Category Archives: States

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C) for Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, GoI, inaugurated the prestigious VISA-THSC Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Project in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, on 19 November. The Minister, who endorsed the MoU signing between THSC and VISA, has been instrumental in championing this transformative initiative, which is set to recognize, certify, and upskill over 20,000 individuals across India’s tourism and hospitality sectors over the next three years. In his inaugural address, Chaudhary underscored the profound impact of this project, stating, “Through the RPL initiative, we are not merely certifying skills; we are acknowledging and validating the hard work, expertise, and experience of our people. This project is a powerful step toward recognizing and empowering the skilled workforce in Bharatpur and Rajasthan, especially in tourism and hospitality—sectors integral to India’s growth and cultural heritage. By certifying these skills, we are laying a strong foundation for economic upliftment and sustained job creation.” Targeting the certification of nearly 7,000 individuals in its first year alone across India, the project focuses on roles such as Tour Guide, Customer Service Executive, Food Server, Walk Tour Facilitator, and Paragliding Ground Crew Chief. Bharatpur’s Keoladeo National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site and major tourist attraction—offers an ideal setting for the project, enabling local residents to gain formal recognition and contribute as ambassadors of India’s heritage and hospitality. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, shared his vision for the VISA-THSC RPL Project, stating, “The Project aligns closely with THSC’s mission to bridge skill gaps in the tourism and hospitality sectors by providing individuals with industry-recognized certifications. This initiative will uplift livelihoods in Bharatpur and beyond, enhancing service quality across the industry. By raising service standards, …

Sharing the state’s investment plans, Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister, Meghalaya, said, “We are planning to invest approx. ₹4,000 crore in the tourism sector in the coming years. The government invested ₹2,000 crore since the last three years, creating about 50,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.”

BL Sharma, CM, Rajasthan, called for promoting state’s tourist sites, fairs, and festivals with effective branding and marketing at the global level. He added that the government is committed to tourism skill development programme and steps should be taken to make monuments and panoramas of the state more attractive.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation bagged ‘Excellence in Responsible Tourism Practices’ award at ITA 2024. Manasi Kothare, Officer for Responsible Tourism, MTDC, said, “We have pioneered several projects, including development of carbon footprint calculator, a crucial tool for environmental conservation.”

Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival is returning to the City of Lakes, promising an enchanting experience from 10 to 12 January, 2025. Known for celebrating the ancient art of oral storytelling, this festival has captivated audiences by gathering renowned storytellers, writers, and enthusiasts worldwide. In its sixth edition, the event promises even more magic, set against the captivating backdrop of Udaipur. This year’s festival will feature a range of storytelling genres, including history, romance, mysticism, and mystery, along with a dedicated children’s section. This diversity ensures something for everyone, taking listeners on a journey into different worlds, emotions, and experiences. Adding to the charm, live folk art performances and fusion music will enhance the atmosphere, creating a memorable blend of storytelling and melody that reflects Rajasthan’s cultural richness along with national and international heritage. Audiences can look forward to performances by celebrated storytellers like Dev Dutt Patnaik, mythologist and writer, the legendary Qutubi Brothers in qawwali, and storytelling artist Fauzia Dastango. Colombian nomadic storyteller Juliana Marin, French story writer Laurence Hugues, Indian film and TV story and dialogue writer Divy Nandini Sharma, and actor Vicky Ahuja will also be among the artists gracing the stage, each bringing their unique style and heritage to the event. For those interested in the art of oral storytelling, the festival will host engaging workshops and interactive sessions, offering a chance to connect with master storytellers and delve into the cultural significance of storytelling across different traditions and eras. Families will find the festival’s atmosphere welcoming, with a dedicated segment designed especially for children, making it an ideal event to introduce young listeners to the world of stories. The Festival village will have unique stalls …

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that air travel plays an important role when it comes to connectivity in the Northeastern region. He added that the state government is working aggressively to upgrade and optimise tourism, trade, health services and other sectors. “When it comes to connectivity and other issues that the Northeastern region faces, particularly Meghalaya, air travel plays an important role in achieving the wide gamut of goals that the state is striving towards,” the chief minister said.

Apart from a slight decrease in the average daily rate (ADR) of Delhi and Goa, all other major markets like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai showed considerable growth in ADR and revenue per available room figures, with Hyderabad leading the list. The city recorded the highest RevPAR growth of 23.6% in Q3 2024 as compared to Q3 2023. Although occupancy levels remained relatively stable across the board in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, ADR levels improved, leading to an increase in RevPAR across all major markets.

IHG has signed a management agreement with Aaraki Hotels & Resorts to develop Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala. The latest signing underscores IHG’s commitment to expand its footprint across key leisure destinations in India. Scheduled to open in Q3 2027, the new hotel will add 150 keys to IHG’s growing presence in the region. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Aaraki Hotels & Resorts to bring the iconic Holiday Inn brand to Dharamshala, which perfectly aligns with our growth strategy in India’s high-demand leisure markets. As travel preferences shift toward unique and experiential getaways, destinations like Dharamshala are emerging as top choices for both domestic and international travelers, drawn by its spiritual depth, natural beauty, and year-round appeal. The signing of this hotel underscores our commitment to expanding IHG’s presence in key leisure destinations, offering travelers globally recognized brands and memorable experiences.” He further added, “We are certain that Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala will set a new benchmark in the region, providing guests with a perfect blend of the brand’s timeless appeal and modern innovations tailored to today’s travelers. By introducing our Open Lobby concept, alongside thoughtfully designed accommodations and dining experiences, we aim to deliver an elevated stay that resonates with both domestic and international tourists.”

SpiceJet has announced plans to launch seaplane operations in 2025, connecting some of India’s most remote and picturesque locations. The announcement was made today by SpiceJet’s Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh, on the occasion of a demonstration seaplane flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam Dam, attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sh. N. Chandrababu Naidu and Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Sh. K. Rammohan Naidu. SpiceJet has partnered in seaplane trials across multiple locations, providing crucial engineering, technical, and logistical support to De Havilland. With rights to operate seaplane services on 20 routes, including Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong, the airline is preparing to roll out connectivity across key routes as the infrastructure becomes ready. Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “Seaplanes have the potential to transform India’s regional connectivity, opening up access to some of the most stunning, yet remote, parts of the country. SpiceJet has always dared to dream big and with the support of visionary leaders like Chief Minister Sh. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Sh. K. Rammohan Naidu, we are taking concrete steps to bring seaplane operations to life in India once again. We are excited to help drive this initiative forward, partnering closely with the government and civil aviation authorities to ensure these services become a reality and a success.” Avani Singh, CEO Spice Shuttle, said, “Our journey in regional connectivity has been a purposeful one, rooted in the belief that everyone, no matter how remote, deserves access to affordable and efficient air travel, and today, we are excited to be at the forefront of seaplane operations in India.”

The Goa Tourism Department has said that the state is increasingly attracting global travellers from many countries. As per media release, new charter flights have been introduced from key markets, including Russian cities Moscow and Ekaterinburg, London, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to support visitors.