Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

The vibrant city of Surat witnessed a landmark moment as the Installation and Inauguration Ceremony of the newly formed Skål International Surat – South Gujarat club took place at Emerald 1, Orange Megastructure LLP (formerly TGB) at 1900 hrs. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Skål International India board members and was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment from all participants. This newest addition to the Skål India family marks a significant step in the organization’s mission to establish active clubs in every state and union territory of the country. The event was characterized by valuable discussions, forward-thinking suggestions, and a shared vision for collaborative growth in the tourism and hospitality sector. “It is heartening to see the spirit with which Surat has embraced the Skål movement. This club is set to become a beacon of positive change for the region’s tourism community. Our mission remains to be the unified voice of progress and cooperation in Indian travel and hospitality,” said Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India. The Skål International Surat – South Gujarat team also expressed their eagerness to contribute actively to the network. “We are honored to become part of this global movement. With passion, purpose, and partnership, we aim to elevate Surat’s presence in the international tourism map,” said Rajiv Shah, President, Skål International Surat – South Gujarat. The Office Bearers of the newly inaugurated Club Are Rajiv Shah – President, Vikas Gupta – Vice President, Sumit Bansal – Secretary, Vimal Vaghani – Treasurer, Sumit Saluja – Director-PR, Communication& CSR, Nitin Gupta – Membership Development Officer. Skål India continues its journey with renewed zeal to foster professional camaraderie, build bridges across borders, and create opportunities that …

In 2024, India’s hospitality sector shifted focus to tier II and III cities like Amritsar and Bikaner, accounting for nearly half of hotel transactions, as per JLL report. CY 2024 witnessed 42,071 keys in terms of branded hotel signings and 11,352 keys in terms of branded hotel openings. As many as 77 per cent of these signings were concentrated in tier II and III cities.

January 2025 Tourism Watch Quarterly Report by the World Bank Group noted that India’s initiatives such as e-Medical Visa and marketing campaigns like ‘Heal in India’ have bolstered India’s medical tourism. In 2023, the country attracted 476,000 foreign patients, which is among the highest in the world.

Himanshu Patil, President, OTOAI, “6th convention of OTOAI will take place in the magnificent city of Moscow from 10-13 July 2025.” He added, “Post-pandemic, Russia has made a very positive move by simplifying the visa process for Indians. This clearly reflects their intention to welcome us and strengthen tourism ties between our countries. We are confident this convention will help boost mutual tourism opening new avenues for cooperation.”

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, said, “From predictive analytics to smart visitor management, digital innovation will define the next era of travel.” He emphasised on government’s push for tech-driven solutions, citing opportunities for collaboration between startups, airlines and tourism bodies.

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir, revealed plans to develop nine new tourist destinations with multilateral funding. Speaking at ICC Aviation and Tourism Conference, he emphasised shifting from volume to value tourism to ease pressure on saturated hotspots like Gulmarg and Srinagar. “We must move up the value chain,” he said, adding that newer sites would boost sustainable growth and tourist experience.

At a recent PATA forum, Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, delivered a compelling message to the country’s travel trade. She emphasised to empower Indian tour operators, convert global partners into India ambassadors and think beyond destinations by thinking of markets. Sinha called on tourism associations to offer consistent, high-quality training to equip Indian tour operators with deeper knowledge of their own country. “It is not just about showcasing India. It is about understanding it well enough to package it meaningfully,” she said.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, said, “Tourism is all about access, and aviation provides that access on scale and speed. By aligning the National Air Connectivity Plan with the National Tourism Development Plan, the synergy could be transformative.” He emphasised that aviation and tourism must collaborate as twin engines to double the sector’s GDP contribution from 5 per cent to 10 per cent in the coming decade.

A vibrant three-day cultural festival celebrating Madhya Pradesh’s heritage and the glorious legacy of Emperor Vikramaditya. Hon’ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta, and Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of the Hon’ble Vice President, marked their presence on the inaugural day. Bhopal, 12 April 2025: The majestic Red Fort in New Delhi came alive on Saturday evening with the grand inauguration of the three-day cultural celebration “Vikramotsav 2025.” The festival, organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department, aims to honor the glorious legacy of Emperor Vikramaditya while showcasing the rich heritage, tourism potential, arts, and crafts of Madhya Pradesh on a national and global platform. The event will run until 14 April 2025. The inaugural day witnessed the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta, and Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of the Hon’ble Vice President. Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, shared that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Vikramotsav 2025 is showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s vibrant traditions and tourism potential on a national platform. This initiative not only celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Emperor Vikramaditya but also brings global recognition to Madhya Pradesh’s arts, …

Antalya, the breathtaking resort city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea along the Turkish Riviera, stands unmatched with its golden sands, azure skies and deep blue waters. Located in the southwest of the country, the city also enjoys a consistently pleasant climate with 300 days of sunshine, creating an ideal setting year-round for visitors seeking summer bliss. However, this world-famous coastal gem isn’t only a magnet for seaside and sun aficionados but also a proud custodian of some of the world’s cleanest beaches. Antalya holds the world record for having the highest number of Blue Flag-certified beaches at 233. These untouched and pristine beaches stretching as far as the eye can see offer the summer holidays of your dreams. Sun-Kissed Sands Meet Crystal Waters As summer vacations draw closer, let your wanderlust lead you to some of the world’s cleanest beaches. You can pick among Antalya’s beaches, which have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag distinction thanks to their quality and safety. Antalya’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures ensures that each beach is maintained to the highest sustainability standards. Crystal-clear waters, clean stretches of sand and a well-protected natural environment, all bathed in radiant sunshine… You’ll have no shortage of choices regarding Antalya’s idyllic beaches. Discover the serene beauty of Alanya, Side, Manavgat, Finike, Kemer, Kalkan, Kaş and many other towns, each boasting Blue Flag beaches that offer unmatched tranquillity and calmness. Patara, Kleopatra, Kaputaş, Lara and Konyaltı Beaches are definite standouts. Imagine hearing the soothing sounds of the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea washing up the shores, sinking your feet into the soft and warm sands and sipping a refreshing cocktail while sunbathing. These beaches are also ideal spots for various adrenaline-filled …