Category Archives: States

A Platform to Showcase Karnataka’s Hidden Gems The Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS) successfully hosted the second edition of its Destination Showcase Event in Bengaluru on 1st October 2024, focusing on the attractions of North and Coastal Karnataka. Following the success of the inaugural showcase on Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur in March, this event received an overwhelming response from industry stakeholders. The event was inaugurated by Srinivasulu, (IFS), Commissioner, Department of AYUSH, Government of Karnataka. Key dignitaries present included K Syamaraju, President, KTS and newly elected President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), along with other KTS executive committee members. Dr. K.V Rajendra, (IAS), Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, visited the event and engaged with stakeholders, discussing marketing efforts and the effectiveness of the showcase. The showcase was supported by several government bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Department of AYUSH, Government of Karnataka, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Jungle Lodges & Resorts and Mysore Sales International. This initiative highlighted the unique tourist destinations of North and Coastal Karnataka, emphasising its rich cultural heritage, tranquil beaches, and vibrant local arts. K Syamaraju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society, said “This initiative, a collaboration between KTS and various tourism bodies, provides a unique opportunity for travel agents, tour operators, and hospitality professionals to discover the hidden gems of North and Coastal Karnataka. By bringing together industry leaders and showcasing the region’s unique attractions, this event aims to unlock the full potential of these areas and foster sustainable growth.” The event featured over 150 participants, including travel agents and industry professionals, who engaged in networking and business-to-business (B2B) meetings. The showcase brought …

The Ministry of Tourism released key statistics recently that stated that over 15 million Indian nationals visited foreign countries in the first half of 2024, compared to over 13.2 million in January-June, 2023. Delhi was the biggest port of departure for Indian nationals, accounting for 24.35 per cent of the traffic. Mumbai was second in the list with 20.09 per cent of the departures. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, United States, Thailand, and Singapore were the five biggest destinations for Indian nationals.  

On 27th September 2024, Tourism Department Kargil in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil celebrated World Tourism Day 2024, on the theme “Tourism and Peace” in the seminar hall of GDC Kargil. The team of UTDRF, Fire and Emergency Services and Tourism Department displayed various equipments related to adventure tourism and search and rescue during the program and; large number of students were oriented of adventure tourism and firefighting techniques.   Aga Sayed Mujtaba Musavi, Executive Councillor was the chief guest of this event. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal, Government Degree College;  Prof. Nazir Shabani, Commerce Department, Government Degree College, Kargil; Rehmatullah, Assistant Director Tourism; Haji Zaheer Bagh, General Secretary, AKTA; Muzammil Munshi, Root Ladakh; Goba Ali, Thang Turtuk and Er. Raveesh Sharma, Assistant Professor Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil made deliberation on tourism in Ladakh in special reference to Kargil tourism during panel discussion. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal Government Degree College, Kargil stressed on the issue of unemployment related to tourism and hospitality industry and asked the AKTA General Secretary, Haji Zaheer Bagh if he can provide internship as well as on the job training and jobs for the students of tourism and hospitality industry. On this special occasion the Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil made the official announcement for the registration of college with Yuva Tourism Club, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. All the dignitaries, guests, faculty member and students were also present during the official announcement of the Yuva Tourism Club in the seminar hall of the GDC Kargil.

Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Indian Travel & Tours Association (MITTA), announced the successful culmination of its extensive roadshow. Following successful events in Trivandrum on 23 September, Calicut on 25 September, and Bhubaneswar on 27 September, the roadshow concluded in Guwahati on 30 September. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Indian travel market and promoting its diverse tourism offerings. The roadshow aims to foster deeper connections with travel agents and highlight Malaysia’s appeal as a premier travel destination. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia Delhi, emphasised the importance of this event, stating, “Our roadshow is a strategic move to engage directly with Indian travel agents. We are eager to showcase Malaysia’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and exceptional hospitality, ensuring that travel agents have the latest information to offer their clients.” A key feature of the roadshow will be the participation of 25 prominent Malaysian hoteliers and travel agents. These industry representatives will engage in one-on-one business meetings with their Indian counterparts, fostering collaborations and exploring new opportunities. The initiative also serves as a prelude to the much-anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to position Malaysia as a top global travel destination. Noriah Jaafar, Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai, commented, “With direct flight connections from major Indian cities, including the recently resumed service by Air India after a 16-year hiatus, Malaysia is more accessible than ever. Our roadshow is designed to highlight the ease of travel and the multitude of experiences Malaysia offers to all types of travellers.” The diverse tourism offerings in Malaysia cater to a wide range of interests and demographics. Whether it is a family vacation, a romantic honeymoon, …

Speaking at KTM, PA Mohamed Riyas, Tourism Minister, Kerala, said, “Kerala has for long been celebrated as a favourite holiday destination worldwide. We now seek to emerge as the leading choice for MICE, along with destination weddings. The state has potential to emerge as South Asia’s hub in both segments.”

CGH Earth, a pioneer in responsible tourism in India for the last four decades, is proud to announce the launch of CGH Earth Saha, an exclusive collection of handpicked escapes across India. Known for creating unique experiences that captivate guests and foster a deep connection with nature, local traditions, and communities, CGH Earth is expanding its portfolio with intimate and private getaways that embody the essence of togetherness and personalised luxury. In Sanskrit, ‘Saha’ means all together. The concept behind CGH Earth Saha is rooted in the idea of togetherness. Nestled in stunning locations across India, CGH Earth Saha features a diverse range of unique holiday options. Depending on the property, guests can reserve an entire villa or bungalow or opt for individual rooms, providing flexibility for larger groups or couples seeking a serene retreat. Commenting on adding CGH Earth Saha to the brand’s selective portfolio, Michael Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth, stated, “The growing trend toward smaller, more personalized spaces for family holidays inspired the creation of CGH Earth Saha. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of providing intimate, meaningful holiday experiences while remaining true to our core values. CGH Earth Saha is a testament to our commitment to delivering authentic experiences intertwined with environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each property embodies the local ethos, offering guests a deeply immersive experience that connects them with the land, its people, and its rich cultural heritage.” He further added, “Every moment at CGH Earth Saha is thoughtfully crafted to create cherished memories with loved ones in settings that honour both local traditions and the natural world. Having long offered Chittoor Kottaram and Beach Gate Bungalows as part of the villas …

Booking.com’s latest study on the evolving travel trends among Indian travellers reveals a fascinating connection between popular movies, TV shows and social media with travel inspirations. 44% of Indians turn to their favourite films and series for travel ideas. Whether it’s indulging in a dish featured in a popular show or visiting iconic landmarks made famous on screen, the influence is undeniable. With the significant role of social media in shaping travel choices, 66% of Indian travellers are using platforms like Instagram and Facebook to find their next adventure. The journey from inspiration to reality is becoming more seamless and personalised.

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 …