Elena Orland, Director, Tourism Office of Spain, Mumbai, said, “We actively collaborate with Indian tour operators, media, and travel agents while organising FAM trips for them to strengthen Spain’s position as a prime destination. This year, we will spotlight Spain’s lesser-known regions. We are planning for the Dual Year India-Spain in 2026 to further strengthen the tourism ties between the two countries.”

Claiming that Goa continues to see a surge in tourism, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Goa Tourism, said, “The state saw a notable 21% growth which promises a very positive and promising trend of tourism, with a substantial 54% increase in tourists visiting in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. The quarterly growth from October to December stood at 38%.”

Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj Airport has started its first-ever night operations after 106 years, paving the way for 24/7 flight services. The airport’s new terminal is set to handle 2,700 pax per hour, ensuring seamless travel for flyers, accommodating increased air traffic and enhancing connectivity for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. To meet the demand, the airport has added 20 new flights, covering 14 destinations, including six new routes.

Ahead of the Union budget, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder, MMT, said, “The travel & tourism sector is a vital pillar of India’s economy. Allowing GST credit for hotel construction & rationalising GST rates will help reduce the cost of accommodation while stimulating domestic tourism & positively impacting inbound tourism. He requested the FM to allocate resources for the global campaign under the Incredible India initiative.

Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director, Travel Designer Group said, “RezLive.com has made waves in the travel industry by launching cruise bookings in India, a move met with an enthusiastic response from its travel partners.” The milestone underscores the company’s dedication to diversifying its offerings, catering to the growing demand for luxury and experiential travel in India.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand announced the state’s winter pilgrimage initiative has been extended to a year-round event. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to increase the state’s tourism for the entire 12 months instead of six months. This will allow devotees to visit Char Dham temples in all seasons.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, has shared that the Ministry of Tourism has confirmed participation at FITUR and urged members to participate in the same. He also announced that their 2025 convention will be held in August at Swosti Premium Beach Resorts, Puri. He was speaking at the monthly IATO luncheon.

Travel MICE and Corporate Show, held in Lucknow from 11-12 January, saw 23 exhibitors and 50 buyers in attendance. The exclusive closed-door B2B event recorded over 1,000 meetings over two days. Rajdev Bhattacharya of Wipro gave the keynote address at the event.  

To make quality travel accessible to middle- and lower-middle-class families, MB Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Karnataka launched the Mysore Sales International Limited domestic and international travel packages, making it a preferred choice for Indian families. Redefining affordable travel while upholding high service standards, it offers an 18-day tour package of North India at a cost of ₹20,000.

K Syama Raju, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29 marks a transformative step in unlocking the state’s tourism potential. By aligning infrastructure development, private investment, and workforce training with sustainability and community welfare, the policy aims to position AP as a leading player in India’s tourism industry while benefiting local communities and the hospitality sector.”