Category Archives: States

Speaking at the Oman roadshow ‘Focus Oman’ in Jaipur, Yousuf Khalaf Al Mujaizi, Assistant Director, Business Development Department, Ministry of Heritage & Tourism, Oman, said, “India is a vital source market for us. In 2024, we welcomed 623,623 arrivals from India and look forward to building this momentum. We are investing in multi-channel campaigns targeting luxury travel, weddings, MICE and adventure tourism.”

IHCL has launched its new property ‘Gateway Goa’ in Palolem. This opening marks IHCL’s 250th operating hotel. It offers guests an immersive experience rooted in the local culture and heritage. The launch strengthens the brand’s presence in the segment with its entry in India’s top leisure destination.

According to a new report released by Capitalmind PMS, India’s tourism sector is witnessing a rapid growth surge, with projections indicating the industry will generate over ₹5,12,356 crore ($59 billion) by 2028. Rising incomes, infrastructure upgrades and booming domestic and international travel are driving this expansion.

Shillong has become the most-searched travel destination in India, according to the latest Travel Trends Report 2025 of Skyscanner. The city has left behind Goa and Manali in the race. 

TravelBullz marks its 15th anniversary with a three-city roadshow across India, starting in Kolkata on 18 August, followed by Ludhiana and Delhi on 20 and 22 August, respectively. The event features over 30 Thai hotels and activity partners, highlighting the company’s strong industry ties and expanding network.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, is hosting the ‘Focus Oman’ B2B event in Jaipur from 18–21 August. Featuring 25 Omani stakeholders and more than 150 Indian trade partners, the event spotlights Oman’s positioning as a premier luxury short-haul destination for Indian travellers.

Brigade Hotel Ventures signed a multi-deal agreement with Marriott International to develop six properties (940 rooms) across four key markets in India. This significant portfolio expansion will have Courtyard by Marriott Chennai World Trade Center, Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru International Airport, Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Brigade Valencia, The Ritz-Carlton Vaikom Island, Kerala, JW Marriott Chennai OMR, and the Thiruvananthapuram Marriott Hotel World Trade Center.

S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, GoI, said eco-tourism, homestays and adventure travel are India’s competitive tourism strengths. He urged travel companies to integrate these offerings into itineraries, citing their role in delivering authenticity, sustainability and supporting major events for domestic and global travellers.

The Department of Tourism has launched its Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme at the hands of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Rohan A Khaunte; Hon’ble MLA Bicholim and Chairman of Infotech Corporation of Goa Ltd., Shri Chandrakant Shetye; Hon’ble MLA Mayem, Shri Premendra Shet; Secretary Tourism, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS; Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; and Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar at the PAC Hall, Secretariat, Porvorim. The launch aimed at promoting community-driven tourism, rural livelihoods, and experiential travel in Goa. The initiative is part of the state’s larger vision to diversify its tourism offerings beyond beaches and strengthen Goa’s positioning as a model for Regenerative Tourism in India. What was earlier conceptualized as a policy has now been reframed and strengthened as a scheme. The revised scheme offers a combination of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, simplified registration processes, and quality classifications, making it easier and more rewarding for local residents to operate homestays in rural areas of the state, paving the way for boosting Rural and Hinterland Tourism in Goa. This scheme also holds the power to foster women and youth entrepreneurship, encouraging self-reliance while preserving our unique Goan heritage. Under the scheme, eligible establishments located in the talukas of Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem will receive a one-time grant of ₹2,00,000, along with access to marketing support, training, listing on Goa Tourism platforms, and subsidized participation in domestic trade fairs. The scheme will remain valid for five years and may be extended further by the Department. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated “The Homestay Scheme has been launched with a renewed focus on promoting the …

Announcing the ₹5,600 crore SPREAD project, Omar Abdullah, CM, J&K at the FAITH Conclave said, “We will develop nine new greenfield destinations.” With World Bank support, the plan includes modern facilities, connectivity and sustainable resorts, aiming to reshape the tourist map in Jammu and Kashmir and attract investment in diversified tourism offerings.