Category Archives: States

Maharashtra’s CM Eknath Shinde announced that a 320-acre international central park will come up in Mumbai. The Royal Western India Turf Club has agreed to offer 120-acres of land of Mahalaxmi Race Course to BMC. Additionally, the state govt has 200-acres of reclaimed land of the coastal road in Worli, which will be used to build a big theme park.

PM Narendra Modi launched ₹11,600 crore project in Assam on 4 January 2024, including the inauguration of Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana in Guwahati. These development projects will boost religious tourism in the Northeast along with employment, said the Prime Minister.

The state cabinet approved the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill 2024 draft, with the clause that a person has to obtain a registration certificate to operate as a travel agent in the state. The bill aims to regulate travel agents who deceive people into illegal immigration.

As per Rajasthan Tourism Department, the state witnessed a surge in domestic tourism in 2023, with approx.18 crore domestic and 17 lakh foreign tourists arrival in Rajasthan. The figures for 2021 stood at 2.19 crore domestic and 34,806 foreign tourists, while in 2022, the state welcomed 10.83 crore domestic tourists.

On 31 January, 2024, the Assam cabinet approved Assam Tourism Development and Registration Bill 2024. The state’s tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah stated, “This bill will be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the Assam Legislative Assembly. We could not regulate tourism in the state because we did not have an act.”

Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI, said that the implementation of industry status will offer waivers and reliefs which are critical for the growth of hospitality. “We anticipate the forthcoming policy will promote the growth of tourism in Vidarbha and Maharashtra at large,” he added.

With the theme ‘The Magical Every Day’ Kerala’s pavilion experienced high numbers of visitors including business delegates at FITUR 2024 in Madrid, reinforcing its position as an enthralling destination for Spanish travel market. Kerala has recorded 18,947 arrivals in 2019 from Spain claiming it to be a pivotal market for the state in future.

The state government of Goa has announced to build its first wellness destination centre and eco-cottages at Anjunem-Keri. Govt has accepted the proposal of Rane Construction for the development, operations, and maintenance of the property with the vision to promote hinterland tourism.

South India has become the major contributor to the business of Thomas Cook (India) Limited. Bengaluru-Karnataka has emerged as the company’s top source market for the leisure segment. Romil Pant, Executive Vice President & Business Head – Holidays, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “We have launched a dedicated range of products to cater to the unique preferences of customers from this market and catalyze growth. We expect to see an uptick of 30% from Karnataka in 2024.”  

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, said, “Tourism has become our blood stream. Led by our Hon’ble Prime Minister we the stakeholders breathe tourism. As the world opens up, India has positioned itself yet once again to be a vibrant destination with Ayodhya as the Spiritual Hub leading the pack. Ministry of Tourism synergizes our endeavour in both Domestic and International tourism, demand in diverse facets will grow in a geometric proportion, supply will rush to fill the gap catering to a sizable investment in tourism infrastructure.”