In a recent development, the IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) Executive Committee has appointed Gurinder Singh as the Chairman of the IATO Punjab Chapter with immediate effect from 6 January 2025. Singh, the Managing Director of Discover Punjab Tours & Travels will lead the association’s efforts in fostering ties with the local tourism industry and government bodies. As a seasoned tourism professional, his deep industry knowledge and strong bonds with the Punjab government are likely to play a significant role in achieving the association’s goals and targets. With this appointment, IATO is eyeing to expand its membership base in the state while creating more tourism opportunities.

With the start of the new year, the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) announced the launch of an e-visa system specifically designed for Indian travellers from 1 January. This marks a new era in Israel-India tourism relations, making the visa application process more efficient and user-friendly than ever before. It represents Israel’s ongoing efforts to enhance the tourist experience and streamline entry procedures for international visitors.

According to HVS Anarock’s latest report, the Adani Group plans to spend US$2 billion to build Mumbai’s largest international convention centre (ICC), around 1 million square feet near the international airport. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has also agreed to its design, but approval for the full blueprint is expected soon.

After a detailed process, the much-awaited de-merger of ITC Hotels finally took place on 6 January. ITC would retain a 40 per cent stake in the hotel business, while the remaining 60% would be distributed to shareholders through rights entitlements. Shareholders will receive one ITC Hotels share for every 10 ITC shares held.

To captivate international audiences, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is set to elevate the state’s global presence by showcasing Maha Kumbh 2025 at FITUR in Madrid, Spain, and ITB Berlin in Germany. With this, the tourism dept aims to position UP as a premier tourist destination, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and the significance of the Maha Kumbh mela.

Artificial Intelligence is making itineraries smarter and deeply personal. Users are using AI tools to ensure that travel is as enriching for them as it is for the environment. Santosh Kumar, Country Manager- India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia, Booking.com, notes, “Technology will push travellers and the industry to rethink how we engage with the world.”

Experiential travel is expected to dominate 2025, with sports and art being the most popular. As per Skyscanner, flight bookings surged by 188% for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, reflecting growing excitement for global tournaments. Additionally, 79% Indian travellers are seeking interactive art experiences, with London and Tokyo emerging as top spots.

K Syama Raju, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “The future of India’s hospitality sector and tourism is bright, with substantial growth expected in 2025 and beyond. Domestic tourism is projected to grow by 15–20%, driven by govt initiatives. The travel market is on track to reach $125 billion by FY27, with the hotel market set to grow from $32 billion in FY20 to $52 billion.

Highlighting the importance of tourism in boosting Goa’s economy, Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa, said, “Tourism is the heart of Goa’s economy, supporting numerous livelihoods and providing opportunities for our people. This season has been remarkable, with 4 and 5-star hotels nearly at full capacity, showcasing Goa as a top destination for high-spending travellers and charters from established and emerging markets”.

As airports embrace digital innovation, India positions itself to lead the world with its vision of a fully biometric-enabled and contactless airport experience. The Indian government and aviation authorities are keen on developing a robust framework for biometric systems that aligns with global practices. India is poised to lead the charge with the upcoming implementation of facial authentication technology for international air travel, scheduled for a pilot project in June 2025, said Siddharth Sharma, Head- IT Operations, Digi Yatra.