Category Archives: States

Cholan Tours has launched a pioneering women-led e-auto initiative in Madurai, training 20 women to become certified electric auto-rickshaw drivers in the historic Temple City. Calling it a “small step toward empowering the women of Madurai,” Pandian Kumaravel, Founder & MD, said the programme will soon expand to other cities across Tamil Nadu, with Trichy next in line.

ITC Hotels expands its premium brand Storii by ITC Hotels with the launch of Storii Akanni Naina Tikkar, a 42-room and suites boutique property nestled amidst aromatic pine forests overlooking the majestic Churdaar peaks. Designed as an intimate escape that blends nature, tranquillity, and refined hospitality, it introduces travellers to a serene haven, crafted with care and artisanal detail. Set against panoramic valley views, the property features tastefully appointed rooms, open-air dining, a signature spa, and outdoor activities – thoughtfully curated to reinterpret the hotel as soulful, scenic, and deeply personal.

To expand its footprint, IHCL has signed a new hotel under its Gateway brand in Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes, the 78-key Gateway Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir, will offer guests an immersive experience of the region’s natural beauty. The resort will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant and a bar.

Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, the debut property of Minor Hotels in India, has completed its first year of operations with strong performance in the competitive luxury market of Jaipur. Vimal Verma, General Manager, said, “The second year will focus on accelerated growth — introducing designer dining concepts, enhancing global flavours, and strengthening commercial momentum across luxury leisure and corporate segments through agility and faster execution.”

Referring to Assam’s inclusion in the New York Times’ ‘52 Places to Go in 2025’, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, Government of India, said it’s a proof of growing global interest in the region. Under schemes like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD, projects worth ₹3,000 crore have been approved for the Northeast to build new circuits, revive heritage sites, enhance connectivity, and world-class tourism experiences, he said.

Addressing the 13th International Tourism Mart virtually, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Tourism Minister, said the Northeast has undergone a major transformation with huge investments in airports, highways, railways and digital connectivity under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Air traffic has surged from 9.8 million passengers in 2019 to 11.2 million in 2024, the highest ever for the region.

According to Thrillophilia’s Honeymoon Travel Report 2025-26, Kerala (17%), Andaman (14%), Goa (13%), and Rajasthan (12%) continue to dominate honeymoon bookings in India, while quieter destinations such as Meghalaya, Coorg, and Himachal Pradesh are emerging as preferred alternatives for couples seeking privacy and nature.

Nchumbemo Lotha, Secretary, Tourism Department, Nagaland, stated that the state will host the Femina Miss India event next year at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, scheduled for March or April. He said the tourism department has already met the organising team in Mumbai and is set to sign an MoU shortly. The venue’s complete renovation and upgradation is expected to finish by February next year.

In commemoration of International Men’s Day, GRT Hotels & Resorts hosted an interactive session as part of its proprietary wellness initiative, GReaT Being. The initiative aimed to prioritise men’s health and increase awareness of critical health issues. The flagship event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Suites GRT Chennai, featured an expert session led by Dr Vikas Mahajan, a veteran in the field. The discussion primarily revolved around causes and preventive measures for Prostate Cancer. The session saw active participation from all employees across 21 GRT properties and the Corporate Office, fostering a culture of proactive health management across the entire organisation. The event was also open to hotel guests, extending the health awareness initiative to the wider community. GReaT Being is our brand IP where we focus on wellness and health of our guests and colleagues,” said Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts. “We found it time-bound to discuss this particular topic — which is a silent killer and growing — to ensure our colleagues are informed and empowered to prioritise their well-being.” Through such focused events, GRT Hotels & Resorts continues its commitment to embedding health and well-being into its corporate culture, benefiting both its employees and the communities it serves.  

Niljyoti Travel Agency won the ‘Best Car Rental Company’ award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Receiving the award, Sanjib Acharjee, Founder, said, “Since 2007, we’ve pioneered efforts to showcase Tripura’s culture, scenic beauty, and heritage. This award is a proud testament to our commitment to transforming Tripura and the Northeast into must-visit destinations on India’s vibrant tourism map.”