Category Archives: States

Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary, FAITH, emphasised that the upcoming FAITH Conclave will spotlight the need for unified policies, improved infrastructure and global marketing to boost India’s inbound tourism. Addressing issues like visa bottlenecks, taxation, and destination readiness, the event, which is slated to to held on 12 – 13 August in Delhi, will focus on collaboration, sustainability, digital transformation, and skilling to position tourism as a national economic driver.

From August 30, all tourists visiting Mussoorie must register on a portal launched by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department during check-in from 30 August. Hotels, homestays, and guest houses must first register themselves and then their guests. Brijendra Pandey, District Tourism Officer, stated that the initiative aims to control overcrowding, ease traffic and provide real-time tourist footfall data in the hill town and hoteliers and owners of similar facilities have been asked to comply with the new rule.

Manoj Samuel, CEO & Director, Riya Travel, noted that inbound tourism remains slow and infrastructure gaps persist. He highlighted Mumbai’s potential with its new airport and emphasised the need for improvement. “We are actively boosting trade engagement through roadshows and joint promotions, targeting not just tier I cities but tier II and III markets as well”, he said.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, informed Rajya Sabha that the MOT extends financial assistance to approved tourism service providers (TSPs) under the MDA Scheme for overseas tourism promotion. However, no aid was granted to the states or UTs in the past three years. The scheme is currently under review to align with the industry’s evolving needs.

At the 12th Travel MICE and Corporate Show, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, emphasised that sustainability in hospitality boosts satisfaction, attracts ESG-focused investors, and drives higher bookings. Eco-certifications, now favoured by OTAs, enhance revenue and brand loyalty, making sustainability not a cost, but a smart, long-term investment for hotels.

The Andaman and Nicobar administration has decided to build 5-star resorts at five locations, including the uninhabited Aves Island, which will be opened for tourism for the first time. The other four eco-tourism properties will come up at Neil Island, Megapode Resort in Port Blair, Long Island and Smith Island.

Speaking at a Heritage Tourism Conclave in New Delhi, Rajender Kumar, Secretary – Tourism, Civil Aviation, Devasthanam Management & Pilgrimage, Government of Gujarat, outlined the state’s proactive vision for inclusive heritage tourism, stating, “We are not only restoring monuments but also ensuring direct benefits to local communities through jobs, infrastructure, and cultural pride.”

Royal Orchid Hotels  (ROHL) has announced the grand launch of Regenta Resort Tropical Villages in Mysore – a first-of-its-kind experiential resort that blends cultural immersion with mindful hospitality. With this launch, ROHL now operates a total of five hotels in Mysore, reinforcing its commitment to the city’s tourism and hospitality growth. Nestled in a serene, natural setting, the property marks a significant addition to ROHL’s expanding portfolio of experiential resorts and aligns with its asset-light growth strategy. Regenta Resort Tropical Villages offers an immersive experience designed around global villages themes, celebrating the richness of cultures and lifestyles from across the seven continents. The resort features 35 uniquely themed cottages, each inspired by distinct architectural and cultural elements from different parts of the world. Additionally, the special accommodation block, Mangala Kutira, houses 12 rooms inspired by India’s Pancha Bhootas and Pancha Tattva, offering guests a deep dive into the country’s ancient heritage and elemental philosophy. Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to launch Regenta Resort Tropical Villages in Mysore, a city that has always held a special place for us. With this launch, we are bringing to life a truly distinctive resort experience that goes beyond leisure and hospitality, it’s a celebration of cultural diversity, wellness, and sustainability. The resort embodies our brand’s commitment to offering enriching and mindful travel experiences, and we’re confident that it will redefine the experiential stay category in India.”

IHCL join hands with Ambuja Neotia group to open 15 new hotels, expanding its presence in emerging destinations across East and North East India. This significant expansion, based on a capital-light model, will push the number of collaborative projects between IHCL and Ambuja Neotia to more than 40 hotels.

In a move aimed at enhancing the quality and outreach of hospitality training in India, THSC signed an MoU with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School in Delhi. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering India’s youth through structured, industry-aligned skilling programs, with a focus on inclusivity, employability, and excellence in hospitality education.