Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Presenting the Budget-2025, Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, GoI announced that three-year pipeline of projects by states to be given that can be implemented in private-public partnership (PPP) mode. Each infrastructure-related ministry is to come up with a three-year plan to be implemented in PPP mode. The outlay of ₹1.5 lakh crore is proposed for 50-year interest-free loans. The government will create a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund aimed at transforming cities into growth hubs. The fund will finance 25% of the cost of bankable projects, with an allocation of ₹10,000 crore for 2025-26. The remaining 50% will be funded through bonds, bank loans, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), she added.

Unveiling her eighth consecutive Union Budget for the term 2025-2026 in Lok Sabha, Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, Government of India on Saturday (February 1) announced that five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will be established with global expertise for Make for India Make for the world to equip the youth with the necessary skills for global opportunities. She promised global skilling partnerships to enable India to become a key player in global manufacturing.

Highlighting IIFA’s Silver Jubilee celebration as a major milestone, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, said the event which is scheduled to take place on 8-9 March in Jaipur will not only celebrate Indian cinema but also boost the state’s cultural and tourism profile worldwide. The recent surge in film projects and the upcoming IIFA event underscore Rajasthan’s growing reputation as a hub for Indian and international cinema.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2025-26, Nishant Pitti, Chairman, EaseMyTrip, said, “With the prevalence of technology increasing by the day, we expect the government to come up with initiatives to redefine travel experiences with modern technologies like AI, IoT, and VR adaptability. The sectors that need more attention are infrastructure development, policies that encourage niche tourism segments, and fund allocation for smart tourism.”

As part of the 13th edition of the annual Traveller Review Awards 2025, Booking.com unveiled the 10 Most Welcoming Places in India and on Earth. Himachal Pradesh was named the Most Welcoming Region in India followed by Kerala and Goa. Bir emerged as the Most Welcoming City in India followed by Mararikulam and Leh.

India’s travel and tourism sector is set for significant expansion. Its valuation is expected to more than double to $523 billion over the next decade. According to Julia Simpson, President, WTTC, the sector, which currently contributes around 7% to India’s GDP and employs approximately 45 million people, is projected to support 63 million jobs by 2034.

Every hotel room added to the ecosystem creates two direct jobs and approximately eight indirect ones, significantly contributing to tourism infrastructure, said KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India, Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. “Yet, despite its transformative impact, the sector remains under-recognized in policy priorities. HAI calls for the Budget 2025-2026 to announce imperative policy interventions that empower the hospitality industry,” he says.

Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Delhi Office announces a remarkable milestone: 233,000 Indians visited Japan from January to December 2024, representing a significant 40% increase in tourism from India compared to 166,394 visitors in 2023. Last year also saw the introduction of MICE movement to new regions, with some incentive tours extending their itineraries to Kansai and Hiroshima, whereas Tokyo had previously been the sole MICE destination.

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is ramping up efforts to deepen collaboration with India’s Outbound Tourism with special focus on the MICE sector. Moscow is reinforcing its status as a premier destination for both leisure and business tourism, with India emerging as a key strategic partner. Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, says, “While most tourists visit Moscow for cultural, educational, and entertainment purposes, the city has also been focusing on expanding business tourism, which is now a significant contributor to the local economy.”

Skyscanner has observed a significant increase in travel interest for the Maha Kumbh, with elevated booking volumes from January 12 continuing through February 26 aligning with key dates of the holy dip rituals. It also sees huge interest from international travellers, and the top five international cities that have searched for travel to Prayagraj around these dates are Dubai, London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Doha. This data underscores how travellers across India and the world are gearing up to immerse themselves in the spiritual grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, making it a pivotal travel moment for 2025.