Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir, revealed plans to develop nine new tourist destinations with multilateral funding. Speaking at ICC Aviation and Tourism Conference, he emphasised shifting from volume to value tourism to ease pressure on saturated hotspots like Gulmarg and Srinagar. “We must move up the value chain,” he said, adding that newer sites would boost sustainable growth and tourist experience.

At a recent PATA forum, Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, delivered a compelling message to the country’s travel trade. She emphasised to empower Indian tour operators, convert global partners into India ambassadors and think beyond destinations by thinking of markets. Sinha called on tourism associations to offer consistent, high-quality training to equip Indian tour operators with deeper knowledge of their own country. “It is not just about showcasing India. It is about understanding it well enough to package it meaningfully,” she said.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, said, “Tourism is all about access, and aviation provides that access on scale and speed. By aligning the National Air Connectivity Plan with the National Tourism Development Plan, the synergy could be transformative.” He emphasised that aviation and tourism must collaborate as twin engines to double the sector’s GDP contribution from 5 per cent to 10 per cent in the coming decade.

FAITH Conclave 2025 will be held from 4–5 June 2025 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. “Registration will open shortly,” revealed Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary, FAITH. The conclave’s theme is going to be ‘Tourism 2030 – India on mission mode.’ Leaders from the sector will carve framework for India’s tourism till 2030

After TAAI’s intervention, IndiGo will reinstate SME fares for retail agents withdrawn earlier due to misuse. Agents must sign an indemnity and upload GST details for every booking. TAAI also ensured OTAs will soon be restricted, creating a fair marketplace. Agents are advised to contact the respective IndiGo sales representatives.

Speaking about the woes of Indian travel agents, Tarun Malhotra, Managing Director, InOrbit Tours, said, “China embassy and consulate are rejecting 98 per cent visa application without any reasons. Passports are returned to applicants without any reason ? Please be careful and inform your guests accordingly.”

While speaking at Goa Tourism’s roadshow in Muscat, Oman, Rohan A. Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa, said, “Through this roadshow in Oman, we aim to strengthen ties with the Middle East market, inviting travellers and businesses alike to discover Goa’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and growing potential as a holistic tourism destination.”

In a powerful call to action for India’s travel trade, Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, has urged tour operators and travel agents to rethink the role of associations and demand greater value for their membership fees. Speaking at the PATA forum, Sinha emphasised that associations must evolve into data-driven knowledge hubs, aggregating market insights, consumer trends, and geopolitical travel shifts to truly serve their members in today’s dynamic environment. “Membership fees—whether high or low—should come with tangible returns. Associations must become aggregators of information. We used to buy such data while negotiating trade deals. Today, travel agents need that same level of insight—what kind of travellers are coming, from where, and what they want to experience,” she said.

Los Angeles Tourism invites you to the third and final webinar in its exclusive travel trade series today at 3 PM IST. Stay updated with the latest insights on the city’s vibrant attractions, experiences, and travel offerings. Those attending all three webinars will qualify for a special prize! For more info or to register, contact at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Emphasising that domestic tourism continues to be Radisson Hotel Group’s (RHG) growth driver, now accounting for 90–95 per cent of business post-COVID. Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO– South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Inbound travel is gradually picking up, with the group actively collaborating with GoI to further develop this segment.”