Category Archives: States

Highlighting IIFA’s Silver Jubilee celebration as a major milestone, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, said the event which is scheduled to take place on 8-9 March in Jaipur will not only celebrate Indian cinema but also boost the state’s cultural and tourism profile worldwide. The recent surge in film projects and the upcoming IIFA event underscore Rajasthan’s growing reputation as a hub for Indian and international cinema.

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.

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.

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, India, said, “Tourism holds a unique place in India’s economy, creating 11 indirect jobs for every direct job. For inclusive growth, no sector matches the potential of tourism. To build a $30 trillion economy by 2047, India’s tourism must grow 22 times, and that requires skill development and creating unique, state-specific experiences, ensuring we drive not just jobs but unforgettable experiences.”

Highlighting the tourism growth, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “The govt is taking decisive steps to decongest bottlenecks and facilitate budget travellers. Our focus on integrating state tourism policies ensures a robust and unified approach to infrastructure development across India. In the past six months, I have witnessed tremendous efforts across states to harness tourism potential. Together, we must work collectively to elevate India’s tourism to new heights.”

Speaking during Kerala Tourism Partnership Meet 2025, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Tourism Minister, Kerala, revealed that Kerala Tourism will showcase new summer holiday products before the domestic tourists targeting school holidays and families in their upcoming campaign. The focus will be on North Kerala, especially Bekal, Wayanad, and Kozhikode, besides lesser-known destinations with vastly improved infrastructure.

Skyscanner has observed a significant increase in travel interest for the Maha Kumbh, with elevated booking volumes from 12 January continuing through 26 February aligning with key dates of the holy dip rituals. Notably, 28 January has recorded a staggering 675% increase in booking volume compared to a typical day. The volume of bookings has surged by 1,776%, reflecting the growing enthusiasm to attend this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Lords Hotels & Resorts is embarking on a significant expansion plan following the impressive success and growth achieved in 2024.  The group currently manages a portfolio of 70 hotels and is planning to add over 15 new properties by the end of 2025. It is actively expanding its presence in key regions, including Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, among others. Pushpendra Bansal, COO, expressed his enthusiasm stating “We are incredibly proud of the significant growth we achieved in 2024 and the enduring trust our partners and stakeholders have in our brand. Our iconic hotels, incredible food and beverage offerings, and unparalleled event venues reflect the commitment to delivering unmatched service and True Value Hospitality.” Vikas Suri, Vice President – Operations & Development added, “The demand for mid-segment upscale hotels is increasing and is expected to continue in the coming years, as travelers increasingly prioritize value for money. We aim to leverage this trend by expanding our operations further in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities across India and internationally.”

Targeting wider expansion, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said, “Our strategy is to saturate the south. With resorts in Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Wayanad, Mamallapuram, and Puducherry seeing surging demand during peak holiday season, the company wants to ride the leisure boom with more properties in scenic locales, such as its upcoming ultra-luxury property in Pachalur.”

Bikaner Municipal Corporation launched Bikaner Heritage Walk in an endeavour to preserve the legacy of ‘the city of a thousand havelis.’ Heritage Conservation Cell and Bikaner District Heritage Committee also established to restore the historic landmarks of the city. The Bikaner Municipal Corporation has recently launched Bikaner Heritage Walk with the aim of promoting the heritage conservation of the city. Through this initiative, the Municipal Corporation aims to invite locals and travellers to explore the city’s vibrant history and culture and also raise awareness among stakeholders about heritage-related issues while involving them in future planning and strategies to preserve Bikaner’s rich legacy. The Bikaner District Administration and Bikaner Municipal Corporation have also established the Heritage Conservation Cell and the Bikaner District Heritage Committee to restore the historic landmarks of the city. The Heritage Conservation Cell will work towards identifying and documenting Bikaner’s hidden treasures-from its majestic havelis and temples to its vibrant crafts and traditions. Through public awareness campaigns, restoration projects, and partnerships with experts and stakeholders, the Cell will weave heritage preservation into the fabric of everyday life. Whether it is promoting sustainable tourism or integrating traditional architecture with modern urban planning, the Cell will balance the need for development with the responsibility of preserving Bikaner’s timeless charm. According to Mayank Manish, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Bikaner, “The goal of the Bikaner Heritage Cell is to raise awareness and promote the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings and sites in Bikaner. It has been established to preserve the cultural, historical, and architectural heritage, which is embodied in its historic buildings and sites.” Emphasising the collective responsibility of the community in safeguarding Bikaner’s legacy, Namrata Vrishni, District Collector, Bikaner said, “The …