Virgin Atlantic has introduced a first-of-its-kind rewards programme exclusively for Indian travel agents. Exclusive Virgin-style Rewards and Benefits including epic experiences and exclusive event invitations. A first-of-its-kind for Virgin Atlantic in India, Sky High Club is more than a loyalty programme – it is a celebration of the passion, hustle and heart that define the Indian travel industry. With every booking, agents will now have the chance to earn points and unlock a world of extraordinary rewards and unforgettable experiences

G Parameshwara, Home Minister, said, “Karnataka government will formulate a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for mega events, meetings and celebrations aimed at preventing any untoward incidents. He added that the government will take strict measures to identify lapses.

The 2nd edition of Tamil Nadu Travel Expo (TTE) is all set to be held from 26 to 28 September in Madurai. With the theme of heritage, wellness and wedding, the event this year envision to showcase Tamil Nadu’s tourism potential to hotels, tour operators, tourism transport businesses, destination companies, wedding planners and wedding decor experts.

Newly elected IATO office bearers, led by President Ravi Gosain, met Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI to invite him to the 40th IATO annual convention scheduled to be held in Puri from 22 to 25 August. The delegation discussed several key issues affecting inbound tourism. The minister assured support and said proactive steps by the ministry are already in progress.

India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, but overall profitability remains elusive not just for Indian carriers, but globally as well, said Marie Owens Thomsen, Chief Economist, IATA. Asia Pacific trails with a forecast of only $2.6 per pax. While India likely sits below the regional average due to high costs & competitive pricing, she added.

Speaking at TTM Plus 2025, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor, TAT, shared plans to attract more Indian travellers from tier II cities by enhancing air connectivity & promoting lesser-known destinations. Emphasising Thailand as a wellness hub, she said the focus will be on MICE, weddings & cruise segments, with itineraries to appeal Indians.

In a major boost to regional tourism, Surat International Airport has been added as an authorised e-Visa entry point from 30 May. This makes Surat the 32nd international airport in India to offer e-Visa access to foreign travellers, enhancing travel ease and promoting tourism in one of the fastest-developing cities of India.

GSTC, in partnership with Agoda, has launched Sustainable Tourism Academy to empower hoteliers with sustainability tools and knowledge. The initiative aims to address the demand for more sustainable accommodation options from sustainability-conscious travellers while driving transformation within Asia’s hotel industry.