Ahmad Johanif bin Mohamad Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia, New Delhi Office, shared that Malaysia aims for 1.5 million Indian tourists in 2025, with nearly 900,000 arrivals recorded by July 2025. For 2026, the Malaysian government has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 2 million Indian visitors. Indians show keen interest in Malaysia’s golf tourism.

At its 75th AGM, HRAWI re-elected Jimmy Shaw, Managing Director, The Waterfront Shaw, Lavasa as its President. Nirav Gandhi (Sr Vice President), Chetan Mehta (Vice President), and Pradeep Shetty (Honorary Secretary) continue in their current roles, while Gurbir Singh Bedi will take charge as Joint Honorary Secretary. Paramjit Singh Ghai assumes the position of Honorary Treasurer.

Kandula Durgesh, Tourism Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh, announced that the government is considering a new heritage tourism policy for the state to preserve historic buildings and unlock their revenue generation potential. He also talked about hospitality projects worth ₹723 crore approved in six months, generating nearly 200,000 jobs, while highlighting proactive policies, infrastructure expansion, and global outreach through major platforms like ITB Berlin and WTM London.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, highlighted that GST rationalisation will aid India’s tourism industry. “Reduction of tax rates from 12 per cent to 5 per cent will result into notable consumer savings,” he said, acknowledging that minor issues around Input Tax Credit require coordination with the GST Council. “The government’s overall policy direction strongly supports the sector’s expansion.”

The stage is set for one of the most awaited evening in Indian travel and tourism sector — the India Travel Awards 2025, scheduled for 9 September at Le Meridien, New Delhi. For over a decade, this iconic platform has stood as the ultimate benchmark of excellence, applauding visionaries, innovators, and achievers who have shaped the industry. This year’s edition promises to be grander than ever, honouring trailblazers, seasoned stalwarts, and the rising stars who represent the future of Indian travel. All eyes now turn to New Delhi, where the industry leaders will gather to celebrate aspiration, innovation, and achievement at the most anticipated awards night of the year.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has named 37 airports, 34 sea and river ports, and 37 international land crossing points as the designated immigration posts for entry and exit of international passengers. The ministry also named six railway stations — all located along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders — as the designated immigration posts for entry and exit of international passengers.

The 5th edition of Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) is all set to take place from 12–14 September 2025 at BM Birla Convention Centre in Jaipur. With the theme ‘Explore, Discover and Experience’, the event will serve as a platform for hospitality brands, heritage and boutique hotels, and wedding destinations to connect with key stakeholders from across India. Recently, as a pre-cursor to RDTM 2025, a stakeholder’s meet was jointly organised by the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) and the Rajasthan Tourism Department in Jodhpur. In his address at the meet, Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur and Chief Patron, FHTR, said, “Rajasthan’s cultural diversity, historical heritage, and incomparable hospitality make it a precious tourist destination not only in India but in the world. Platforms like RDTM are proving to be helpful in taking the tourism business of the state to new heights.” Significance of RDTM The last edition of RDTM was attended by over 240 national buyers and 280 Rajasthan based sellers. Over 7,000 B2B meetings were conducted, generating an impressive number of leads for hotel bookings, curated experiences, and destination weddings. The platform has clearly proven its effectiveness in boosting the state’s tourism business.

Join Switzerland Tourism’s webinar that will focus on two famous panoramic train journeys — Glacier Express and Bernina Express, and Lake Lugano Group’s Swissminiatur park and FoxTown Factory Stores. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2026! For more info, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call 9650196532.

For Indian travel agents seeking itineraries that promise unforgettable journeys at sea, Cunard stands as the ultimate name in enchanting cruise experiences. For 185 years, Cunard has epitomised the art of luxury ocean travel, with its fleet of four legendary Queens — Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and the newest, Queen Anne. Offering voyages from transatlantic crossings to Mediterranean escapes, Alaskan adventures, and world cruises, Cunard blends heritage, elegance, and ‘playful luxury’. With India–UK travel on the rise, Cunard is engaging the Indian travel fraternity to explore opportunities in luxury cruising. From grand ballrooms and Michelin-inspired dining to ocean-inspired wellness and exclusive suite experiences, Cunard promises journeys that are as extraordinary as the destinations themselves.

Cunard invites Indian travel fraternity to a special webinar today at 3 PM IST to explore the glamorous, comfortable, cultured ocean journeys curated by the brand. Attend to learn new aspects of luxury cruising and interact with an experienced panel during the webinar. For further info, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532