Ahead of the Union budget, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder, MMT, said, “The travel & tourism sector is a vital pillar of India’s economy. Allowing GST credit for hotel construction & rationalising GST rates will help reduce the cost of accommodation while stimulating domestic tourism & positively impacting inbound tourism. He requested the FM to allocate resources for the global campaign under the Incredible India initiative.

Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director, Travel Designer Group said, “RezLive.com has made waves in the travel industry by launching cruise bookings in India, a move met with an enthusiastic response from its travel partners.” The milestone underscores the company’s dedication to diversifying its offerings, catering to the growing demand for luxury and experiential travel in India.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand announced the state’s winter pilgrimage initiative has been extended to a year-round event. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to increase the state’s tourism for the entire 12 months instead of six months. This will allow devotees to visit Char Dham temples in all seasons.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, has shared that the Ministry of Tourism has confirmed participation at FITUR and urged members to participate in the same. He also announced that their 2025 convention will be held in August at Swosti Premium Beach Resorts, Puri. He was speaking at the monthly IATO luncheon.

Travel MICE and Corporate Show, held in Lucknow from 11-12 January, saw 23 exhibitors and 50 buyers in attendance. The exclusive closed-door B2B event recorded over 1,000 meetings over two days. Rajdev Bhattacharya of Wipro gave the keynote address at the event.  

To make quality travel accessible to middle- and lower-middle-class families, MB Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Karnataka launched the Mysore Sales International Limited domestic and international travel packages, making it a preferred choice for Indian families. Redefining affordable travel while upholding high service standards, it offers an 18-day tour package of North India at a cost of ₹20,000.

K Syama Raju, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29 marks a transformative step in unlocking the state’s tourism potential. By aligning infrastructure development, private investment, and workforce training with sustainability and community welfare, the policy aims to position AP as a leading player in India’s tourism industry while benefiting local communities and the hospitality sector.”

“India and Oman continue to work together in the tourism sector, facilitating easier movement and exchanges between the two nations,” said Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage & Tourism, Oman. Noting that Indians are number two in terms of tourism influx to Oman, he sought further improvement in tourism ties between the two countries.

India’s aviation traffic is expected to clock 11-12% CAGR over the medium term, driven by faster growth in the international segment, Jefferies said. In hotels, the industry revenue per available room is expected to clock 7-8% CAGR going ahead after double-digit growth seen in the past two to three years, it said while suggesting a structural demand upturn in the travel sector.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced the signing of its latest property, Anamore Select Resort & Wellness at Mopa, Goa. This high-end luxury resort, featuring 150 exquisitely designed villa rooms, is set to redefine high-end travel by combining opulence, sustainability and cultural immersion. Targeted at the upscale market, the brand Anamore is an extension of the hospitality chain’s diversified approach, strengthening its presence beyond the mid segment Indian hospitality market. “Our vision for Anamore is bold and forward-looking. We aim to redefine the future of luxury travel in India. Having successfully established 10-12 hotels in the mid-segment market annually across the country in the past, we are confident in replicating this success in the upscale market with Anamore too. There are five more Anamore properties in the pipeline in destinations including Karjat, Murud, Khalapur (Maharashtra), Srinagar (Uttarakhand) and Pushkar (Rajasthan),” shared Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts. The company has tied with real estate major firm Yugen Infra for its maiden project under the brand portfolio of Anamore. Yugen Infra is the result of a collaboration between two real estate powerhouses, Timespro Consulting and V K Developers. It is spearheading several prestigious projects, including Goa’s first-ever Golf Course township, alongside other landmark initiatives. The resort’s prime location, just a 15-minute drive from the Mopa Airport and directly accessible via the Goa-Mumbai Highway, ensures seamless connectivity. Nestled amidst Goa’s largest golf course township and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Western Ghats, Anamore Select Resort & Wellness promises an immersive experience of serenity and luxury. Apart from its luxurious villas, the amenities at Anamore Select Resort & Wellness include an all-day …