The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) will hold its 16th annual Adventure Convention in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from 3rd to 8th December 2024. The six-day convention will bring together adventure tourism professionals from across the country to explore and highlight Arunachal’s immense potential as India’s next premier adventure destination. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu firmly believes that the state holds incredible promise as India’s leading adventure tourism destination and expressed optimism that the convention will showcase the untapped opportunities Arunachal has to offer, bringing both economic growth and global recognition of Arunachal. State’s Tourism Minister P D Sona too underscores the importance of investment in adventure tourism that will not only drive economic development but also preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. He is of the opinion that nurturing sustainable tourism will create a bright future for India as a global adventure hub. The convention will feature a packed schedule of sessions, panel discussions, and awards recognising excellence in the industry. Adventure tourism leaders from across India will join local operators to foster partnerships, with an aim to create sustainable tourism models for Arunachal and beyond. Exclusive familiarisation (FAM) trips will allow attendees to explore the state’s breath-taking, unexplored terrains, showcasing its adventure potential. Preceding the convention, a specialised adventure guide training programme will be held in Itanagar, the state’s capital, led by experts to help build local capacity and professionalism in the adventure tourism sector. The unveiling of ATOAI’s roadmap for Arunachal Pradesh will further outline future growth and investment opportunities in the region. As per Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, the association is dedicated to making India one of the world’s premier destinations …

The 3rd Edition of the Autumn Festival, a precursor to the landmark 25th Edition of the iconic Hornbill Festival, concluded with grand success at Nagaland House on Sunday, 20 October. Organised by Nagaland Tourism in collaboration with the Chief Resident Commissioner of Nagaland House, and with the invaluable support of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the festival brought Nagaland’s rich cultural diversity to life over three vibrant days. From 18 to 20 October, visitors were treated to an immersive experience of Nagaland’s finest offerings in food, textiles, handicrafts, art, and music. The festival also showcased an impressive line-up of esteemed artists, local enterprises, and cultural treasures. Notable among them was Kintem, the renowned textile brand, which wowed audiences with a stunning fashion show, reflecting Nagaland’s artistic prowess and deep-rooted traditions.   BL Verma, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Social Justice and Empowerment, graced the inaugural function along with Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as the chief guest, and Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru in India, as the honoured guests for Day 1. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, who served as the Chief Guest, in her address, Sinha applauded the significant contributions of the Northeastern states, saying, “The Hornbill Festival has earned its place as a cherished cultural event, a brand that has come to symbolise the vibrancy of Nagaland. I hope the Autumn Festival gives Delhi’s residents a glimpse of Nagaland’s extraordinary handloom, handicraft, and culinary traditions, inspiring many to join us in celebrating the grand 25th Edition of the Hornbill Festival in Kisama, Nagaland.” Day 2 was …

SKAL International India announced the recent appointments of four distinguished members to key positions at SKAL International, the world’s leading organisation of travel and tourism professionals. These announcements were made at the ongoing 83rd Skal World Congress 2024 at Izmir, Turkey. This marks a significant milestone for SKAL India, reflecting its growing influence within the global tourism industry. N S N Mohan has been nominated and elected as Deputy Vice President of SKAL International, a testament to his leadership and dedication to fostering camaraderie within the travel and tourism community. His appointment is expected to strengthen SKAL’s global initiatives and further enhance cooperation among international chapters. This historic moment marks the first time in the 90-year history of Skål International that an Asian and Indian has been elected to this prestigious position. N S N Mohan is currently serving as Director of Finance for Skål International in 2024. Valmiki Kishan has been named Deputy Auditor of SKAL International, taking on a crucial role in overseeing financial transparency and accountability within the organisation. His expertise and commitment will ensure SKAL’s continued financial integrity. P Saravanan Palanivelu from SKAL International India – Chennai and Vani Subhas of SKAL International – Hyderabad have been honoured as Membre D’Honneur, one of the highest accolades within SKAL International, recognising their extraordinary contributions and lifelong commitment to the organisation. These prestigious appointments highlight the exceptional leadership emerging from SKAL India, further solidifying the country’s position within the global tourism industry. Speaking on the appointments, Sanjeev Mehra, President, SKAL International India, stated, “We are extremely proud of NSN Mohan, Valmiki Kishan, P Saravanan, and Vani Subhas. Their achievements reflect not only their personal dedication but also SKAL …

