Category Archives: States

Addressing ‘Dakshin Bharat Utsav,’ DK Shivakumar, Deputy CM, Karnataka, said that the southern states should come together and have a common policy to promote tourism. He raised concerns about the Centre’s role in promoting tourism in South India. He stated, “The 18 per cent GST and other revenue cuts are killing the sector.”

Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh, has directed tenders for all projects approved by the Department for 2023-24 must be issued by June 30. Stressing the vital role of tourism in the state’s economy, he highlighted the potential for significant employment opportunities and income generation through tourism.

Highlighting key trends in the Indian hospitality industry, the HVS ANAROCK Hotels & Hospitality Overview – May 2024, states that Goa witnessed the largest year-on-year decline in occupancy rate, while Kolkata registered the highest growth during the month. After a long hiatus, Mumbai recorded higher average rates than Goa, exceeding INR 10,000 and INR 9,500 respectively.”

ITC Hotels recently signed a management agreement with Jaipur based Dangayach Group, for a property under brand Storii, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Storii by ITC Hotels, Jaisalmer is set to be a 119-key resort located towards the east of the city on Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Road. The resort will feature a restaurant, bar, approximately 7000 sqft of banquet and meeting space. Jaisalmer is one of the largest tourism districts in Rajasthan and is featured as a “must-visit” destination in most Rajasthan desert circuits. The city offers a perfect blend of art, architecture, hospitality, scenic beauty, and cuisine. Jaisalmer is renowned for its unconventional desert safari with camel rides, cultural performances, and adventure activities. The city’s yellow sandstone is known to glow during sunset, making it a high point in every tourist’s itinerary. The resort’s yellow-stone fort architecture is inspired by the regions landscape. The plush interiors and elegant décor shall provide an ambiance be-fitting the cultural significance of the city and showcase the very essence of brand Storii. Anil Chadha, Chief Executive, ITC Hotels, said “This project is a tremendous leap permitting a quick entry into a high visibility and popular leisure market with our cherished brand Storii. We are already present with over 800 keys across our various brands in Rajasthan. These include hotels in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Khimsar, Jaisalmer and Udaipur. Storii Jaisalmer will enable us to offer yet another unique destination experience in the Rajasthan desert circuit”. Harimohan Dangayach, Chairman & Founder and Atul Dangayach, Managing Director of Dangayach Group, expressed happiness at the signing ceremony and said, “We are delighted to sign Storii for our latest resort project in Jaisalmer. The resort’s positioning in a strong leisure market aligns well …

Forward ticket data for July and August 2024 indicates that European travellers are increasingly choosing to venture further afield to explore New Delhi with an 9 per cent increase compared to the same time in 2023. Highlighted by ForwardKeys, outbound travel from Europe is displaying clear trends, with year-on-year growth in long-haul travel to a diverse range of Asian markets.

Clarks Safari enters Ahmedabad by signing a 50 rooms property near Kheda Gujarat. The luxury property will cater to luxury travelers, corporates, and families looking for a day outing, along with clients seeking out destination weddings. The brand already has multiple properties spread across the country but Ahmedabad being the business hub and one of the busiest cities of Gujarat, propelled the brand to open doors here. The newly signed property is centrally located and enjoys good connectivity. It is spread over an area of more than 5 acres, and has all the facilities inside it. The property has a banquet hall with a seating capacity of 800 pax. There is a dedicated kids zone and play area, where one can enjoy rain dance. In order to spread awareness around nature and animal life, there is a birding zone, and a pond with various water animals. It is good for those who want to spend their whole day in a luxury setup while enjoying different activities at the resort. They also have a swimming pool and inhouse gym on the property.The property has a Gaushala, from where organic milk products are generated. There will be 50 rooms spread across categories, each room will be furnished with all the amenities, such as a safe box, indoor games, seating area, deck area, pantry, etc. They also have a main lawn to conduct weddings or other functions with 600 pax capacity. Various experiential will be curated targeting different sets of audiences. Apart from solo travelers, and families, the brand is heavily eyeing the wedding segment, corporate, and MICE. The in-house restaurant will serve multiple cuisines, chiefly North Indian, continental, and also Gujarati food. …

As reported in Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2024, globally, 44% of travellers are using AI to help them plan and research travel, but its use varies a lot depending on the market. 45% of Indian travellers, for example, are already using AI on their phones compared to just 8% in the UK. The next logical step is to use the AI technologies now available to us to help these travellers in the discovery phase of their travel planning journey.

Jerroo Bharrucha, President, TOGA Mumbai, says, referring to the negotiations over tourist guide fees for cruise passengers between TOGA and four operators, says, “We have been asking them to negotiate for a year for season starting September 2024. They have offered us 5% increment for each season, in total 10%. But this is unacceptable to us.”

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group announced the launch of Fortune Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar, a shining new addition set to offer unmatched comfort and hospitality close to Gujarat’s latest attraction, alongside the scenic views of river Narmada. Just minutes away from the Ekta Nagar railway station, this 144-room all vegetarian hotel, promises an extraordinary journey into the world of fine hospitality. With comforting interiors that open into tranquil river vistas from most rooms, Fortune Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar also has lush green lawns and ample open spaces to soak in the spirit of the place. The hotel offers an array of features to enhance the guest experience be it the wide range of premium room amenities, 24-hour room service option to satiate your midnight food cravings or the high speed complimentary wi-fi that lets you stream your favourite web-series whilst your stay with us. Additionally, guests can indulge in a vegetarian food soiree at the Rainbow Restaurant, where vegetarian cuisines from seven inspired culinary mores await you such that every meal becomes a treasure trove of flavours and memories. Fortune Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar will also become an address to reckon with for intimate gatherings to corporate events. The hotel will soon provide versatile banquet facilities ideal for hosting weddings, birthdays, meetings, presentations, and brainstorming sessions. Fortune’s dedicated team will ensure that every event is executed seamlessly, leaving a lasting impression on guests and attendees alike. Strategically located close to the many attractions in the SOU area, like the Narmada Maha Arti ghat, the Valley of Flowers (Bharat Van), the Cactus Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Glow Park and many more the hotel is …

Following the implementation of e-pass regulations by Tamil Nadu for entry to Nilgiris and Kodaikanal, the tourist influx has seen a surge to Munnar, Wagamon, and other destinations in Idukki. Confirming the trend, Jitheesh Jose, Secretary, District Tourism Promotion Council, said 7,342 tourists visited Wagamon meadows while 6,854 tourists Munnar Botanical Garden on Saturday.