Category Archives: MOT

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), collaborated with the Ministry of Ayush and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. The event took place at Andaz – The Concept of Hyatt in Delhi. The focus was on showcasing yoga’s positive impact on the mind, body, and soul through practical sessions. The event featured guests like Ms. Avantika Tokas Midha, Dr. Rajarshi Bhattacharjee, and Ruchin Midha. The program commenced with a felicitation ceremony and speeches emphasising yoga’s manifold benefits. Inderjeet Sehrawat, Chief Guest Counsellor of Mahipalpur said, “Yoga plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and reducing mental stress. Disease is so bad in today’s culture that we have to go to the hospital to get rid of it. You know that you don’t pay attention to anything and then you don’t need any medicine to find time for one hour in the day. Daily practice enhances energy levels and overall well-being, preventing illness and promoting wellness. Dr. Rajarshi Bhattacharjee, Chief Medical Officer of Times News Network and Hindustan Power said, “I have practised medicine for the last 25 years and have consistently recommended yoga to my patients facing critical illnesses. Yoga, beyond mere exercise, encompasses a holistic journey involving the mind, body, and soul. It’s not just about fancy poses; it’s a way of life. Originating from India and reintroduced by Shri Modi ji, yoga promotes overall well-being when practised under proper guidance. I am truly grateful for its transformative power and encourage everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily lives for lasting health benefits.” Avantika Tokas Midha, Vice Chairperson of Council of Royal Roots said, “It’s …

Speaking about MICE, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Tourism, said, “It is a big opportunity and there is a need to bring the biggest conferences of the world here, to show the size of India’s offerings. With world-class conferencing infrastructure like Bharat Mandapam, we need to look at how we can utilise those to get more conferences in India.”

Attending the 10th Anniversary of International Yoga Day at the iconic Qutub Minar in Delhi, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, GOI, said, “India has taught ‘Yoga’ to the world. It is a part of our cultural identity. This day has completed a decade today.” He gave the message of including it in daily routine for a healthy lifestyle.

India’s foremost offering in tourism is culture and heritage but as a sub-continent, we have a lot to offer. Manisha Saxena, DG, Tourism, said, “We want to make wildlife a big tourism offering. We need to segment the offerings not only to the traditional source markets but have to identify newer ones as Southeast Asia and others.”

Sameer Karnani, Managing Committee Member of TAAI, & Owner of Arunodaya Travels, says that there are not many TAAI members registered by India Tourism. “This is not giving us the right kind of platform when we are talking to the ministry, and more members should register themselves with the MoT. The issue with this is the criterion for staff where IATA-approved staff is not recognised. It needs to be tourism trained staff only, and this is very hard to find,” he says.

Thanking Modi for including him in his Council of Ministers for the third consecutive time, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, said, “I am honoured to be given this responsibility of globally showcasing Bharat & inviting the world to our country. As Modi ji has emphasized through his various visits & words about our tourism potential, we will work towards enhancing the same highlighting our various natural & cultural heritage sites from Kashmir to his recently visited Kanyakumari.”

Manisha Saxena, DG, MOT India, “India has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism. In line with PM Modi’s ‘Mission Life,’ MOT has come up with a sectorial programme, ‘Travel for Life.’ It aims to  encourage tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices and mindful approach in managing the resources.”  

After taking over as Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is committed to enhancing India’s tourism potential. He said, ‘As PM Modi has stressed our tourism potential, we will work towards enhancing the same, highlighting our various natural and cultural heritage sites from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.’

Suresh Gopi took charge as Minister of State for Tourism in New Delhi. He spoke about his vision for the development of the tourism sector in the country. He said that he will work for the enhancement of the status quo of the department, and take cognisance about the capacity of his chair, and will do a series of meetings to understand the expectations.

Actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, BJP’s first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala, became the MoS of Tourism in the NDA Cabinet 3.0. Gopi, who recorded an unprecedented win for NDA from Thrissur constituency, has been made the Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas as well.