Category Archives: States

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has taken a significant step towards women empowerment and creating a safe tourism destination by launching the state’s first craft-based cafe ‘Handloom Cafe’ in Pranpur, a village located 4 kilometres from the renowned tourist destination of Chanderi in Ashoknagar district. This cafe is entirely operated by women making it a pioneering initiative in Madhya Pradesh. Bidisha Mukherjee, Additional Managing Director, Tourism Board visited Pranpur to inspect the cafe and boost the morale of the women staff. Bidisha Mukherjee, said “Handloom Cafe is a crucial step towards empowering women and fostering a safe tourism environment. The cafe will be entirely run by women, from security guards and welcome staff to chefs, receptionists, cashiers, and even front office managers. To ensure smooth operations, all women have undergone specialised training at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Bhopal. A women’s group has been registered as ‘Sakhi Saheli Lok Kalyan Sangh’ to manage the cafe.” Mukherjee also said this project will not only provide employment opportunities to these women but also equip them with the necessary skills, confidence, and financial independence to improve their quality of life. Additionally, this initiative aligns with the state’s broader mission to promote a safe and inclusive environment for women travellers.  This women-run cafe will offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s rich culture and progressive outlook.

As part of the global celebrations for World Tourism Day, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and Skal International, in collaboration with Goa Tourism, have organised a series of exciting and enriching activities on 27th September to highlight Goa’s cultural and historical heritage. With this year’s theme focusing on Tourism & Peace, three exclusive heritage walks have been curated to offer a deep dive into Goa’s rich history and local life. These walks are open to all, providing a unique opportunity to explore Goa like never before. In addition to the heritage walks, an exciting highlight of the celebrations includes the launch of a coffee table book at the cooking competition “Goencho Swad” by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). This event not only showcases Goa’s culinary traditions but also adds a literary touch, offering insights into the state’s diverse cultural and gastronomic heritage. Suneel Andhaka, IAS, Director, Tourism & Managing, GTDC stated “World Tourism Day is an opportunity to celebrate not just the beauty of Goa, but the stories, culture, and heritage that make it unique. Through initiatives like the Heritage Walks and the Stakeholders Meet, we aim to promote responsible tourism that respects our environment and communities while offering enriching experiences for travellers.” Jack Sukija, President, Travel & Tourism Association, Goa (TTAG) “These World Tourism Day events are designed to deepen the connection between visitors and Goa’s rich cultural heritage. By exploring our historic sites and engaging with local communities, we aim to foster a more immersive and sustainable approach to tourism that benefits both travellers and locals alike. We will also invite all our stakeholders from the travel trade to celebrate this year at the …

The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Mumbai, the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Mumbai, and the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) successfully hosted a remarkable event titled “Promoting Peace Through Tourism with Thailand and IIPT” on World Peace Day at IFBE, Mumbai. The event, held in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace, highlighted the critical role tourism can play in fostering global peace and understanding. The event brought together a diverse group of guests, including the Consul Generals of various countries, distinguished dignitaries, travel agents, airline managers, influencers, hotel managers, and other key players from the tourism industry. The gathering started with a seminar by distinguished speakers to raise awareness about the potential of every tourist to act as an ambassador of peace, promoting harmony among people of different cultures, races, and religions. Ajay Prakash who assumed global Presidency of IIPT in September 2023 spoke eloquently on the power of Tourism to connect people across all boundaries of race, religion or nationality and urged the travel industry to join hands to realise this higher paradigm of Tourism by encouraging all travellers to travel with an open mind and a gentle heart, with respect for their hosts, embracing the diversity they encounter, and encouraged them to adopt and propagate the IIPT Credo of the Peaceful Traveller. Attendees also participated in a range of activities including the “Peaceful Voices” and “Peaceful Messages” campaigns, where guests shared their thoughts on how tourism can inspire understanding and unity across borders. The event also underscored the importance of responsible tourism, encouraging participants to embrace sustainable and green travel practices that help preserve the environment. One of the most exciting aspects of …

