Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

As part of the 13th edition of the annual Traveller Review Awards 2025, Booking.com unveiled the 10 Most Welcoming Places in India and on Earth. Himachal Pradesh was named the Most Welcoming Region in India followed by Kerala and Goa. Bir emerged as the Most Welcoming City in India followed by Mararikulam and Leh.

India’s travel and tourism sector is set for significant expansion. Its valuation is expected to more than double to $523 billion over the next decade. According to Julia Simpson, President, WTTC, the sector, which currently contributes around 7% to India’s GDP and employs approximately 45 million people, is projected to support 63 million jobs by 2034.

Every hotel room added to the ecosystem creates two direct jobs and approximately eight indirect ones, significantly contributing to tourism infrastructure, said KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India, Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. “Yet, despite its transformative impact, the sector remains under-recognized in policy priorities. HAI calls for the Budget 2025-2026 to announce imperative policy interventions that empower the hospitality industry,” he says.

Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Delhi Office announces a remarkable milestone: 233,000 Indians visited Japan from January to December 2024, representing a significant 40% increase in tourism from India compared to 166,394 visitors in 2023. Last year also saw the introduction of MICE movement to new regions, with some incentive tours extending their itineraries to Kansai and Hiroshima, whereas Tokyo had previously been the sole MICE destination.

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is ramping up efforts to deepen collaboration with India’s Outbound Tourism with special focus on the MICE sector. Moscow is reinforcing its status as a premier destination for both leisure and business tourism, with India emerging as a key strategic partner. Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, says, “While most tourists visit Moscow for cultural, educational, and entertainment purposes, the city has also been focusing on expanding business tourism, which is now a significant contributor to the local economy.”

Skyscanner has observed a significant increase in travel interest for the Maha Kumbh, with elevated booking volumes from January 12 continuing through February 26 aligning with key dates of the holy dip rituals. It also sees huge interest from international travellers, and the top five international cities that have searched for travel to Prayagraj around these dates are Dubai, London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Doha. This data underscores how travellers across India and the world are gearing up to immerse themselves in the spiritual grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, making it a pivotal travel moment for 2025.

Threeland Travel, a prominent Destination Management Company (DMC) specialising in Southeast Asia, partnered with the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) to provide exclusive travel services during the TAFI Convention 2025. Represented in India by Global Destinations, Threeland Travel facilitated pre- and post-familiarization trips to showcase Vietnam’s captivating destinations to Indian travel agents. These trips included Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, and Hoi An, offering immersive experiences that highlighted the natural beauty, cultural richness, and authentic local charm. The TAFI Convention, held from January 17-21 in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, serves as a vital platform for fostering relationships and exploring new opportunities within the travel and tourism sector. Recognizing the immense potential of destinations like Ninh Binh and Phu Quoc for Indian travelers, Threeland Travel aims to introduce these unique locales to the Indian market and integrate them into mainstream travel itineraries. One of the key highlights of the FAM trip was the gala dinner, hosted by Threeland, which took place at the elegant Vesak Ballroom within the Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex. The illustrious Tam Chuc Pagoda is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam. Spanning an impressive 5,000 hectares, the complex is enveloped by serene lakes, verdant mountains, dense forests, and picturesque valleys, providing visitors with a truly tranquil and awe-inspiring experience. Tony (Tung Nguyen), Managing Director of Threeland Travel, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the opportunity to support the FAM trips and host the gala dinner. “Collaborating with TAFI and Global Destinations to curate an unforgettable experience for Indian travel professionals has been a privilege,” stated Mr. Nguyen. “Hanoi, with its vibrant culture, Halong Bay’s breathtaking scenery, Da Nang’s coastal beauty, and Hoi An’s historical charm, offer immense …

A delegation from Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, led by Rofia Larsson – Vice President of Global Trade Development from the Los Angeles Office, met with key travel agents in India. They highlighted the city’s rich cultural and entertainment diversity while emphasizing exciting new developments that are set to further elevate Los Angeles as a must-visit destination for Indian travellers. Los Angeles is currently in the midst of a dynamic transformation, with major events and infrastructure projects reshaping the city’s future. Seema Kadam, Regional Director India Office, shares, “Los Angeles is experiencing an incredible decade of sports and culture. With world-class events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, NBA All-Star Games, Super Bowl XVI, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city is ready to welcome the world in ways we’ve never seen before. And that’s not all – we’re also undergoing a multi-billion-dollar upgrade to Los Angeles International Airport, which will redefine the travel experience for international visitors.” In addition to its major events, Los Angeles is embracing cultural and artistic evolution. New attractions include a variety of museum openings, the unveiling of Destination Crenshaw – a $100 million outdoor art and culture initiative, the introduction of the Intuit Dome and more. “India is the number one emerging market for LA, and we are thrilled to engage with our trade partners in India to showcase diverse experiences, from world-class museums, dining to iconic sporting events and immersive entertainment” adds  Kadam

TeamLease’s Employment Outlook Report for HY2 FY2024-25 highlights an 8.2% net employment change in the travel and hospitality sector, with 66% of surveyed companies planning workforce expansion. Growth is driven by smart tourism technologies, MICE revival, and sustainable practices, creating demand for skilled professionals in areas like sustainability coordination and smart travel design. 

Jammu and Kashmir’s Sustainable Promotion of Emerging Alternate Destination (SPREAD) initiative seeks multilateral funding to develop alternate tourism destinations and ease overcrowding. “We aim to distribute tourist traffic evenly and ensure sustainable growth by adhering to global standards,” said Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. The initiative focuses on creating equitable opportunities while promoting sustainable tourism across the region.