Manoj Samuel, CEO & Director, Riya Travel, noted that inbound tourism remains slow and infrastructure gaps persist. He highlighted Mumbai’s potential with its new airport and emphasised the need for improvement. “We are actively boosting trade engagement through roadshows and joint promotions, targeting not just tier I cities but tier II and III markets as well”, he said.

In a written response, Kirti Vardhan Singh, MoS, External Affairs, informed the upper house that India has granted over 96 lakh e-visas to foreigners from 2020 till July 20 this year, the government informed Parliament. The number of countries eligible for the e-visa facility has increased from 171 in 2020 to 181 in 2025, she added.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, informed Rajya Sabha that the MOT extends financial assistance to approved tourism service providers (TSPs) under the MDA Scheme for overseas tourism promotion. However, no aid was granted to the states or UTs in the past three years. The scheme is currently under review to align with the industry’s evolving needs.

At the 12th Travel MICE and Corporate Show, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, emphasised that sustainability in hospitality boosts satisfaction, attracts ESG-focused investors, and drives higher bookings. Eco-certifications, now favoured by OTAs, enhance revenue and brand loyalty, making sustainability not a cost, but a smart, long-term investment for hotels.

Speaking at the ASEAN-India Forum in Bangkok, Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, Dy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, TAT, said, “Within the ASEAN-India cooperation framework, tourism has long been a pillar of mutual growth. Thailand sees tremendous potential in strengthening two-way travel between India and ASEAN—delivering shared benefits across the region.”

IHCL join hands with Ambuja Neotia group to open 15 new hotels, expanding its presence in emerging destinations across East and North East India. This significant expansion, based on a capital-light model, will push the number of collaborative projects between IHCL and Ambuja Neotia to more than 40 hotels.

In a move aimed at enhancing the quality and outreach of hospitality training in India, THSC signed an MoU with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School in Delhi. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering India’s youth through structured, industry-aligned skilling programs, with a focus on inclusivity, employability, and excellence in hospitality education.

In a move that could transform Arunachal Pradesh into a sought-after eco-cultural destination, the state government has proposed branding it as the Orchid Capital of India. Home to more than 600 species of orchids, the state boasts the highest diversity of these flowers in India. If rebranded as the Orchid Capital of the country, the state could attract tourists, nature lovers, and botanists to its pristine landscapes, giving a major boost to its tourism industry.

The latest GBTA Business Travel Index forecasts global business travel spending to reach $1.57 trillion in 2025, with a 6.6% year-over-year growth. A stronger 8.1% rebound is expected in 2026. Notably, India ranks among the fastest-growing markets in the top 15, highlighting its expanding role in global corporate travel.

GRT Hotels & Resorts is set to launch the GRT Agents Circle, a relationship-driven program for travel agents. Going beyond rewards, it offers exclusive rates, priority support, complimentary upgrades, and surprise perks for clients. “Our agents are an extension of our brand family,” said Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts.