Category Archives: States

SOTC Travel announces its first franchise outlet in Bhubaneshwar, marking a significant milestone for the Company’s East India expansion. The outlet was inaugurated by Himanshu Sampat – Vice President Sales SOTC Travel. Odisha is emerging as a strong travel market and is witnessing a strong demand led by Bhubaneswar and surrounding catchments. SOTC’s new franchise strategically situated in the city center, to serve both leisure and business segments. SOTC Travel’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group tours, Personalised Holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.

Highlighting that luxury hospitality is no longer confined to metropolitan hubs and is expanding to emerging cities, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “tier-II and tier-III cities in India are becoming important markets as affluence rises and travel preferences diversify.”

Informing Rajya Sabha about the progress made in the Nodia Airport, KR Naidu, Minister for Civil Aviation, GoI, said, “Jewar International Airport, poised to become Asia’s largest, will commence regular operations from April. He highlighted the enthusiasm among airlines to operate from the airport, which is expected to boost global connectivity significantly.”

During OTM in Mumbai, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, J&K emphasised that tourism is a top priority for the state government, and they are planning to position Jammu and Kashmir as a global tourism hotspot. He said, “Our participation in events like OTM is a step toward achieving this vision.”

Union Tourism Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, “The ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh is expected to attract 30 lakh international visitors.” He added, “Initially, we had estimated around 15 lakh foreign visitors, which does not include non-resident Indians. However, looking at the response we have revised this to double our earlier estimate.”

Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UP, informed that under the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022, the state has received investment proposals worth ₹1 trillion in the hospitality sector in the last two years. The proposals were received after the state organised the Global Investors Summit in February 2023.

Odisha has attracted ₹8,155 crore investment at the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025,’ for luxury hotels, resorts, adventure, and convention centres. As per Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister, Odisha, the state is planning to promote itself as a preferred destination for the MICE and destination weddings segment and concert tourism.

Highlighting IIFA’s Silver Jubilee celebration as a major milestone, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, said the event which is scheduled to take place on 8-9 March in Jaipur will not only celebrate Indian cinema but also boost the state’s cultural and tourism profile worldwide. The recent surge in film projects and the upcoming IIFA event underscore Rajasthan’s growing reputation as a hub for Indian and international cinema.

As part of the 13th edition of the annual Traveller Review Awards 2025, Booking.com unveiled the 10 Most Welcoming Places in India and on Earth. Himachal Pradesh was named the Most Welcoming Region in India followed by Kerala and Goa. Bir emerged as the Most Welcoming City in India followed by Mararikulam and Leh.

Skyscanner has observed a significant increase in travel interest for the Maha Kumbh, with elevated booking volumes from January 12 continuing through February 26 aligning with key dates of the holy dip rituals. It also sees huge interest from international travellers, and the top five international cities that have searched for travel to Prayagraj around these dates are Dubai, London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Doha. This data underscores how travellers across India and the world are gearing up to immerse themselves in the spiritual grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, making it a pivotal travel moment for 2025.