Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

“India doesn’t need to build artificial attractions—we already have 43 UNESCO sites and unmatched natural beauty,” said Mugdha Sinha, former DG, Ministry of Tourism, GoI. She urged tourism players to repackage existing heritage with modern amenities and narratives. “Take them back to the Taj Mahal—but with better logistics, better storytelling,” she added.

Aditya Ghosh, Co-founder, Akasa Air, highlighted the environmental impact of India’s fast-growing aviation sector, stating, “Aviation is a part of transportation, and transportation is a part of the overall emissions we see in the country. We are the 3rd largest aviation market and also the 3rd largest emitter.” He added, “Today, aviation contributes to 1 per cent of emissions in India, which is less than the global average but with the rapid development of the sector, it does not take rocket science—no pun intended—to realise emissions will also grow at a faster pace.”

Uttar Pradesh government has approved 13 projects worth ₹118 crore for tourism development in Agra, including the construction of a memorial for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Additionally, Varanasi will also see development with 14 projects worth ₹74.31 crore. Projects include enhancements to Kailash Temple, Dariyanath Temple, Balkeshwar Temple and various other temples.

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman, invites travel partners to an exclusive webinar on 23 April 2025 at 3pm. Learn how to sell this captivating destination more effectively and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! Gain insights from Oman Air, Kempinski Hotels Muscat and Magic Travels. Enhance your destination knowledge, gather insider tips and elevate your client offerings. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 96501 96532.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has been appointed as the new Director General, Tourism and has replaced Mugdha Sinha. According to recent appointments released by Department of Personnel and Training, Sinha has now taken over as Managing Director, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

The Government plans to take up 50 airport development projects, including new airports, in the next 5 years to boost the country’s aviation ecosystem. Currently, there are 159 operational airports in the country and the number has doubled compared from 74 in 2014.  “Civil aviation industry plays pivotal role in unlocking India’s economic potential,” said Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), GoI.

“India’s regional airports can unlock new destinations and democratise travel. If we connect them with well-crafted, thematic tourism circuits, we can drive demand beyond the usual hotspots,” said Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. He urged closer alignment between the UDAN scheme and tourism promotion strategies. “Every small airport should become a launchpad for a unique Indian experience,” he added.

C.B. Ramkumar, Vice Chairman, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), stressed on the need for an updated national framework for sustainable tourism in India. He said, “Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI), launched over a decade ago, is now outdated and no longer reflects the current global standards. The STCI document exists, but it is redundant. It is not applicable in the world we live in today.”

Asserting that the idea of sustainability is embedded in Indian ethos, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, said, “There is a need to create success stories on sustainability in the tourism sector and replicate them across the country.” He also said all stakeholders of the sector must work with a collective vision to achieve sustainability in the truest sense.

Tim Hortons® India is turning up the chill this season with its all-new lineup of Summer Coolers — a vibrant trio of refreshing beverages crafted to transform the way you sip through summer. Now available at all Tim Hortons® cafés across India, these coolers are bursting with bold flavours, fizzy fun, and ultimate refreshment. The new Summer Coolers collection showcases three bold and refreshing flavours — Mango & Ginger, Strawberry & Grapefruit, and Passion Fruit & Yuzu — each capturing the vibrant spirit of the season. From the tropical sweetness of mango with a zesty ginger twist to the vibrant blend of strawberry and grapefruit, and the exotic tang of passion fruit paired with yuzu, every sip is a burst of summer in a cup. Specially crafted to beat the sweltering Indian heat, these limited-edition coolers are the perfect pick-me-up for those craving a flavorful escape. On this launch, Tarun Jain, CEO of Tim Hortons India said, “We’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new Summer Coolers at Tim Hortons India! Blending global cold beverage expertise with India’s favorite fruity and fizzy flavours, these refreshing sips are crafted to awaken your senses and delight your taste buds. This launch reflects our passion for seasonal innovation and our promise to keep the menu fresh, exciting, and full of surprises. Beat the heat in style — drop by your nearest Tim Hortons India to sip on our all-new Summer Coolers, or order your refreshment fix via Zomato and Swiggy!” The brand is set to roll out even more innovations across drinks and food in the coming months, promising new flavors, seasonal specials, and exciting new bites for customers to fall in love with. Guests …