Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

The Department of Tourism has launched its Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme at the hands of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Rohan A Khaunte; Hon’ble MLA Bicholim and Chairman of Infotech Corporation of Goa Ltd., Shri Chandrakant Shetye; Hon’ble MLA Mayem, Shri Premendra Shet; Secretary Tourism, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS; Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; and Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar at the PAC Hall, Secretariat, Porvorim. The launch aimed at promoting community-driven tourism, rural livelihoods, and experiential travel in Goa. The initiative is part of the state’s larger vision to diversify its tourism offerings beyond beaches and strengthen Goa’s positioning as a model for Regenerative Tourism in India. What was earlier conceptualized as a policy has now been reframed and strengthened as a scheme. The revised scheme offers a combination of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, simplified registration processes, and quality classifications, making it easier and more rewarding for local residents to operate homestays in rural areas of the state, paving the way for boosting Rural and Hinterland Tourism in Goa. This scheme also holds the power to foster women and youth entrepreneurship, encouraging self-reliance while preserving our unique Goan heritage. Under the scheme, eligible establishments located in the talukas of Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem will receive a one-time grant of ₹2,00,000, along with access to marketing support, training, listing on Goa Tourism platforms, and subsidized participation in domestic trade fairs. The scheme will remain valid for five years and may be extended further by the Department. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated “The Homestay Scheme has been launched with a renewed focus on promoting the …

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) has announced the signing of their latest property at Bhopal, at the heart of Madhya Pradesh as its expansion in the Northern region. The strategic expansion aligns with the brand’s strategy of expanding in the less discovered and growing regions of India to boost tourism and hospitality in these smaller undiscovered destinations. Developed in association with Regenta Hotel Bhopal Airport, the 70-key resort will be operated under a management agreement. The property reflects ROHL’s asset-light model and its focus on offering guests an amazing stay. The new 70 key business hotel, including four spacious suites, is strategically situated on Airport Road, just 1 km from Raja Bhoj International Airport. With a built-up area of 56,000 sq ft, the brownfield property is designed to serve the evolving needs of modern business travellers and MICE clientele. It features three fully equipped conference rooms, a rooftop bar and restaurant, and wellness amenities such as a spa, swimming pool, and gym – creating a perfect balance of business efficiency and leisure comfort. Commenting on the signing, Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, ” As we continue to grow our presence across India, cities like Bhopal play an important role in our journey, It’s a city on the rise, with a growing business landscape and a strong demand for quality hospitality. This new hotel is designed with today’s business traveller in mind, practical, comfortable, and well-connected. We’re proud to bring the Regenta experience to Bhopal in partnership with Sarla Builders & Developers and we eagerly await visitors looking for connectivity, comfort, and genuine hospitality” Bhopal – the capital city of Madhya Pradesh – is a vibrant administrative and …

Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed steps to connect government tourism institutes with hotel chains for mentorship, curriculum redesign and personal guidance. “We’ve signed MOUs with hotel chains. The mentor-mentee program will drive career growth and institutional strengthening,” he said, urging industry leaders to institutionalise the model for sustained youth engagement in tourism.

Anil Chadha, MD, ITC Hotels, stressed on the urgent need for hotel expansion. “India has 0.3 rooms per thousand population, compared to 2.2 globally. Meeting future demand requires speedier clearances, incentives and infrastructure status,” he said, warning that delays could lead to a missed growth opportunity.

Announcing the ₹5,600 crore SPREAD project, Omar Abdullah, CM, J&K at the FAITH Conclave said, “We will develop nine new greenfield destinations.” With World Bank support, the plan includes modern facilities, connectivity and sustainable resorts, aiming to reshape the tourist map in Jammu and Kashmir and attract investment in diversified tourism offerings.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG, Tourism, said, “The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) scheme is going to come back. It is part of the plan for the next cycle. We want to make it purposeful, so that it can make some impact.  It will come with some changes.”  

Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, announced that the 40th Annual Con- vention is set for a record turnout. “We are just 10 days away with over 500 paid registrations, the highest pre-event figure ever,” he said, adding that total attendance, including invitees and guests is expected to exceed 1,000.

FAITH Conclave 2025 will produce recommendations and will be sent directly to the Prime Minister, urging to grant tourism infrastructure status, extend industry status to states and strengthen global promotions. Leaders said the sector’s GDP and job creation potential remain underutilised despite being the highest job multiplier.

At FAITH Conclave 2025, Suman Billa, Addl. Secretary and DG, MoT, Gol, said, “We should have at least three times the current number of branded hotel rooms.” With aviation connectivity growing rapidly, he called for investment-friendly policies, longer loan repayment ten- ures and state incentives to accelerate hospitality expansion.

Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa called for a ₹20,000 crore investment to promote ‘Incredible India’ globally, positioning tourism as the key sector to offset impending 50 per cent ‘Trumpian tariffs’. He stressed on the industry’s potential to create 63 mn jobs, attract high-value travellers and drive long-term economic growth.