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of its newest property in Rishikesh, located in the serene and spiritual heart of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the prime location of Upper Tapovan on the Badrinath Highway, the new Stone Wood Rishikesh offers an unparalleled blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. This new hotel offers easy access to the region’s most iconic attractions, including the famous Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, and several rafting points along the Ganges. Conveniently situated just 8.7 kilometers from Rishikesh Railway Station and 23 kilometers from Jolly Grant Airport, Stone Wood Rishikesh is ideally placed for visitors to explore Rishikesh and the nearby town of Haridwar. The property features 37 spacious and well-appointed rooms, each designed to provide comfort and relaxation with private balconies, high-speed Wi-Fi, LED TVs, tea/coffee makers, and more. Guests will also enjoy a variety of premium amenities, including a multicuisine restaurant offering Indian, Chinese, and Western dishes, a coffee shop, and an inviting swimming pool. Stone Wood Rishikesh also boasts a luxurious spa, indoor games for children, banquet spaces, and conference facilities, catering to a wide range of guest needs—from family vacations to business conferences. “As we expand into Rishikesh, we are excited to offer guests a unique stay that combines the comforts of home with the luxuries of a resort in one of India’s most spiritually significant and naturally beautiful locations,” said Shikhar Kumar, MD, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “Our goal is to elevate the travel experience in Rishikesh, catering to the diverse needs of families, solo travellers, and adventure enthusiasts,” he added. With this …

Located in Maharashtra, close to the Khawasa and Khursapar Gates Four acres of secluded wilderness setting Spacious rooms and tents with sit-outs Alfresco restaurant and treetop machan for private dining experience Sterling Holiday Resorts – India’s leading leisure hospitality brand has announced its second resort in Pench, on the Maharashtra side of the Pench wildlife sanctuary. The resort is conveniently located just off NH44 and easily accessible from Nagpur. The four-acre property is embellished by manicured lawns and flagstone paths and is a green haven, making it an ideal getaway from Nagpur. Located close to and midway between the Khawasa and Khursapar Gate, it can be an ideal base to explore the Pench wildlife sanctuary. The resort has a choice of villa-styled rooms and large Luxury Tents, all equipped with a sit-out for guests to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings especially in the evenings. The rooms give a rustic look from outside, blending well with the surroundings, while they are equipped with all the modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Special features include open-to-sky showers, bathtubs with a separate shower area and premier rooms have a dedicated powder room within and a private lawn space outside. “Sigri” is an open-format restaurant that provides a unique dining experience with beautiful views of the serene surroundings. One can enjoy popular favorites and delicious local dishes from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The “Machan” provides a tree-top dining experience ideal to enjoy a private celebration dinner, or a special gathering while enjoying the views of the surroundings. The resort also boasts of a 4,500 sq.ft. banqueting space, and a 20,000 sq.ft lawn, ideal for small conferences, intimate gatherings and celebrating social events and …

New Indonesia Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) service to commence in the first half of December 2024. Dedicated email and live support to be available in seven languages – English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, German, and French. Multilingual website to be available in seven languages – English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, German, and French. Group booking facility to be available for the benefit of travel trade and conventions. The Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Indonesia has appointed VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, as the exclusive private service provider for Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) to make the process seamless, promote inbound tourism, increase investments into Indonesia, and enhance overall traveller experience. VFS Global’s new e-VoA platform, set to commence in the first half of December 2024, will be available for nationals of the 97 countries eligible for e-VoA, including India. Travellers will soon be able to enjoy a quicker and smoother visa application journey through VFS Global by completing the entire process online before departure and receiving a pre-approved e-VoA. The e-VoA can be easily obtained by visiting VFS Global website, submitting all the required documents, and paying the necessary fees online prior to travel. Once the application is submitted, travellers can receive their visas on their email before departure. With the payment having been made online, travellers can enjoy a smoother and faster entry experience through E-gates or immigration counters. Silmy Karim, Director General, Immigration of Indonesia, said, “The Directorate General of Immigration offers the latest digital solutions that enhance the experience for foreign nationals who wish to visit Indonesia. In our …

Aimed at supporting various states in their tourism development efforts, the Ministry of Tourism ties up with the World Bank to establish a long-term financing for tourism development. Minister of MOT, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat termed the move crucial for enhancing tourism across the country.

Gauri Chavan, Director, Grape County Eco Resort & Spa, while receiving the ‘Best Wedding & MICE Resort-Maharashtra’ award at the India Travel Awards 2024, said, “It is a testament to our commitment to showcasing Nashik as not only the wine capital but also the wedding capital of India.”

“India is on the path to become the third-largest economy by 2027,” said Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL at the 54th FHRAI Convention, adding that the contribution of tourism can be significant in this. He predicted the sector could double its $250 bn contribution to the GDP in the coming years.

Government is exploring visa-on-arrival for countries that send the biggest numbers of tourists to India, said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism. “We are also working with the MEA to explore ways to engage with top markets to promote India as a global destination,” he added.