Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever India Travel Trade Hub—a dedicated online platform created exclusively for the Indian travel trade community. This initiative serves as a comprehensive one-stop resource for travel advisors, tour operators, and MICE planners across India, offering the tools, insights, and support needed to promote and sell Los Angeles more effectively. The hub provides a curated experience tailored to the Indian market, featuring: Ready-to-sell itineraries DMC list Digital brochures and destination videos Trade-exclusive offers including the LA Perks Pass Training modules and webinars Offline events and trainings “India continues to be a key growth market for Los Angeles, and we are thrilled to deepen our engagement with the launch of this dynamic, first-of-its-kind Travel Trade Hub” said Seema Kadam, Regional Director, Los Angeles Tourism India.” This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting our trade partners with simplified tools and insights that make selling Los Angeles easier, more effective, and more rewarding.” This strategic step aligns with Los Angeles Tourism’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement in India, enhance destination knowledge, and support the trade with best-in-class selling tools. This also aligns perfectly with Los Angeles’ exciting trajectory, as the city prepares to host a series of global, marquee events—including the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. Major cultural and infrastructure developments such as the opening of Destination Crenshaw, a celebration of Black art and culture, and the ongoing transformation of LAX airport, are also expected to enhance the visitor experience. Visit the India Trade Hub or the QR code.

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) had the honour of meeting Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Cabinet Minister for Culture & Tourism , to discuss key matters impacting India’s outbound tourism industry. The discussion focused on the TCS (Tax Collected at Source) issue, where the Minister gave his valuable time and attention to the concerns raised by the OTOAI delegation. The meeting reflected the Ministry’s openness to dialogue and the importance of supporting the travel trade sector. OTOAI also extended a formal invitation to the Minister to attend the upcoming OTOAI Moscow Convention 2025 as the Guest of Honour, further strengthening the association’s vision of collaboration with the government. The meeting was represented by OTOAI leadership, including Immediate Past President Riaz Munshi, Vice President Shravan Bhalla, General Secretary Sidharth Khanna, and Executive Committee Member Vineet Gopal. This marks another significant step in OTOAI’s efforts to advocate for India’s growing outbound tourism industry.

As fireworks burst across the National Mall next Friday night, the countdown to America’s 250th in the nation’s capital will begin with a flourish. Washington, DC will serve as center stage for the national celebration in 2026, with the city’s international symbols of American independence, rich history and local culture at the heart of the festivities. Major new openings across the city – including an immersive museum underneath the Lincoln Memorial, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, renovations to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and completion of the National Air and Space Museum – combined with a full calendar of special events, festivals and exhibitions – make Washington, DC the place to be all year. “Throughout 2026, nowhere will the celebration for America’s 250th be more spectacular than the nation’s capital,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “There’s only one place visitors will find the complete package for the occasion: special programming, can’t-miss experiences, new attractions, excitement, value, the Declaration of Independence itself, and ways to learn about its impact on different segments of the population.” Destination DC and a growing list of more than 75 participating organizations from the local tourism and hospitality community are planning an inclusive, citywide celebration, extending from the National Mall to the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, places and people.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, said: “Combining our strengths with those of IndiGo, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, will enable us to offer unparalleled connectivity and convenience, ensuring that our customers enjoy the highest standards of service and reliability across the globe. We look forward to restarting Delta’s direct service from the U.S. to India in the near future.” The service start date will be announced later.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), in collaboration with the Centre County Commissioners, has announced the allocation of over USD 1.1 million in tourism grant funding for the fiscal year 2025–26. This marks the highest grant distribution in the program’s history, supporting a total of 81 projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing travel experiences and encouraging visitation to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. “Topping the one-million-dollar mark is a tremendous milestone for the Tourism Grant Program,” said Fritz Smith, President and CEO of HVAB. “It’s a visible example of how a strong tourism economy, particularly through overnight stays, benefits our entire community.” The announcement took place at Rolling Rails Lodge in Port Matilda under the theme “Tourism in Bloom.” The initiative underscores HVAB’s commitment to nurturing local attractions, cultural events, and hospitality-focused development across the region. Out of the 81 projects funded, 11 come from first-time applicants, including the Happy Valley Latin Festival, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. “We’re thrilled to receive this Tourism Marketing Grant,” said Ady Martinez, Festival Director. “Thanks to this support, we’ll be able to reach a wider audience for our bilingual, inclusive celebration of Latinx and Hispanic culture, taking place on September 20 during Hispanic Heritage Month.” The Centre County Commissioner Chair, Mark Higgins, emphasized the scale of the region’s tourism growth. “It is exciting to see total tourism revenue for Centre County exceed $1 billion and the Tourism Grant pool cross $1 million. These grants directly enhance visitor experiences and enrich local life,” he stated. Other beneficiaries include the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society, which received dual grants to market its heritage train rides, especially the Christmas rides that draw significant local participation. “These funds are vital for attracting visitors from …

