The 2nd Tamilnadu Travel Expo (TTE) will be held from 26-28 September at IDA Scudder Auditorium, Madurai. Focusing on heritage, wellness and wedding tourism, the event aims to highlight the state’s tourism potential to hotels, tour operators, transport businesses, DMCs, wedding planners and wedding decor professionals. 

Kapil Mishra, Tourism Minister, Delhi Government announced Delhi’s plan to emerge as a global event-management hub, supported by a soon-to-be-launched digital single-window clearance system for event permissions. The move follows a roundtable with industry stakeholders and aims to boost innovation in art, culture, cinema, fashion and destination weddings across the capital. 

The new $250 US ‘visa integrity fee’ has drawn criticism from the trade. Guldeep Singh Sahni, MD, Weldon Tours & Travels, said it burdens genuine travellers. “A family of four must pay an extra $1000, refundable only after 10 years and repay again if visas are renewed. It will impact the tourism numbers.”   

The Centre has approved 40 tourism projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore under the SASCI scheme, including ₹99.14 crore for developing Ram-Kal Path in Nashik. Aimed at upgrading iconic destinations to global standards, the scheme mandates DPRs by states with stakeholder consultations, with project completion targeted within two years. 

The Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA) is in advanced discussions with Mercedes-Benz to purchase 100 E-Class and S-Class vehicles, announced Bobby K.S. Sawhney, Honorary Secretary, ITTA. The move is aimed at elevating service standards and enhancing the premium travel experience offered by ITTA members.  

Dilip Puri, Founder & CEO, Indian School of Hospitality, said, “With India’s booming domestic market, many hotels thrive without foreign footfall.” However, he urges renewed global marketing, noting, “It’s time to repush the revamped ‘Incredible India 2.0’ campaign, backed by robust government support,” to showcase improved connectivity, infrastructure and guest experiences. 

Cross Hotels & Resorts invites Indian MICE travel agents to a special webinar on 15 July at 3 pm to explore dynamic MICE opportunities in brand’s properties across Thailand. Get insights to help create enriched itineraries for your corporate clients. Register to learn more and win exciting prizes. For further info, contact sandeep.raghav@crosshotelsandresorts.in or 9599076699. 

Jasmeet Singh, Chief Commercial Officer-Holidays & Experiences, MakeMyTrip, said, “Agents offer trust and end-to-end support, especially in smaller cities where travel planning is often high-involvement and relationship-driven.” He believes that in these markets, travellers still rely heavily on personalised guidance, reassurance and handholding through complex itineraries. 

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, is organising an exclusive webinar for the Indian travel trade on 2 July at 3 pm IST. Speakers from Oman Air, JW Marriott Muscat and Zahara Tours will highlight the latest offerings and leisure experiences. Register and attend for a chance to win exciting prizes. For details, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 

India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave will be held in Kochi from August 14–16. Organised by Kerala Travel Mart Society with the Tourism Department, it aims to promote Kerala as a premier destination. PA Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism said, “The conclave aims to tap Kerala’s potential in this fast-growing segment, leveraging the state’s unique advantages to transform it into a global MICE and wedding tourism hub.”