Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

– Bhojpur will host the closing ceremony on January 11th. – The group of 28 bikers includes two women. The third edition of ‘Riders in the Wild – 2025’ was flagged off on 5th January from the MPT ‘Wind and Waves’. The biking event aims to showcase the state’s adventure tourism potential including its rich wildlife, stunning natural sites, and vibrant art and cultural heritage. The event organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in collaboration with the Mostech was flagged off by Joint Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Santosh Shrivastava, Executive Director, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Corporation Shri Arun Paliwal and senior officials of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. The 7- day Itinerary of Bikers across Heartland of India Joint Director Shri Santosh Shrivastava told the ‘Riders in the Wild 3.0’ biking expedition will embark on a 7-day journey across the heartland of India, covering a diverse range of landscapes and cultural experiences. The itinerary promises a thrilling adventure for the bikers, showcasing the diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. The bikers will traverse through Bhopal to Gandhisagar Forest Retreat via Rajgarh and Jhalawar, with an overnight stay in a year-round luxurious tent city. Thereafter, riders will reach Chanderi via Guna and Ashoknagar, exploring the rich heritage of Chanderi and experiencing the unique charm of Pranpur, the first Craft Tourism Village and stay overnight at Chanderi eco-retreat tent city. After this, riders will move to UNESCO World Heritage site Khajuraho via Tikamgarh, immersing themselves in the heritage walk and the vibrant culture of Bundelkhand.  And finally from Khajuraho, via Panna, the bikers will reach MPT Parsili resort via Satna, Rewa, and Sidhi, enjoying activities …

Stonewood Premier is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Subhro Mukhopadhyay as the General Manager of Aralea Beach Resort by Stonewood Premier, Morjim, North Goa. With over 22 years of diverse experience across the tourism, hospitality and aviation industries, Mr. Mukhopadhyay brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. Mr. Mukhopadhyay’ s illustrious career spans leading roles with some of the most recognized names in the industry including Hyatt, Sahara Airlines, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Airlines, Zuri Hotels, Royal Orchid Hotels and Fern Hotels. Prior to joining Aralea Beach Resort, he served at Sarovar Hotels. Mr. Mukhopadhyay’s appointment is expected to further strengthen Aralea Beach Resort’s position as a leading hospitality destination in Goa known for its stunning beachside views, luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities. His proven track record is expected to elevate the resort’s guest experiences and industry standing. Commenting on his new role, Mr. Mukhopadhyay said, “I am delighted to join Aralea Beach Resort by Stonewood Premier. Goa is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations and I look forward to working with our team here to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.” With his deep-rooted passion for hospitality and focus on delivering excellence, Mr. Mukhopadhyay’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for Aralea Beach Resort by Stonewood Premier.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in driving the growth of tourism. “The tourism sector, wherever in the world, has grown. The private sector’s initiatives and contributions play a vital role. So, in India as well, looking at the growth and potential of the tourism sector, the investment by the private sector is much solicited” he said. 

Arjun Sharma, Chairman, Select Group, said, “The industry must recognise that the high prices of hotels in India are considered normal on a global standard. Certain markets seek lower pricing; however, high prices are not a major concern as long as they are backed by exceptional service. The Indian hospitality sector consistently ranks among the top globally in terms of service quality. Thus, it is evident that the sector still has considerable scope for further growth in average daily rates (ADR).” 

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, emphasised the need for fundamental reforms to boost India’s tourism sector. “We need to widen the infrastructure status, which will provide lower interest rates and longer repayment tenures for hotel properties. This needs to be addressed through coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the RBI. Currently, this is limited to destinations with populations under 1 million. We need to expand this, as without altering the capital structure, investments from private equity and funds will not flow in.” 

According to HVS Anarock, November 2024 saw most major markets record an increase in Average Room Rates (ARR) compared to the previous year, except Ahmedabad and Kolkata. Mumbai led the market with the highest ARR of INR 13,500-15,000, while Hyderabad posted the most notable growth, with a 28-30% year-on-year increase. 

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”.