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The India State Ranking Survey published by WTTCII with Hotelivate reveals state expenditure witnessed a 25% growth in 2022-23 compared to 2018-19, capital expenditure on tourism surged by almost 120%, and revenue expenditure increased by 14% during the same period.

Christopher Hartley, CEO, Global Hotel Alliance, said, “In India, we have seen considerable growth, with 5 lakh members of the GHA Discovery Program through The Leela Discovery. We aim to reach the one-million-member milestone in coming years by strengthening our relationship with Leela.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that as a step ahead the government is now providing air transportation facilities in Madhya Pradesh. Expanding air service to religious and other destinations of the state is in progress. He added that after Ujjain and Omkareshwar the air service will also start for Datia, Mehar, Orchha.

An American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report said a remarkable 62% of Indian travellers plan to increase their travel expenditure. With food and accommodation as paramount considerations, beach vacations, adventure trips, and metropolitan explorations are high on the agenda for them. Notably, 67% aspire for beach vacations, 58% seek outdoor adventures, and 55% aim to explore new cities.

More than a year ago, Sharzede Datu HJ. Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board, welcomed about 500 TAFI members to her state for the association’s annual convention. Since then, she has seen a rise in visitors from India. She said, “We have seen great results from hosting the TAFI convention in 2022 in Sarawak; the numbers from India have increased. In fact, December 2023 received one of the highest numbers of Indian visitors to Sarawak.”

Maharashtra is set to become the first Indian state to buy land in union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to construct a tourist facility for the state’s people. Maharashtra Bhawan will be constructed in central Kashmir’s Budgam–first-ever state Bhavan in the valley on 2.5 acres of land at Ichgam, near Srinagar airport. The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the transfer of land to the Maharashtra government for ₹8.16 crore.

Leading with their new ‘Only one Washington, DC’ campaign, Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, conducted a sales mission in India from February 25 to 29. The delegation, including the CEO and President of Destination DC, Elliott L. Ferguson, II visited Mumbai and Delhi, the leading markets for inbound tourism in Washington, DC from India. Destination DC engaged with the Indian travel trade and media by organizing one-on-one meetings and VIP events to promote what’s new and upcoming, as well as what is historic and iconic in the famed capital city of the USA. India ranks at number four among the overseas markets for Washington, DC. Elliott L. Ferguson, II was thrilled to be back in the market and said, “We have received a remarkable response from the travel trade and media which clearly proves that India is a key market for us. Our dedicated visits to various markets help us showcase our latest products and the variety that DC has to offer visitors. Currently, some travelers still tend to equate Washington, DC solely with politics, which is why we implemented our #Only1DC campaign, to share our diverse and cultured experiences beyond the U.S. government.” Ferguson II also conveyed that DC was leading the way in sustainable tourism initiatives and will continue to do so. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington, DC is the 1st LEED Platinum City in the World. In 2023 and 2022, Washington, DC was ranked #1 for its parks system in the country by the Trust for Public Land. Delhi DDC recently launched their new ‘Only one Washington, DC’ campaign which showcases Washington, DC as the only city …

Sunny Sodhi, FCM Managing Director, India, said, “India is the 9th largest travel market in the world for business travel spending. It is the 4th largest market for the Asia Pacific region. In 2023, India’s business travel spending grew 24.7 per cent and we anticipate an 18.3 per cent increase in spending in 2024.”

According to UN Tourism’s Tourism Visa Openness report, traditional visa requirements continue to be the most prevalent form of entry regulation, with a considerable impact on international mobility. In 2023, these traditional visa policies affect almost half of the world’s population, 47% to be precise.

Kazin DMC and Four Seasons Hotel Baku, have announced a luxurious familiarization trip to Baku, Azerbaijan, led by Director Vikrant Grover, Kazin DMC. Commencing March 31, this exclusive initiative introduces ten elite Indian travel partners to Baku’s opulence over three nights.