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The Ministry of Tourism has formulated guidelines for ‘Challenge Based Destination Development’ as a sub scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme to enhance tourist experience and to transform tourist destinations as sustainable and responsible destinations. It has selected 42 destinations under four categories: Spiritual Tourism, Culture & Heritage, Vibrant Village Program, Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites for development under the above scheme.

Addressing hoteliers, Dr. Sagnik Chowdhury, DDG & Regional Director (Western & Central), MOT, said, “Guests from all parts of the world visit India, and the hospitality sector is essentially a melting pot of cultural exchanges. Enhancing guest experiences is our core offering; we are more than just venues to stay. I emphasize on the need for the hospitality industry to focus on sustainability and community ties and implored the industry to dovetail its trade with the tangible heritage and intangible cultural heritage which are India’s core strengths.

Collinson International, in its latest global research report, explored spending habits of sports and music event travellers. Over two-thirds of event travellers from India (69%) participate in customer engagement and loyalty programmes. Many have joined programmes that offer points/miles (39%) or discounts on flights (52%), tickets (45%), and accommodation (39%). Over a third (39%) of event travellers from India have also expressed that they would choose a payment card that offered exclusive travel benefits such as an event package (that includes flights, accommodation, transfers and tickets), travel insurance (40%) and airport lounge access (43%).

The newly opened Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, located on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, is now open and ready for guests who are looking for a unique and adventure-filled vacation experience. Additionally, Zones 6 to 10 are open for safari during the monsoon season Situated in one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, the resort promises an exceptional blend of outdoor excitement and lavish comfort. Named after the picturesque mango tree-lined ravine in the heart of the Ranthambore Sanctuary, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort stands out for its proximity to the park, known for its thriving tiger population. Visitors can expect an extraordinary stay, combining thrilling wildlife encounters with top-tier amenities and services. While winter remains the peak tourist season, Aamaghati offers a magical experience year-round. The monsoon months transform the freshly bathed forest into a lush, green paradise, providing a unique and captivating atmosphere for guests. A blend of historical heritage and innovative Mud architecture. Moored in the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort reflects the legacy of the Chauhan kings of Ranthambore. Thoughtful details throughout the resort, such as naming the bar Johra Bohra and the restaurant Badal Mahal, pay homage to the erstwhile liquor cellars, granaries, and garrison dining hall of the fort. These elements weave the history and legends of the fort into the very fabric of the resort. Mr. Abhishek Hissaria, MD of Aamaghati Resort, adds, “A unique aspect of the 5.3- acre resort is its conceptualization by the pioneers of Mud Architecture, the late Revathi and Vasant Kamath. They utilized a special technique involving mud, cow dung, and lime plaster, along with thatch roofs and bamboo details, minimizing cement usage throughout …

Mugdha Sinha, a 1999 batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed as the new Director General, Ministry of Tourism. Before this, she was the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture and has replaced Manisha Saxena, IAS (AGMUT:96), who is now the Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Sinha was the first woman officer to be posted as ADM-1 (Additional District Magistrate) in Jaipur, second-in-command to the Collector. She also served in the CM’s office for two years.

Sharing details in the recent Rajya Sabha session, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said India has executed Bilateral Air Services Agreements (ASAs) with a total of 116 foreign countries. The agreements facilitate the operation of international flights between India and these nations, aiming to boost global connectivity and support economic and tourism growth.

On IndiGo’s 18th-anniversary, Rahul Bhatia, Group MD, InterGlobe Enterprises, said, “India deserves more than just two major airlines, and IndiGo’s market share domination is not entirely of its own volition, as certain airlines have fallen by the wayside. He also said that IndiGo will never be found guilty of “gouging” its customers and welcomes competition with the right cost structure.”

Addressing hospitality industry stakeholders at the HRANI annual conference in Greater Noida, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, GoI, said that he understands the pain points of the tourism and hospitality industry and will take up the long-standing demands like infrastructure status and GST with PM and FM to find a lasting solution.

A visa-on-arrival facility is available to citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE if they are visiting India for tourism, business, conference, and medical purposes. This visa is valid for 60 days with the flexibility of double entry, said MOT. However, it is available only at 6 designated airports: Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.