In a historic event, SKAL International Pune successfully hosted the “Pedal for a Purpose” Cyclothon on 22nd September, marking a significant milestone for Pune’s travel fraternity. The event, which brought together over 80 riders and 220 total participants, aimed not only at fostering unity but also at making a meaningful social impact. The Cyclothon, meticulously planned, was flagged off at 7:30 AM by esteemed dignitaries including Amit Sharma, GM, Amanora The Fern, Abhishek Sahai, GM, Conrad Pune, Pankaj Saxena, GM, Radisson Blu Kharadi Pune, and Biswajit Biswas, Executive Director, Ana Hotels & Resorts. Throughout the ride, participants stopped at 3 Impact Points, where they pledged to: Plant 5 Trees this year to promote a greener environment. Follow Road Safety Rules to ensure responsible commuting. Reduce Plastic Usage, committing to a more sustainable future. After completing the route, riders were greeted with a grand welcome by a team of over 30 Dhol Tasha players, creating an electrifying atmosphere full of energy and excitement. Beyond the Cyclothon, the event offered a wide variety of engaging activities for non-riders, including Yoga and Zumba sessions, a painting competition for all age groups, and an array of games and entertainment. The event also featured spectacular dance performances and beatboxing acts, adding to the festive mood. Attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread, and the day concluded with exciting lucky draws and prize distributions. Shaberam Rabbani, President, SKAL Pune, made a special mention of the event’s associate partners TAAI, TAAFI, PHA, & IIHM, acknowledging their support in making this event a true celebration of unity and social responsibility. With medical support from Manipal Hospitals and insurance coverage from Asego, the event showcased the power of collaboration for …

As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, with its theme of “Tourism and Peace,” a compelling new case study titled “Tides of Change: The Story of Lakshadweep Tourism” is capturing global interest. Released in July 2024 in the renowned Tourism Cases by CABI, UK, this study is authored by Dr. Aditi Choudhary and Mahima Gopalkrishna from the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Noida. “Tides of Change” is a comprehensive examination of Lakshadweep’s tourism development, the first of its kind to explore the balance between tourism expansion and the sustainability of these pristine islands. The study delves into the interplay between policymakers, local communities, cultural preservation, and ecological conservation, offering a model of destination stewardship. This model aligns seamlessly with the 2024 theme, demonstrating how tourism can be a force for peace by fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. Lakshadweep, with its delicate ecosystems and vibrant cultural heritage, should be developed   as a prime example of how tourism can support local economies while promoting social harmony and environmental care. The study outlines tourism developmental strategies that emphasise community involvement and environmental responsibility—crucial components for achieving sustainable and peaceful tourism growth. This case study provides a valuable framework for Indian tourism stakeholders, showcasing how responsible tourism practices can lead to sustainable development in vulnerable island environments. It is an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, and tourism professionals, offering insights that support the vision of tourism as a catalyst for peace and sustainability.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 22 hotels in Tamil Nadu including 6 under development.  Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announced the signing of an IHCL SeleQtions hotel, in ECR Chennai. The hotel is part of a large eco-friendly development spread over 30 acres. Commenting on the signing, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL said, “We are thrilled to introduce our first SeleQtions hotel in Chennai where IHCL has a multi-brand presence of 14 hotels including iconic luxury hotels and residences, leisure resorts and business hotels spread across central business districts and emerging micro markets. Strategically located on ECR, its eco-friendly design and MICE facilities, will cater to the growing travel demand in the area. We are delighted to partner with GT Bharathi Urban developers for this project.” Located on the picturesque ECR, the 120-key hotel is part of 32-acre green township, close to the city’s attractions. The hotel will feature a variety of dining options, including an all-day diner, a specialty restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Guests can unwind at the state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, and spa. Bharat Doshi and Arun Bharathi Managing Directors, GT Bharathi Urban developers, said, “We are excited to partner with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company. This hotel is set to become an ideal destination for both MICE and leisure travellers, drawing visitors from nearby major cities.”  

Tamil Nadu Travel Expo 2024 concluded successfully in Madurai after two days of business meetings between 130 exhibitors and around 300 buyers from across the country. The 3-day event also saw the launch of a new portal ‘travel2tamilnadu.com,’ which showcases lesser-known gems.

Under its Tourism Policy 2022-2032, UP government will provide 50 per cent reimbursement of certification fees established for tour operators for obtaining GSTC certification to promote sustainable tourism. Tour operators can benefit from this initiative and will have up to ₹5 lakh reimbursed. 

P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Tourism & PWD Minister, Kerala, said, “The tourism department will organise a ‘tribal cultural festival’ this year to promote tourism in Wayanad by highlighting the cultural and ethnic heritage of the place, adding that Wayanad had a special place on the tourism map owing to its immense possibilities for adventure tourism and balmy weather.”

Three-day Tamil Nadu Travel Expo (TTE) is scheduled to kick off at the IDA Scudder Auditorium in Madurai from today. The event aims to boost the state’s tourism profile and attract a larger number of visitors both from within India and neighbouring countries to the state.