Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

As per the latest statistics from ForwardKeys, India’s urban air travel market is experiencing a strong recovery, reflecting the evolving dynamics and opportunities across various regions. As the market continues to rebound, total seat capacity in 2024 is expected to reach 45.7 million, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023 and a 15% growth from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Launching the new Guidelines of Film Grant Booklet, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, said, “We are launching the new guidelines for the film production – an area which I am very, very keen to promote again. There are so many programmes that the state government is running today to support the youth, and we want you to take advantage of that. The Film Grant Booklet is our commitment to support filmmakers in their endeavours providing a necessary framework for financial assistance and ensuring that creative minds have the resources to bring their visions to life.”

GRNconnect, in collaboration with DTORR, successfully conducted several student training sessions in November and December 2025, aimed at empowering students pursuing careers in travel and hospitality. These sessions, trained over 100 students and were held across esteemed educational institutions, are a testament to GRNconnect’s commitment to fostering the next generation of travel specialists, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Training Details: ITM University, Raipur Dates: 21st & 22nd November 2025 Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak Dates: 26th & 27th November 2025 Department of Travel & Tourism, Government Polytechnic Nagpur, Maharashtra Dates: 21st & 23rd December 2025 These training programmes focused on providing practical knowledge and industry insights, ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive travel and hospitality industry. Deepak Narula, Managing Director, GRNconnect said, “At GRNconnect, we firmly believe in the power of education and hands-on training to shape the future of the travel industry. By collaborating with DTORR, we aim to inspire and equip students with the tools they need to succeed as professionals and entrepreneurs. This initiative is our way of giving back to the travel fraternity and nurturing talent for a brighter tomorrow.” Vikas Tembhare, Director, DTORR said, “DTORR specialises in making students job-ready by providing practical and impactful training. Partnering with GRNconnect has been a remarkable experience, and together, we are bridging the gap between academia and the dynamic demands of the travel industry. These training programmes are a significant step towards preparing students for successful careers.” This collaboration underscores the shared vision of GRNconnect and DTORR to invest in the future of the travel and hospitality sectors by fostering a culture of learning and innovation among aspiring professionals. Together, they …

FHRAI suggested Ministry of Tourism to establish a central portal by NCHMCT to address the ongoing human resource shortages and skill gaps faced by the hospitality industry. It also suggested updating curriculums every 3-5 years as per industry trends, and balancing the allocation of seats for both managerial and frontline roles.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi urged the Centre to announce a special package for the eastern state, stating that about ₹10,000 crore of investment was needed to create a world-class tourism infrastructure in Odisha. He made the demand at the pre-budget consultation meeting with Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

The Ministry of Tourism expects 30.5 million international visitors to come to India by 2028. According to Pradeep Shetty, Vice President, FHRAI,  hotel occupancy rates are anticipated to rise to 75 per cent or higher, driven by increased leisure and business travel and a surge in foreign arrivals. The MICE segment is set to contribute significantly, with India hosting multiple high-profile global events.

Omar Abdullah, CM, Jammu and Kashmir urges to explore untapped potential of diverse tourist destinations in Jammu beyond Vaishno Devi. He said, “One crore plus yatris every year visit Jammu for darshan. If I could divert even 15 per cent of those yatris to other tourist destinations, it will do wonders for tourism in the region.”

Sarovar Hotels & Ishaan Group announced the opening of Ishaan Sarovar Portico, Deoghar, an inviting retreat that caters to pilgrims, leisure travellers, and business guests alike. Strategically located in the sacred city of Deoghar, the hotel seamlessly blends modern hospitality with the serene and spiritual ambiance of the region, offering an enriching experience to every guest. This exciting addition to the Sarovar portfolio sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region, offering modern amenities, exceptional service, and an unforgettable stay for both business and leisure travellers. With 52 elegantly designed rooms and suites across Deluxe & Premium Rooms and Executive Suites, Ishaan Sarovar Portico sets a new standard of comfort and sophistication in Deoghar. Each room features contemporary aesthetics, plush furnishings, and modern amenities, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel has diverse dining and leisure options, including Punita, a multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant serving expertly crafted Indian, international, and local delicacies, and Fursat, a chic lounge bar offering handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits in a vibrant setting. Guests can also unwind at Sukoon, the in-house spa offering signature treatments and therapeutic massages, and Kasrat a fully equipped fitness centre. For weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events, the hotel provides three versatile banqueting and conferencing facilities that can accommodate up to 450 guests, making it a preferred choice for hosting memorable occasions in Deoghar. Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating: “We are delighted to open Ishaan Sarovar Portico in Deoghar, a city that holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. This hotel reflects our vision of creating unique experiences that blend modern hospitality …

The Kargil Campus of the University of Ladakh hosted a remarkable programme to commemorate International Mountain Day on 11 December 2024. The event, themed around sustainability and the preservation of Ladakh’s unique mountain ecosystems, featured renowned filmmaker and environmental advocate, Stanzin Dorjai (Gya), Founder and Director of the Himalayan Film House, as the special guest and keynote speaker. Organised collaboratively by Department of Environmental Science, Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh and Department of Travel and Tourism Management, Government Degree College, Kargil, Ladakh, the event commenced with a warm welcome and traditional Ladakhi khatak presentation, followed by the national anthem setting an auspicious tone. Dr Mohd Salim, Coordinator, Biodiversity Research Centre, opened the event with a compelling welcome address. He underscored the urgent need for collective action to safeguard Ladakh’s mountains and glaciers, given their unparalleled beauty and vulnerability to climate change. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal, GDC, Kargil, UT Ladakh was not present at the event due to prior engagements. She displayed her appreciation and gratitude for the invitation virtually. A major highlight of the programme was the screening of the award-winning documentary “Jungwa: The Broken Balance”, directed by Dorjai. This powerful film, previously showcased at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris, captivated the audience with its exploration of the delicate balance between human life and nature in Ladakh. Following the screening, Dorjai provided an insightful commentary on the documentary, eloquently connecting its themes to Ladakh’s traditional culture and the profound interdependence of its people and the environment. During an interactive session, Dorjai reflected on the serenity of the Himalayas and shared the philosophical undertones of his work, including the concept of karma. His address left a …

Malayasia has extended visa exemption for Indians until 31 December 2026. Awang Alik Jeman, Secretary General, Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), Malaysia said, “As part of this plan, 30- day visa exemption is granted to Indians and it is in line with our preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”