In a strategic initiative to boost tourism exchange and deepen ties with one of its most vital source markets, the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) successfully organised a series of impactful networking events across Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata. These high-profile events served as a dynamic platform to highlight Ajman’s stature as a premier travel destination while fostering deeper cooperation with India’s travel and trade ecosystem. The roadshows, held in three key metropolitan cities on 15, 17 and 19 September 2025, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of leading travel agents, tour operators, media professionals, and key industry stakeholders. The delegation, led by H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General, ADTD, Abdulaziz AlMahri, Director of Legal Affairs Office, and Abdalla Gohar, Project Management and Development Advisor as well as Amr Aly Morsy, Tourism Development and Marketing Expert, ADTD showcased Ajman’s unique tourism offerings—from its pristine beaches and cultural landmarks to its luxurious hospitality infrastructure and growing appeal as a family-friendly, safe, and affordable destination. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi stated: “Over the years, India has remained one of Ajman’s top source markets, with Indian arrivals playing a significant role in our tourism growth. Moreover, Indian travellers visit Ajman to experience its warm hospitality, peaceful beaches, and rich cultural heritage, supported by easy access from the UAE’s major entry points. These roadshows gave us a chance to strengthen our relations with Indian travel partners, hear their insights firsthand, and showcase how Ajman is evolving to meet the needs of today’s travellers. We look forward to welcoming even more Indian visitors, ensuring they experience the very best our Emirate has to offer.” Neeti Sharma, Director, Intrepid Marketing and Communications, added: “We are truly delighted to bring …

The Skål International India National Congress 2025, held recently in Mumbai, brought together more than 200 delegates from across India and abroad. The roadmap for Vision 2025-2030 was also unveiled at the event, outlining strategies to expand Skål’s footprint across India, strengthen member engagement, and deepen global linkages. India’s leadership in the Skål movement was reaffirmed during the congress as the country officially became the largest Skål nation in the world by membership, surpassing the USA. Mukesh Batra, President, Skål International Mumbai South, said, “This congress is not just about numbers; it is about values, vision, and vitality.”

Indian carriers, including IndiGo Airlines, are expanding their networks in Southeast Asia to capture a larger share of outbound travellers and transit traffic. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows carriers are scheduled to operate 270 daily two-way flights between India and Southeast Asia in September, which is 12% higher than last year. IndiGo is planning new flights to Bali from Mumbai and Delhi, adding to its existing service from Bengaluru. Flights from Mumbai will be operated with a technical halt in Chennai. The airline has sought regulatory approvals and slots for the additional flights, it is learnt.

Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, was honoured with the DDP Trailblazer Award. Since joining in 2020, he has led the airline’s recovery post-Covid, driving growth and profitability. Under his leadership, Air India Express, operating over 500 daily flights across 58 airports with a fleet of 115 aircraft, successfully merged with AIX Connect in 2024. With over three decades of aviation experience, including leadership roles at Air India and a Gulf-based carrier, Singh has strengthened India’s aviation landscape. His academic credentials span Panjab University, BIT Ranchi, and the London School of Economics under the Chevening Fellowship programme.

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir, said that major tourist destinations in the Union Territory have been reopened following security reviews. The destinations were closed after the Pahalgam terror attack. “Security reviews have been completed, and strict protocols are now in place to make travel safe and comfortable,” he said, and urged families and filmmakers from the southern region to rediscover Kashmir.

Disney Cruise Line has postponed the launch of its new ship, the Disney Adventure, from December 2025 to March 2026, citing “unexpected delays in the shipbuilding process. The Disney Adventure is Disney’s first ship designed specifically for the Asian market, with a capacity of 6,700 passengers, and represents a major step in the company’s expansion into the region. Disney Cruise Line has confirmed it is contacting all affected guests and travel agents directly to manage rebooking and refunds. “As we work on the final touches to bring the Disney Adventure to our guests, we’ve encountered unexpected delays in the shipbuilding process,” said Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences. “To ensure the experience we deliver reflects our commitment to excellence, we’ve made the decision to adjust our timeline. We know this may be disappointing to our guests, and we’re working directly with them to offer flexible rebooking options and uphold the trust they place in us.”

Le Meridien New Delhi proudly announces a groundbreaking sustainability initiative in partnership with K2 Atmospheric Mineral Water and Watergen. For the first time in India, these global leaders in atmospheric water generation have collaborated to create fresh, mineral-enriched water made directly from air, elegantly bottled in glass and served exclusively to visiting guests. This innovative initiative reflects the shared commitment of all three partners to combine luxury with responsibility, offering a refined guest experience while minimising environmental impact. “At Le Meridien New Delhi, we believe meaningful change begins with intentional choices,” said Tarun Thakral, CEO, CJ International Hotels Limited. “We are honoured to be the first hotel in India to work with K2 Atmospheric Mineral Water and Watergen on this unique project. Together, we are contributing to a greener, more sustainable New Delhi while offering our guests a truly distinctive experience, one extraordinary sip at a time.” The collaboration emphasises: Sustainably Sourced: Using advanced atmospheric technology to generate safe, mineral-rich drinking water. Elegantly Served: Provided in eco-friendly glass bottles exclusively for the hotel’s visiting guests. Every Sip Counts: A conscious effort to reduce plastic use and conserve natural resources. This first-of-its-kind partnership in India sets a benchmark for sustainable hospitality while reinforcing Le Meridien New Delhi’s dedication to enhancing both guest well-being and community responsibility.

Mizoram experienced a significant increase in tourist arrivals in 2024–25, attracting 524,784 visitors, comprising 518,873 domestic and 5,911 international visitors, according to the state tourism department. The growth represents a 139.5% increase compared to the previous financial year. However, the growth trend for foreign tourists is expected to decline in the coming years due to the Centre’s decision to reimpose the Protected Area Regime (PAR) from December 2024. The move requires foreigners to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) before entering Mizoram and certain other northeastern states.

India’s homestay sector is emerging as a powerful driver of tourism, culture, and community-led growth. According to NITI Aayog’s report ‘Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways’, the market reached ₹4,722 crore in 2024, growing at 11% CAGR. Key trends reveal that 69% of Indian travellers prefer offbeat destinations and 72% actively support local communities, while digital nomads fuel long-term stays. Despite this promise, challenges, such as complex registration, fragmented policies, and limited incentives, persist. With streamlined single-window systems, tax relief, and capacity-building measures, the sector could unlock massive potential in women-led entrepreneurship, cultural revival, and sustainable tourism.

Speaking at the India Travel Awards 2025 in New Delhi, Ashwani Lohani, Director, Prime Ministers’ Museum & Library, said that sustainability is not optional — it is essential to preserve our destinations. “Events like these (ITA 2025) inspire tourism players, and their motivation fuels India’s tourism growth. If we handle tourism wisely, its potential can truly reach the skies.” He said India’s true strength lies in domestic tourism. “With our economy growing and our heritage so rich, we must first explore and appreciate our own diverse land — one nation, many worlds.”