Category Archives: States

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.

With ₹812 crore budget being sanctioned in the Union Budget for tourism budget in Odisha, Pravati Parida, Dy. CM & Tourism Minister, Odisha has said that they want to develop Odisha as a hub for sustainable tourism. “We are planning eco-friendly stays and eco-tourism projects in Bhitarkanika, Deomali, Similipal, and Konark,” she revealed.

With a strategic intent to capitalise on the strong and growing demand from Kolkata, Thomas Cook (India) with its own store in the city. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India), said, “Kolkata is an important source market for us. The top traveller segments include multi-generational families, couples, millennials and GenZ, as well as GenS (seniors).”

The Iran Tourism Board announced the successful conclusion of its dynamic three-city roadshow in India, aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage and diverse travel experiences of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The roadshow began in Mumbai on 10th September, continued in Hyderabad on 12th September, and concluded on 13th September in New Delhi. The roadshow featured distinguished dignitaries from Iran, including Aliasghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi, Deputy of Tourism, Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Ministry; Moslem Shojaee, Director General, International Tourism Promotion; H.E. Mofidifar, Acting Consul General, Islamic Republic of Iran; and H.E. Rahul Narwekar, Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Mumbai. Strengthening Tourism Ties Between India and Iran The primary aim of this roadshow was to foster stronger tourism ties between India and Iran. By engaging directly with Indian travel agents and tourism professionals, the Iran Tourism Board sought to build robust business relationships and promote Iran as a premier travel destination. The initiative featured 11 Iranian hoteliers and travel agents who explored business opportunities and presented a variety of tourism packages to their Indian counterparts. Collaborations with key organisations such as MTOA, TAAI, TAFI, and IATO were also part of the strategy to enhance Iran’s visibility among their members. Aliasghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi remarked, “We are thrilled to present the beauty and historical richness of Iran to the Indian market. This roadshow has provided a unique platform to share Iran’s cultural tapestry, including our historic landmarks and renowned hospitality. We look forward to deepening our partnerships with Indian travel agents and encouraging more Indian travellers to explore the wonders of Iran.” H.E. Mofidifar, Acting Consul General, Islamic Republic of Iran to Mumbai, delivered an inspiring keynote address. He passionately spoke about …