Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Following tourism associations’ initiatives to revive travel in Kashmir, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat met J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for a forward-looking discussion on tourism development. Key focus areas included infrastructure upgrade, heritage promotion and sustainable livelihoods. The meeting reflects Centre-state alignment and renewed commitment to reposition Jammu & Kashmir as a leading tourism destination. 

In a renewed appeal this month, the Ministry of Tourism urged associations and tour operators to include dolphin-centric destinations in their tour packages and itineraries. Highlighting the potential of dolphin-based eco-tourism as a sustainable and engaging travel experience, The Ministry has also shared a list of potential dolphin tourism sites compiled by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The letter requests tourism stakeholders to not only promote these sites but also share details of any initiatives already undertaken in this regard. This move aligns with the government’s broader push to develop responsible wildlife tourism and enhance eco-tourism offerings in India. Tour operators are encouraged to refer to the “Handbook of Whale and Dolphin Watching” while designing experiences to ensure responsible and sustainable practices.   

Commemorating World Music Day, the Government of Meghalaya announced the highly anticipated Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025, headlined by global music icons Jason Derulo and The Script, while also unveiling a visionary push for a sustainable Concert Economy that is transforming Meghalaya’s cultural landscape and economic trajectory. Returning on November 14 and 15, 2025, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is set to turn Shillong into an immersive citywide celebration, stretching from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Ward’s Lake, with concerts, pop-ups, and interactive experiences. Day one will see international pop-R&B sensation Jason Derulo and Ireland’s chart-topping rock band The Script co-headlining. With over 220 million records sold between them, both acts are set to deliver high-octane performances in Shillong, making it one of the biggest music nights in India. Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya said, “Every concert is a celebration of who we are. We are not just hosting performances; we are building an economy of talent and identity that speaks to the world. We have seen how the concert economy is an aspect that has been worked on in Meghalaya, and how it was implemented here long before it was done in any other part of the country. We have now simply given it better structure and expanded it into much bigger programmes. We hope that, in the coming years, it will become even bigger.” “The two artists announced are just 50% of the lineup, we’re working hard to lock in the rest, and hope to confirm more big names within the next month. For now, it will remain a surprise that will make this edition even more exciting,” he added. The festival is just …

This summer, the pulse of global football will beat from the heart of America’s capital. From June 18 to June 26, 2025, Washington, DC hosts several matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, welcoming some of the world’s most storied clubs to a city where history is more than just monuments—it’s a way of life. When titans like The Boss, Red Castle, Blue Waves, and Zebras and Bulls clash in pursuit of the ultimate title, it won’t just be about the game—it’ll be about everything around it: the electric streets, the passionate fans, and the unforgettable atmosphere that only DC can deliver. Washington, DC offers football fans more than a seat at the match—it offers a storybook setting that turns every moment into a memory. After the final whistle, visitors can stroll through the architectural grandeur of the National Mall, unwind at the chic new waterfront eateries along The Wharf, or take in panoramic views from the Washington Monument. For agents, this is the perfect time to showcase Washington as the ultimate dual-destination: where passion for football meets a playground of cultural treasures, world-class dining, and iconic attractions. Travel agents can now unlock exclusive hotel packages and curated local attractions through TBO.com, giving fans seamless access to everything Washington, DC has to offer—on and off the field. Whether they’re die-hard supporters or first-time visitors, fans will find a tailored DC experience waiting for them. What agents can pitch: Centrally located hotels with easy access to match venues and major landmarks Local experiences to elevate downtime—from monument night tours to Potomac River cruises It’s a chance to turn a football trip into something legendary. With limited availability during FIFA season, there’s …

Domestic air passenger traffic is expected to grow by 7-10% in FY2026 on a YoY basis, reaching 175-181 million passengers, following a 7.6% increase on a YoY basis in FY2025 to 165.4 million passengers, according to ICRA.

Hilton has opened its Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport, marking the debut of the brand in India’s financial capital. The hotel is strategically positioned within minutes of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Developed in partnership with Fariyas Hotels & Resorts, the 140-room hotel is set to welcome business and leisure travellers with thoughtful amenities, intuitive service, and exceptional hospitality.

Chalet Hotels may look at bringing its own brand of hotels after having firmly established itself among the top-four players in India’s hospitality space with a market cap of more than ₹19,000 crore. Sanjay Sethi, MD and CEO, Chalet Hotels, says the company’s performance, its strategy to diversify into leisure hotels and expansion to more geographies provide a springboard to launch its own brand.

Outlining the government’s action roadmap to ensure safe tourism with a multi-pronged action plan, Paul Lyngdoh, Tourism Minister, Meghalaya, said that all accommodation units across the state – lodges, resorts, homestays or paying guest facilities- must now mandatorily register every traveller through the government’s tourism app. He added that the state will induct 50 new prime tourism vehicles by July.

Chairing the 82nd meeting of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), Bandaru Dattatreya, Governor, Haryana, said, “Kurukshetra must be turned into a must-see site and suggested celebrating 48 utsavas, or festivals, to that end, annually. The objective is to transform Kurukshetra into a top destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. Also, the board members decided to introduce electric buses in the city, connecting important pilgrimage sites along the 48 Kos Parikrama circuit.”

Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department, Jammu & Kashmir, has said that they are planning to hold roadshows in the remaining part of the year to increase their interaction with the associations.” A calendar of roadshows has been submitted to Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister & Tourism Minister, J&K. Once he approves, it will start.”