Category Archives: States

Digital travel platform Agoda collaborated with the Government of Goa and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to organize a Hotel Sustainability Training for industry professionals in Goa. This two-day program brought together local hoteliers for a series of sessions led by influential industry experts, aiming to provide them with the competences and tools necessary to enhance their sustainability practices. Throughout the training, participants immersed themselves in real-world insights drawn from best-in-class sustainability practices and actual hotel case studies. Using as a checklist the GSTC Industry Criteria for hotels, attendees were empowered to assess their current performance and then set achievable short-, medium-, and long-term sustainability objectives. Krishna Rathi, Agoda Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, sharing his views on the initiative, said, “We are honored to announce our partnership with the Government of Goa and the GSTC for the inaugural session of our Hotel Sustainability Training in India. This initiative, a modest yet important step, aligns with the Goa Roadmap and ‘Travel for LiFE,’ contributing to our collective vision. Agoda is committed to fostering responsible connections between people and destinations. Embracing sustainability practices is more crucial than ever for a more sustainable future in the hospitality industry. With the right knowledge and tools, we aim to accelerate this evolution.” Suneel Anchipaka, Director of Tourism (Goa), at the opening ceremony of the training, commented, “Our government has made sustainable tourism a top priority, and this initiative by Agoda aligns seamlessly with our vision. By equipping hotel professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt sustainability practices at their properties, we can create a more responsible and resilient tourism industry in Goa. I encourage all hotel professionals to take …

Destinations looking to harness the full potential of the growing Indian market could consider tailoring their value propositions in alignment with one or more of the 5 key points that influence where travellers choose to go, as per the latest McKinsey report on India market. They must determine factors such as the attractiveness of the destination, visas, connectivity, affordability, and the overall travel experience.

Speaking at a conference of all State Tourism Secretaries, V Vidyavathi, Tourism Secretary, MOT, has urged the state governments to fast-track the completion of ongoing tourism projects funded by the Ministry, and to focus on identifying tourist destinations for development. She also discussed the implementation of G20 Goa Roadmap and Travel for LiFE program with the states for their effective implementation.

Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur has said that the government is going to announce a new filmmaking policy. “The incentive for foreign film production has been enhanced from 30% to 40%. The incentive for foreign film production in the country stands today at 40 % of the expenses incurred with an increased cap limit of Rs. 30 crore and an additional 5% percent bonus for Significant Indian Content (SIC). This step will give further impetus to India’s efforts to attract medium and big-budget international film projects to the country.”

Given the government’s focus on rural and border tourism and developing tourism infrastructure in rural areas of Ladakh, the Administration of UT of Ladakh plan to establish 10,000 homestays over the next 5 years. It has recently released its revised Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023 to strengthen its rural economy. It is drafted based on feedback from stakeholders.

V Vidyavathi, Secretary Tourism emphasized on the importance of promoting Andhra Pradesh’s tourism assets like musical, arts, crafts, and gastronomic offerings. Ministry of Tourism also aims to celebrate rich culture and shed light on lesser-known spots.     

The Kerala government said that the first-ever Tourism Investors Meet (TIM) has boosted Kerala’s travel and hospitality sector during post-Covid. The meet led to investment offers worth ₹15,116.65 crore, including an MoU with Kerala Tourism and Tamara Leisure Experiences.

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has allocated 1.5 cr for land based activities and 1cr for training with an aim to promote Tehri as paragliding capital of the world and not just India, says, Ashwin Pundir, Additional CEO (adventure), Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board”

Dusit International has signed HMA and RMA agreements with Ziogreen Private Limited to manage four properties in Karnataka. Slated to open in mid-2026, all four properties will have a ‘holistic wellness’ focus and will operate under Dusit Princess and Dusit Princess Residences.   

In tune with Workation Goa initiative, we’re coming up with SeaHubs: Co-Working Spaces on Beaches for Digital Nomads to Work while enjoying the Sun, Sand & Sea in addition to Homestays equipped with Connectivity for the Digital Nomads who want to Work while enjoying the beauty of our Hinterlands.