Category Archives: States

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.

The Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region has announced an inter-ministerial Tourism Task Force that has been set to develop one world-class tourism site per North East state to attract global visitors. The task force will also work towards establishing GI status for 200 unique products in the NE region and foster cultural identity and brand recognition. Tourism sites for development in each state have been identified and shared with the respective states, however, the state shall be taking a final decision on the way forward.

Sharing an update from the Ministry of Tourism, Dr Sagnik Chowdhury, Deputy Director General & Regional Director (West & Central India) at Ministry of Tourism, said “We plan to document GI tagged products all across India. In the western region we will focus on Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and the UT of Daman & Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli. We will document, photograph and develop literature on all GI tagged products in this region. They are an indicator of our heritage and culture and will help attract tourism.”

The Government of Odisha has launched a luxury cruise service on the Chilika Lake at Barkul in Khurda district. Deputy CM of Odisha Pravati Parida says, “Tourists can relish the beauty of Kalijai Island and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary while travelling on the luxury cruises at Chilika, which will undoubtedly boost tourism in the state. Commissioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the service has begun with two luxury vessels.