Highlighting Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives to promote sustainable tourism through the introduction of a 50 per cent subsidy on GSTC certification fees, CB Ramkumar, Vice Chair, GSTC, raised concerns about the practical challenges of these policies, pointing out that despite the announcement, ‘no fiscal allocations had been made to fund the subsidy, which leaves the policy lacking in execution.’

Marking a major milestone in India’s maritime tourism sector, Mumbai’s long-awaited International Cruise Terminal at Ballard Pier is set to begin full-scale operations. Built at a cost of ₹556 crore, it is ready to welcome 10,000 passengers daily. The terminal is set to make Mumbai a major departure point for international sea travel.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts recently wrapped up its multi-city India Showcase 2025, hosting impactful events across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi. The showcase attracted over 300 prominent stakeholders from India’s travel trade, MICE, weddings, and corporate travel sectors. This strategic outreach not only reinforced Cinnamon’s brand presence but also created a strong pipeline of potential business opportunities from India, its largest source market. The events spotlighted the brand’s diverse offerings across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, aiming to deepen engagement with Indian planners and agents while presenting Sri Lanka as a compelling alternative to other short-haul international destinations. With Indian travellers accounting for approximately 20% of Cinnamon Hotels’ overall guest volume, the hospitality brand is placing strong emphasis on the India market. According to Radhey Tawar, Chief Commercial Officer, “We see this number growing even more in 2025, especially in Colombo, which is witnessing a surge in tourism-related infrastructure.” He emphasised that with Sri Lanka expecting a record year for tourist arrivals this year, our India-focused strategy is geared towards capitalising on this momentum. “Our roadshows, direct partnerships with airlines and agents, and expanded sales presence in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are all aligned toward driving business from India”, he said. At the heart of this strategy is Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, a $1.3 billion integrated resort in Colombo. Opened in late 2023, the project is Sri Lanka’s largest private investment and is expected to redefine Colombo’s skyline and tourism value proposition. “Cinnamon Life is not just a hotel. It’s a destination,” said Johan Aschan, Area VP, Sri Lanka Resorts Sector and General Manager, Cinnamon Bentota Beach. With over 800 rooms, a convention center, a high-end …

Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO– South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “In terms of rate dynamics, I foresee continued growth in Average Daily Rates (ADRs) across metros and leisure destinations, despite a possible short-term dip in occupancy during Q2 of FY2025. But other than that, I don’t see any drop in ADRs in India.”

Tourism India Alliance (TIA) is all set to organise Tourism Exchange (TEX) on 10 January 2026 in Odisha. The national-level event aims to be a convergence point for tourism stakeholders, spotlighting innovation, partnerships, and destination marketing. “We aim to foster bilateral tourism and create long-term value for our members in 2025 and beyond,” said Jagdeep Bhagat, President, TIA.

The much-awaited IATO election will be held on 10 May at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi for the posts of President, Senior VP, VP, Secretary, Treasurer, Joint Secretary, five EC members (Active) and three EC members (Allied). Ravi Gosain, Director, Erco Travels and Amaresh Tiwari, MD, AT Seasons & Vacations Travel, are contesting for the post of the next President, replacing Rajiv Mehra, the current President.

Understand how your clients can enjoy their summer at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore during this hour-long webinar on 11 April that will focus on new attractions, luxury accommodations. For more information or to register, contact Jasmeet Singh at jasmeet.singh@buzztravelmarketing.com or call +919953432363.

Maintaining an asset-light strategy, Dusit Hotels & Resorts India’s tally touches 10 hotels with fresh signings in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavala, Kasauli, and Manali. Siradej Donavanik, VP, Global Development, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are aiming for 5-6 operation properties in the coming years and achieving the 3000 keys target in the next 5 years.”

Sharing his vision for Digi Yatra to be known as the ‘Travel stack of India’, Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO, Digi Yatra, said, “We would like to enable the next phase of our journey, enabling international end to end seamless travel and to make the app available for Indian and global citizens. We are working with IATA, ICAO and other ministries to make this dream come true.”

Calling India the second-largest producer of films and OTT content after Hollywood, Naveen Kundu, MD, Ebixcash Travel Services, said, “The film tourism market is anticipated to increase at a high CAGR of 6.8% during 2022 to 2032 and will boost filming, driving tourism to lesser-known Indian destinations. As per a report, it could generate $3 billion in revenue for India and boost tourism by 31% on average, with some locations seeing up to 300% growth.