Category Archives: States

Raja Vaqoob Farooq, Director, Tourism, Kashmir revealed that Union Ministry of Tourism is in dialogue with Ministry of Home Affairs on allowing satellite phones for trekkers in no-network zones in the Kashmir valley. Farooq said trekking is an important part of the valley’s tourism and the department has identified 75 new tracks.

The 125-key hotel will be a standout addition to IHG’s portfolio and strengthen presence in key spiritual destinations in India.  IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement to develop a Holiday Inn Express hotel in the city of Ayodhya. Scheduled to open by mid-2028, the signing aligns with IHG’s strategic focus on expanding its presence in high-growth markets in India, including key spiritual destinations that are attracting large volume of travelers. With over 3,100 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s largest and fastest-growing hotel brand. Renowned for its accessible, comfortable accommodations and streamlined services, the brand is a preferred choice for travelers seeking rest, recharge, and productivity. Once open, Holiday Inn Express Ayodhya will embody these core principles, catering to both spiritual, leisure and MICE travelers. Ayodhya rose to prominence as India’s most visited tourist place in 2024, with over 110 million visitors in first half of 2024. Strategically located in close proximity to the airport and just minutes from both the main temple complex and the Railway Station, Holiday Inn Express Ayodhya will be easily accessible, making it an ideal choice for travellers. The hotel will feature 125 well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining, a fitness centre, business center, parking space, laundry room and a spacious meeting room. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “We are thrilled to announce the signing of Holiday Inn Express Ayodhya. Ayodhya has become one of India’s most preferred tourist destinations in 2024. With Holiday Inn Express Ayodhya’s strategic location, the hotel will benefit predominantly from spiritual tourism year-round. The hotel is poised to offer …

PS Dhami, CM, Uttarakhand said that all possible efforts are being made in security, management and promotions by the Uttarakhand government to promote winter tourism and pilgrimage sites of the state. The preparations for the Char Dham Yatra 2025 have also started so that the pilgrims do not face any difficulty, he shared.

Highlighting various developmental initiatives at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in Delhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communication, Govt. of India, said, “Northeast India is witnessing remarkable growth through improved connectivity, including advancements in airports, road infrastructure, and investment in infrastructure.”

Speaking at the 16th ATOAI Annual Convention, Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh, revealed that two major trekking routes are being planned by the central government. The third initiative, the Trans-Himalayan Trekking Trail, will be launched as well for adventure enthusiasts. He said, “These initiatives will provide opportunities for the local communities to showcase their culture and hospitality.”

Jungle Camps has set the stage for IPO, aims to raise ₹29.42 crores fund to be utilised for strategic expansion plans and upcoming four properties across India, namely Sanjay Dubri National Park, Sheopur Fort, Kukru Jungle Camp near Melghat Tiger Reserve, and 4-star hotel in Mathura. They are going to offer special schemes to travel agents bringing around 1000 room nights to the upcoming properties, while their current offerings include US$130-US$200 rates depending on rooms per night to inbound travel agents for their existing properties.

At its 16th annual convention, ATOAI launched the Roadmap & Toolkit for Arunachal Pradesh, positioning it as a model for sustainable adventure tourism. Aimed at enhancing its identity as the “Last Shangri-La,” the initiative integrates ecological, cultural, and technological advancements, promising a balanced approach to promote pristine experiences while preserving local heritage.

Speaking at UP Tourism’s ‘Mahakumbh 2025 Prelude’ event, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “We see the Mahakumbh as an opportunity for cultural exchange.” He invited global tourists to experience world’s largest spiritual gathering, scheduled to be held from 14 January-26 February 2025 in Prayagraj.

PA Mohamed Riyas, Tourism Minister, Kerala, said, “The govt plans to introduce a new policy to enhance the tourism sector by making it more women-friendly & safest global destination.” An audit report has been prepared on the prevaling women-friendly environment & is being presented at the Global Women Conference.

As Uttar Pradesh is set to promote Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 domestically and globally, a senior official informed that the budget for Kumbh has jumped 78 per cent from 4,200 crore in 2019 to ₹7,500 crore in 2025. More than 380 development projects have been launched along with infra boost and other tourism projects.