Category Archives: States

Claiming that Goa continues to see a surge in tourism, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Goa Tourism, said, “The state saw a notable 21% growth which promises a very positive and promising trend of tourism, with a substantial 54% increase in tourists visiting in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. The quarterly growth from October to December stood at 38%.”

Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj Airport has started its first-ever night operations after 106 years, paving the way for 24/7 flight services. The airport’s new terminal is set to handle 2,700 pax per hour, ensuring seamless travel for flyers, accommodating increased air traffic and enhancing connectivity for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. To meet the demand, the airport has added 20 new flights, covering 14 destinations, including six new routes.

K. Syama Raju, President of FHRAI, says it is keen to collaborate with the Andhra Pradesh govt to achieve its goals mentioned in its latest Tourism Policy which recognises tourism as an industry, combined with substantial incentives for private investors and a focus on thematic circuits. He says, “With its emphasis on sustainability and community empowerment, this policy has the potential to create significant economic and employment opportunities.”

Dispelling untruths about tourism in Goa in recent times, Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Govt of Goa said, “The last week of December 2024 saw 200 daily fights. There was 21 per cent growth in tourist arrivals in 2024 over last year. Foreign tourist arrivals into Goa have shown a 3 per cent increase in 2024.”

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir said the 6.4km Z-Morh Tunnel will boost tourism at Sonamarg. The tunnel is expected to ease travelling to Kargil and Leh by road. It is anticipated that the tunnel can help develop the town into a premier winter destination, similar to Gulmarg.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand announced the state’s winter pilgrimage initiative has been extended to a year-round event. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to increase the state’s tourism for the entire 12 months instead of six months. This will allow devotees to visit Char Dham temples in all seasons.

Travel MICE and Corporate Show, held in Lucknow from 11-12 January, saw 23 exhibitors and 50 buyers in attendance. The exclusive closed-door B2B event recorded over 1,000 meetings over two days. Rajdev Bhattacharya of Wipro gave the keynote address at the event.  

To make quality travel accessible to middle- and lower-middle-class families, MB Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Karnataka launched the Mysore Sales International Limited domestic and international travel packages, making it a preferred choice for Indian families. Redefining affordable travel while upholding high service standards, it offers an 18-day tour package of North India at a cost of ₹20,000.

K Syama Raju, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29 marks a transformative step in unlocking the state’s tourism potential. By aligning infrastructure development, private investment, and workforce training with sustainability and community welfare, the policy aims to position AP as a leading player in India’s tourism industry while benefiting local communities and the hospitality sector.”

With demand still outpacing supply, Indians will continue to pay more for hotel stays and room rates, says ICRA, with the current supply pipeline lower than post-FY09. In the last two financial years, while room inventory increased by around 5%, demand grew by 8-10%. A similar trend is expected to continue in FY25 and FY26 with the pace of hotel room supply growing between 4-5% and demand increasing by 8-9 %. Although supply announcements have picked up in the last 18-24 months, it is expected to lag demand over the next few years.