Category Archives: States

UP government is providing skilled smart service providers to navigate tourists during Maha Kumbh 2025. Aparajit Singh, Regional Tourism Officer, Prayagraj, mentioned that a training campaign has been launched for all service providers. This includes training for boatmen, tour guides, street vendors, and others.

15th & 16th November at Far & East are set to be nothing short of magical as the award-winning all-day modern kitchen-style dining room at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru transforms into a vibrant celebration of Thailand’s beloved Loy Krathong festival. With Chef Wimon Pahuja at the helm, guests are invited to indulge in an authentic Thai feast that promises to be a journey through the flavours, traditions, and spirit of Thailand. For two days, Far & East will be a dazzling blend of Thai lanterns, fragrant aromas, and the warm glow of the season’s most cherished festival. Loy Krathong, known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ symbolises gratitude, new beginnings, and a chance to let go of the past, making it the perfect backdrop for Chef Wimon’s culinary showcase. With 18 years of experience across Thailand, India, and Nepal, Chef Wimon brings to the table not just the vibrant tastes of Thai cuisine but also its soul, culture, and history. Guests will be treated to a meticulously curated à la carte menu, transcending the usual Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry. Chef Wimon, a seasoned expert in Thai cuisine, will present a selection of lesser-known delicacies and refined versions of classic favourites, each dish carrying the authenticity and finesse of traditional Thai flavours. Think bold, aromatic spices, tender cuts of meat, and the freshest seafood cooked to perfection—every plate a testament to her culinary mastery. Boasting a bold and modern space with a tropical-rainforest leitmotif reflected in its brightly patterned upholstery and curtains, the traditional Asian art and warm lighting at Far & East create an inviting mood for this intimate and relaxed meal. Impeccable Four Seasons service will …

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Culture and Tourism, GoI, announced that under the decongestion and new product development initiative, several big-ticket projects worth ₹8,000 crore have been submitted by states. In Jammu & Kashmir, three new tourist destinations are being developed under a budget of ₹5,600 crore.

In a key initiative to showcase the Kurukshetra region’s historical and cultural richness, the Ministry of Tourism’s Northern Regional Office is hosting the second Mahabharata Circuit Conference and Familiarization Tour. The event, scheduled from 4-6 November, will gather around 130 participants, including tourism professionals, media representatives, and officials from various tourism departments.

Kerala Tourism is all set to replace its traditional tourist information centres with robotic and automatic kiosks to digitalise the information delivery system. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism, highlighted that introducing robotic kiosks at railway stations is part of a broader effort to modernise and digitalise Kerala’s tourism infrastructure.

Speaking about the significance of research and data in the tourism industry, Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism said, “Being in the sector which is vast and multifaceted, it is essential to have accurate and comprehensive data to inform our decisions. While government data provides a solid foundation, it often captures only one facet of the entire landscape. To truly understand the dynamics of the tourism and hospitality sectors, we must triangulate this data with insights from industry bodies, international organisations like the WTO, and other reliable sources.”

An Amex Trendex India finding highlights that 73% of Indians are using travel credit card rewards, airline miles or loyalty points to manage costs, reflecting a shift toward maximising value during the holidays. Domestic travel remains popular, with 88% opting for trips within India, while international travel is on the radar for 61%.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and held discussions on promoting the state’s religious sites, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage at the national and international levels. He also requested the Union Minister for cooperation to develop infrastructure in view of the state’s increasing population.

Diana Marin Acosta, Senior Vice President, Head of Global & Luxury Sales, Minor Hotel, said that they want to keep growing partnerships and build brand awareness by organising roadshows in India. “We are ready to open one property in Jaipur next month and are committed to opening 50 hotels in the following years,” she added.

As part of its ambitious plan to enhance air connectivity, Odisha cabinet has approved a financial incentive program for airlines to launch new flights connecting various airports in Odisha. According to the program, airlines will receive ₹5 lakh per round trip for domestic flights and ₹10 lakh for international routes.