Category Archives: States

Agoda has revealed its list of the most budget-friendly summer destinations in Asia for June to August 2025. Surabaya, Indonesia, leads the list with an average room rate of just INR 3037 per night*, making it a top choice for those eager to embrace culture and adventure this summer. Surabaya is followed closely by Tirupati, with average room rates of ₹3211 per night.

Gujarat has become the first state to join the Cruise Bharat Mission, signalling its commitment to boost maritime tourism. It positions the state as a frontrunner in India’s coastal development. The mission aims to increase sea cruise traffic 10-fold by 2029, propelling India toward becoming a globally competitive cruise tourism destination.

The Kerala government will go ahead with its action plan to support newcomers, especially women, to the tourism sector, aligning with the vision of inclusive and sustainable development of tourism, said PA Mohammed Riyas, Tourism Minister. Supporting newcomers will ensure that they flourish in the completive ecosystem, he said.

Bintan Resorts, in partnership with Travstarz Global Group, held B2B workshops in Jaipur, Lucknow and Indore recently. Aimed at promoting Bintan among Indian travellers, the sessions showcased luxury resorts, wellness, and connectivity via Singapore. Over 35 key agents per city participated, targeting families, honeymooners, leisure travellers, and MICE groups.

Vishal Suri, Managing Director & CEO, SOTC Travel, said, “We are targeting double-digit growth for FY25-26. Regional India is a key focus area for us. We are not only widening our reach across India but also deepening our presence in existing markets. We are investing in ties, tech integrations, and service enhancements to enhance customer engagement in high-growth markets.”

Skål Delhi has become the world’s largest Skål club. Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, announced plans to expand from 19 to 36 clubs, covering every Indian state and union territory. With India now ranked second globally in Skål membership, just 15 members behind the USA, the goal is to strengthen tourism industry collaboration.

India’s hospitality sector is likely to remain immune to the impact of artificial intelligence. In its latest projections, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) said that the Indian travel and tourism sector is expected to employ more than 63.9 million by 2035, up from 46.3 million in 2024. “This is the only industry which may be immune to the impact of AI,” said Julia Simpson, Chief Executive, WTTC.

The two-day Tourism Secretaries’ Conference of all States and Union Territories, organised by the Union MOT, is underway at SKICC, Srinagar. The conference will focus on key national-level policy areas, including tourism-related budget announcements for 2025-26, destination development and infrastructure initiatives, a review of sanctioned projects, and promotion and marketing strategies.

In a major boost to Andhra Pradesh’s adventure tourism sector, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has received over 130 applications from companies eager to launch operations. In response, the government has issued detailed guidelines covering operator registration, safety standards, security protocols, environmental protection and local employment, aiming at regulating the sector and ensuring tourist safety.

Expressing concern on the recent proposal to increase excise duty on liquor in Maharashtra, HRAWI in a letter to Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM & Minister of Finance & Excise, Maharashtra, said the proposed hike is expected to cause a sharp rise in the retail prices of alcoholic beverages reportedly between 14% to 60% across various categories, with the steepest increase in IMFL.