Category Archives: MOT

Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, in her budget speech has said, “To address the emerging fervor for domestic tourism, projects for Port connectivity, tourism infrastructure and amenities will be taken up on our islands including Lakshadweep. This will help in generating employment.”

Announcing the Interim Budget 2024-25, Nrmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister of India, said, ” There will be comprehensive development of tourist centers. The success of organizing G20 meetings in 60 places presented diversity of India to Global audience. Our economic strength has made the country and attractive destination for business and Conference tourism. Our middle class also now aspires to travel and explore tourism including spiritual tourism has tremendous opportunities for local people. States will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centers branding and marketing them at global scale. A framework for rating of the centers based on quality of facilities and services will be established long-term interest free loans will be provided to States for financing such development.”

MOT participated at FITUR in Spain with 40 + Indian co-exhibitors with a vision to promote India globally. India has recorded the arrival of 64,756 foreign tourists from Spain in 2023, which signifies that Spain is one of the important source markets for India.

Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director, South, West & Central, Ministry of Tourism, GOI, said, “This year the National Tourism Day celebrations will be held across the country, the flagship event being the Bharat Parv, which is being held in Delhi. Besides that, the MOT has also been stressing on promoting lesser-known destinations. If you look at UDAN scheme, which has opened a new destination with flight connections etc., we see importance in pushing such lesser-known destinations. This will also take away the pressure from the mainstream destinations and these are places, which are interesting. We are looking forward to promote lesser known destinations through various events as well.”

The new Coastal Odyssey expedition launched by MoT is aimed at promoting environmental conservation and bolstering security along coastal regions. The project is aligned with PM Modi’s vision of border area outreach and connecting coastal communities. The expedition, stretching along India’s 6,200 km of coastal border, marks a collaborative effort between Incredible India and the Indian Armed Forces.

Lauding Maharashtra govt’s approach to boost tourism in Vidarbha, Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI, says, “Such initiatives not only showcase the natural beauty of the region but also create immense potential for growth in the hospitality sector. The Ambhora bridge development, coupled with innovative attractions like the light and sound show, aligns perfectly with our vision for Maharashtra as a nature-focused, holistic tourism destination.”

The Ministry of Tourism is organising a nine-day annual mega event “Bharat Parv” at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of Red Fort, Delhi as part of the Republic Day Celebrations. Being held since 2016, this year it is being celebrated from 23rd – 31st January 2024. The highlights of the mega event are the Republic Day Parade tableaux, dynamic cultural performances by the Zonal Cultural Centres and engaging presentations by cultural troupes from various States and Union Territories, food stall representing all the States and UTs, handicraft and handloom display and enthusiastic performances by the Armed Forces Band. The event is open to the public and entry is free. This year the Parv has participation from 26 Central Ministries and Departments showcasing citizen centric schemes and initiatives of the Government such as Mission Life, One District One Product, Viksit Bharat, Nari Shakti, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. An experiential zone through latest technology has also been setup to promote Dekho Apna Desh. Additionally, the event will feature a Food Court with stalls offering delectable delicacies representing the diverse culinary traditions of different states and UTs in India. To enhance the cultural experience, a Pan-India Crafts Bazaar will be set up, featuring handicraft and handloom stalls, adding to the richness and vibrancy of the overall showcase. Thematic Pavilions of more than 30 States/UTs have also been setup to showcase diverse tourist attractions of the country. Cultural performances by various Delhi based regional cultural associations will also be organized. Parva is also promoting Vocal for Local by the way of local artisans across the country taking part in this by displaying and selling their products.

Bihar government has identified tourism as a priority sector and is implementing a series of infrastructural and business friendly reforms to encourage investments. Part of this is the new Bihar Tourism Policy 2023 which will be unveiled today by state CM and Tourism Minister in Patna with presence from representatives from hotel industry.

Tourism Ministry organised a Conference on Mahabharat Circuit on 10 January followed by a familiarisation trip to Kurukshetra, Jyotisar, and Thanesar. The conference was organised to create awareness about tourism potential of these regions for tour-operators, opinion makers, and influencers.

DGCA has issued revised flight duty time rules, under which weekly rest periods have been increased from 36 hours to 48 hours for flight crew. As per new guidelines, night duty will now cover the period from midnight to 6 am in the morning as compared to five am earlier.