Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Government is exploring visa-on-arrival for countries that send the biggest numbers of tourists to India, said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism. “We are also working with the MEA to explore ways to engage with top markets to promote India as a global destination,” he added.

In a significant development for India’s cultural heritage, the dossier prepared by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board for the nomination of Orchha’s historic group of monuments to the UNESCO World Heritage List has been accepted by the central government. The recommendation for Orchha’s inclusion in the prestigious list has been made for the year 2027-28. Shri Vishal V. Sharma, Indian Ambassador to UNESCO formally submitted the dossier to Shri Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Orchha will become the only state-protected World Heritage Site in India, after official declaration by UNESCO. Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav relentless efforts are taken towards preserving our historical heritage and providing world-class facilities for tourists. Expressing happiness on UNESCO’s acceptance of the dossier, PS Shri Shukla said that this is a proud achievement for the state’s cultural and historical heritage. Orchha is renowned for its unique architectural style and rich historical significance. The historical city is set to gain global recognition with its inclusion in the World Heritage List. Orchha will undoubtedly become a major attraction for international tourists. It is noteworthy that every year the Central Government recommends to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to nominate one heritage of the country in the UNESCO World Heritage List. M.P. At present, the temple complex of Khajuraho, the stupas of Sanchi and the rock shelters of Bhimbetka are nominated in the World Heritage List. 14 sites of the state are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Khajuraho temple group, Bhimbetka caves and Sanchi Stupa are …

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest property in Rishikesh, located in the serene and spiritual heart of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the prime location of Upper Tapovan on the Badrinath Highway, the new Stone Wood Rishikesh offers an unparalleled blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. This new hotel offers easy access to the region’s most iconic attractions, including the famous Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, and several rafting points along the Ganges. Conveniently situated just 8.7 kilometers from Rishikesh Railway Station and 23 kilometers from Jolly Grant Airport, Stone Wood Rishikesh is ideally placed for visitors to explore Rishikesh and the nearby town of Haridwar. The property features 37 spacious and well-appointed rooms, each designed to provide comfort and relaxation with private balconies, high-speed Wi-Fi, LED TVs, tea/coffee makers, and more. Guests will also enjoy a variety of premium amenities, including a multi cuisine restaurant offering Indian, Chinese, and Western dishes, a coffee shop, and an inviting swimming pool. Stone Wood Rishikesh also boasts a luxurious spa, indoor games for children, banquet spaces, and conference facilities, catering to a wide range of guest needs—from family vacations to business conferences. Shikhar Kumar, MD, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts said, “As we expand into Rishikesh, we are excited to offer guests a unique stay that combines the comforts of home with the luxuries of a resort in one of India’s most spiritually significant and naturally beautiful locations.” “Our goal is to elevate the travel experience in Rishikesh, catering to the diverse needs of families, solo travellers, and adventure enthusiasts,” …

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, under Dusit International—one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies—announces its return to India with the anticipated soft opening of dusitD2 Fagu. This luxurious retreat, set amidst the serene mountains of Fagu, near Shimla, is scheduled to open its doors in December 2024, offering an exceptional blend of Thai hospitality and local charm. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan landscape, dusitD2 Fagu promises a tranquil escape for leisure, wellness, and adventure seekers alike. The property features 80 elegantly appointed guest rooms, ranging from 38 sqm to 86 sqm, each designed to harmonize contemporary comforts with local cultural touches, and to showcase stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Located just 80 minutes from Shimla Airport and four-and-a-half hours from Chandigarh Airport, which offers daily flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, dusitD2 Fagu is also easily accessible from Kalka Railway Station, 18 kilometers away, which provides access to the scenic Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.  For road travelers, Fagu is well-connected, just 7 km from Kufri, 20 km from Shimla, and 133 km from Chandigarh. Guests at dusitD2 Fagu will be able to explore nearby attractions such as Kufri, Mashobra, Narkanda, Mahasu Peak, and the UNESCO-listed Shimla-Kalka Toy Train. These destinations offer a variety of experiences, including adventure sports, cultural landmarks, nature walks, and amusement parks. The hotel will feature the renowned Namm’s Thai authentic Spa, which offers treatments aimed at enhancing physical and mental well-being. Additionally, guests can relax in the city’s largest temperature-controlled swimming pool, with breathtaking views of the valley. For meetings, weddings, and special events, dusitD2 Fagu will offer versatile function spaces, including the largest banquet and terrace lawn in the …

Pradeep Shetty, President, FHRAI, projected that the hospitality industry will contribute US $250 bn to India’s GDP by 2030, supporting 137 million jobs. He stressed on the role of long-term financing and regulatory reforms to achieve this vision, aiming for a US $3 tn contribution by 2047.

While receiving the ‘Best Travel Brand – South India’ award on the behalf of GT Holidays, Yamini Karthik, Co-Founder, Director, Operations, GT Holidays, said, “India Travel Awards is one of the most prestigious travel awards and today we are honoured to receive this accolade.”

To highlight Goa as an international tourist destination, the state is planning to conduct roadshows in Poland, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. The state’s tourism department is expected to spend ₹2 crore on the roadshows to enhance the foreign tourist influx attracting visitors of all segments and ages.

Maharashtra government released ₹72.45 crore for the development of eco-tourism in the state recently. Out of ₹273 crore allotted by the state for the period 2024-25 to develop tourism sites, ₹101.31 was released between May to September. Overall, 30 eco-tourism sites will benefit under this.

Accepting the ‘Best International Group Tour Operator’ on behalf of Kesari Tours, Zelam Chaubal, Executive Director at Kesari MICE, said, “This recognition is inspiring. India Travel Awards have become an integral part of our industry. Receiving this motivates us to strive for even better performances.”

To empower the travel fraternity through knowledge sharing, engagement, and exchange via business networking, a two-day GPS event was held in Kochi. The GPS iConnect app was also launched for ease of doing business. Over 500 buyers and 40 exhibitors participated in the event.