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) India successfully hosted the Korea MICE Roadshow 2025 on June 5 in Mumbai. The event aimed to spotlight Korea’s growing appeal as a destination for MICE travel, and to strengthen connections with India’s travel trade and corporates. The roadshow highlighted key offerings, including Korea’s incentive support program, MICE group visa facilitation, and robust convention infrastructure. KTO also emphasized the comprehensive support extended to Indian MICE groups traveling to Korea—such as the Korea MICE Group Visa, which includes visa fee waivers, express processing, and simplified documentation for eligible groups. Additionally, KTO showcased details of its MICE Support Program, which ranges from souvenirs and destination experience fees to customized support for gala dinners, performances, charter buses, K-pop booths, K-food trucks, and video highlights of the trip. Support is tiered based on group size and requirements, with optional inclusions like team-building activities, welcome receptions, and cultural experiences. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director, India & SAARC Countries, KTO, remarked, “It was a pleasure to see such strong participation in Mumbai, with over 150 attendees including MICE travel agents, corporates, and media. This level of interest reflects the growing curiosity about Korea as a compelling new destination for business and incentive travel. With our dedicated support programs, we are confident Korea will become a preferred choice for the Indian market.” A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of Indian actress and Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism, Hina Khan, who was officially appointed by KTO on May 9, 2025, at a ceremony held at the KTO Seoul Center (HiKr Ground). She recently returned from a KTO-hosted FAM trip across Seoul, Gangwon State, and Incheon. The event concluded with a KTO …

Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, is steadily emerging as one of the East Coast’s most compelling tourism destinations. With its unique blend of natural beauty, local culture, and a thriving hospitality sector, the region is positioning itself as a go-to choice for both leisure and business travelers. Located just four hours from major metropolitan areas like New York City and Washington, DC, Happy Valley is capitalizing on its strategic location to attract visitors looking for authentic experiences away from the crowded cityscape. The Backbone of Tourism: Penn State University At the heart of Happy Valley is Penn State University, a key driver of tourism and local economic growth. Known not only for its academic excellence but also for its sports culture, the university draws thousands of visitors each year. Beaver Stadium, home to the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, is one of the largest stadiums in the country, with crowds that can exceed 100,000 on game days. In addition to sports tourism, Penn State’s numerous events—such as alumni reunions, academic conferences, and cultural festivals—serve as major attractions. The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, for example, draws more than 125,000 visitors annually, highlighting the area’s commitment to community-driven experiences and its growing appeal as a cultural hub. A Thriving Hospitality Sector To meet the increasing demand from visitors, Happy Valley’s hospitality landscape has evolved significantly in recent years. The region now offers a range of accommodations—from boutique hotels in downtown State College to quaint bed-and-breakfasts nestled in the countryside. Local initiatives aimed at expanding lodging options are well underway, ensuring that Happy Valley remains competitive with other East Coast destinations. The hospitality sector’s growth is also tied to its strategic push for business tourism. With new investments in …

Sharing the NTO’s plans for the India market, Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, Israel Ministry of Tourism, says, “India remains one of our most promising and priority markets for us. While 2024 saw a slower pace in inbound tourism with 9,600 arrivals, we are seeing early signs of recovery in 2025, with 3,600 Indian tourist entries recorded between January and April. Over the next two years, we aim to cross 100,000 Indian tourist arrivals, driven by improved connectivity, simplified visa, and curated experiences for families, luxury travellers, and film tourism.”

Speaking about handling cancellations to Turkiye and Azerbaijan, Amit Thadani, Director of NiknAmiTravels, says, “We are working closely with airlines to secure full refunds where applicable and offering clients alternative travel options, ensuring minimal disruption to their plans. While our DMC partners on the ground have been extremely cooperative and supportive, challenges remain—particularly with some hotels not offering refunds for non-refundable bookings. We are addressing these complexities with our clients proactively and empathetically.”

PATA Nepal Chapter and Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with Nepal Airlines, are all set to host the 5th edition of Nepal’s premier international travel and tourism trade show—the Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM)—scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 June, 2025, at The Soaltee, Kathmandu, Nepal. This year’s edition of HTM holds special significance as it coincides with the Golden Jubilee year of the PATA Nepal Chapter, celebrating 50 years of impactful contributions to Nepal’s tourism development and global connectivity. Additionally, the inauguration day marks a historic milestone—the 75th Anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Annapurna by the legendary French mountaineer Maurice Herzog, whose family is visiting Nepal to honour this legacy. Held annually in June in Kathmandu, HTM is Nepal’s flagship international tourism trade show, fostering unparalleled networking, business opportunities, and valuable industry insights among global tourism and hospitality organisations, professionals, and individuals engaged in diverse sectors of the industry. Now in its 5th edition, HTM 2025 will bring together a remarkable gathering of global buyers, diverse sellers, travel bloggers, influencers, thought leaders, high-profile speakers, national and international media, travel professionals, and delegates from around the world. Narendra Deo Bhatta, Convener, HTM 2025 Organising Committee and General Secretary, PATA Nepal Chapter said, “We are expecting over 700 delegates from 30+ countries, including more than 100 international guests, and a large representation from Nepal’s public and private tourism sectors.” With the overarching theme and vision of positioning ‘Nepal: Gateway to the Himalayas,’ HTM aims to establish Nepal as a premier, year-round travel destination while creating value for all stakeholders through a dynamic platform for promotion, dialogue, and partnership. This year, our focus is on enhancing insightful conference sessions, …