Category Archives: States

Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) has proposed to the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, to include tourism in the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) framework. It stated, “Such inclusion will ensure affordable credit, pave the way for sustainable development, and will catalyse investments, create jobs.”

As per Raja Yaqoob Farooq, Director Tourism, J&K, in 2024, the Union Territory witnessed 2.7 million tourist arrivals. Furthermore, the J&K administration launched an ambitious plan to develop 75 new tourist destinations, 75 heritage and cultural sites, 75 Sufi and religious sites, and 75 adventure treks, to attract tourists across all four seasons.

Echor Samara in Morjim, Goa and Echor Baris Resort in Mussoorie add over 60 keys to the group’s portfolio, strengthening its presence in sought-after destinations. Echor Hotels, a leader in boutique hospitality, has announced the addition of two new properties to its growing portfolio: Echor Samara in Morjim, Goa, and Echor Baris Resort in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This launch marks Echor’s debut in Uttarakhand and Goa, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to providing luxury stays in both offbeat and iconic destinations. With the addition of these two properties, Echor now manages over 400 keys across India and continues its march toward its ambitious revenue target of ₹100 crore by FY 2027. About the Properties Echor Samara, Morjim, Goa Located just a short walk from the serene Morjim Beach, Echor Samara offers 29 well-appointed rooms, including suites and pool-view accommodations. The property features a sea-view restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, a refreshing swimming pool, and a tranquil spa. Perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations, this boutique haven combines the vibrant energy of Goa with the luxury of a premium retreat. Echor Baris Resort, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Situated amidst the scenic greenery of Mussoorie, Echor Baris Resort introduces 34 luxury rooms offering breathtaking jungle and Doon Valley views. The resort features private sit-out areas, a family-friendly children’s play zone, and a charming lawn for picnics and outdoor activities. Guests can savour diverse culinary experiences at the in-house restaurant, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of two incredible properties to the Echor Group – Echor Baris Resort in Mussoorie, our first property in Uttarakhand, and Echor Samara in Morjim, our debut in the Goa market,” said …

HRAWI advises members on responsible festive season practices The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has issued a comprehensive advisory for its members to ensure smooth and lawful operations during the upcoming festive season. The guidelines, aimed at maintaining safety, compliance and guest satisfaction, encompass specifics including operational timings, promoting responsible bar tending and drinking, staff contribution transparency and adherence to noise and music regulations. Members are reminded to comply with locally permitted hours and secure necessary licenses for special events; strict age restrictions for alcohol consumption through display of appropriate signage and initiatives like valet and ride-hailing services to deter drink-and-drive incidents. The advisory also instructs F&B establishments to adhere to permissible decibel levels and enforce music cut-off times and to obtain permissions for live events in advance. HRAWI thanks the Maharashtra Government for allowing hotel and restaurant establishments in the State to operate till 5 am on the 31st of December 2024. “Our goal is to ensure a festive season that is enjoyable for patrons while being compliant with local laws. Adhering to these guidelines will promote goodwill and maintain the integrity of the hospitality industry. Collaboration with local authorities is essential to preventing incidents and promoting safety during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. We urge our members to proactively support initiatives like responsible bar tending and drinking including the right to refusal; provision of valet services and, following music and noise regulations,” says Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson, HRAWI. HRAWI has further advised members to ensure service charges to be capped at 10 per cent, transparently communicated and fairly distributed among staff. The measure aims to safeguard customer trust and prevent any disputes. The advisory also highlights …

Addressing the issue of banks not proving loans for big cars or imported cars during the Indian Tourist Transporters Association convention, Union Culture & Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said, “I will engage with the banking sector to ask about their apprehensions and understand why this happens and what can be done to resolve this. We will discuss these issues and work together to find a solution.”

Launching the new Guidelines of Film Grant Booklet, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, said, “We are launching the new guidelines for the film production – an area which I am very, very keen to promote again. There are so many programmes that the state government is running today to support the youth, and we want you to take advantage of that. The Film Grant Booklet is our commitment to support filmmakers in their endeavours providing a necessary framework for financial assistance and ensuring that creative minds have the resources to bring their visions to life.”

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi urged the Centre to announce a special package for the eastern state, stating that about ₹10,000 crore of investment was needed to create a world-class tourism infrastructure in Odisha. He made the demand at the pre-budget consultation meeting with Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

Omar Abdullah, CM, Jammu and Kashmir urges to explore untapped potential of diverse tourist destinations in Jammu beyond Vaishno Devi. He said, “One crore plus yatris every year visit Jammu for darshan. If I could divert even 15 per cent of those yatris to other tourist destinations, it will do wonders for tourism in the region.”

The Kargil Campus of the University of Ladakh hosted a remarkable programme to commemorate International Mountain Day on 11 December 2024. The event, themed around sustainability and the preservation of Ladakh’s unique mountain ecosystems, featured renowned filmmaker and environmental advocate, Stanzin Dorjai (Gya), Founder and Director of the Himalayan Film House, as the special guest and keynote speaker. Organised collaboratively by Department of Environmental Science, Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh and Department of Travel and Tourism Management, Government Degree College, Kargil, Ladakh, the event commenced with a warm welcome and traditional Ladakhi khatak presentation, followed by the national anthem setting an auspicious tone. Dr Mohd Salim, Coordinator, Biodiversity Research Centre, opened the event with a compelling welcome address. He underscored the urgent need for collective action to safeguard Ladakh’s mountains and glaciers, given their unparalleled beauty and vulnerability to climate change. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal, GDC, Kargil, UT Ladakh was not present at the event due to prior engagements. She displayed her appreciation and gratitude for the invitation virtually. A major highlight of the programme was the screening of the award-winning documentary “Jungwa: The Broken Balance”, directed by Dorjai. This powerful film, previously showcased at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris, captivated the audience with its exploration of the delicate balance between human life and nature in Ladakh. Following the screening, Dorjai provided an insightful commentary on the documentary, eloquently connecting its themes to Ladakh’s traditional culture and the profound interdependence of its people and the environment. During an interactive session, Dorjai reflected on the serenity of the Himalayas and shared the philosophical undertones of his work, including the concept of karma. His address left a …

As per Booking.com, there has been an increase of 40-100 per cent in domestic year-end searches from the same time last year. Besides metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi, Indian travellers are keen on exploring destinations offering one-of-a-kind experiences. With the boom in spiritual journeys, Varanasi is experiencing a 100 per cent increase in year-end searches.