Category Archives: States

Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas informed that Kerala attracted 1,06,83,643 visitors from within the country in the first six months of this calendar year as compared to 88,95,593 in the corresponding period last year, clocking a robust 20.1 per cent increase, setting a record in domestic tourist footfall.

In a remarkable initiative, the Tourist Transporter Association of Assam (TTAA) orchestrated a transformative training program for over 150 dedicated drivers on September 3rd, 2023, at the prestigious New Art Players Auditorium in Guwahati. This event not only brought drivers together but also enriched them with valuable insights to enhance the tourist experience in Assam. The training program featured four highly accomplished resource persons who left an indelible mark on the attendees. Arijit Purkayastha, Chapter Chairman of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) Northeast, graced the stage with a captivating PowerPoint presentation. His session illuminated innovative ways to showcase Assam’s lesser-known tourism gems to visitors, setting the tone for an inspiring day. Nirmalya Choudhury, Chairman – Northeast Chapter, IATO, took the floor to motivate drivers on handling foreign tourists in the Northeast. He delved into the challenges they might face and delineated their duties and responsibilities, offering practical solutions to enhance their professionalism. Kundal Roy, the General Secretary of the Tour Operator Association of Assam (TOAA), shared motivational, experience-based stories. His anecdotes resonated deeply with the drivers, inspiring them to strive for excellence in their roles. MVI Jaysing Rongphar brought a crucial aspect to the forefront by providing a comprehensive road safety training session. He emphasized the critical message of not drinking and driving, urging drivers to adhere to the “pancha sutra” to prevent accidents. His words left a lasting impact, instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness among the attendees. The training program featured four highly accomplished resource persons who left an indelible mark on the attendees. Arijit Purkayastha, Chapter Chairman of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) Northeast, graced the stage with …

Tourists are flocking in droves to the hill resort of Munnar to spend the Onam holidays. All rooms in resorts, homestays, and hotels in Munnar have been fully booked by tourists till September 3. All prominent resorts to host elaborate feasts.

K Ramachandran, Minister of Tourism dept, Tamil Nadu govt, after inspecting Mullakadu beach said that the tourism dept has planned to revamp the beach into a tourist spot having water sport facilities at a cost of Rs1.7 cr.

“Punjab government to boost tourism, create opportunities for both inbound and domestic tourists, in order to elevate the state’s reputation with business-friendly policies and captivating attractions,” said Anmol Gagan Mann, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.      

UP tourism is offering substantial discounts on stamp fees for property leasing and registry. Investment of ₹500 cr in a five-star hotel will lead to rebates of upto ₹40 cr. Also, special incentives are being provided for hiring female staff and substantial number of employees.

Referring to MOT’s recent partnership with MakeMyTrip in which the OTA will showcase India’s 600-plus offbeat destinations via a microsite, Union Minister of Tourism Kishan Reddy, said, “We welcome MakeMyTrip’s initiative to present India’s diverse destinations and to promote domestic tourism. We invite more such initiatives to realise our collective dream of showcasing our country to the world.”

The Ministry of Tourism has selected Lakshadweep for a holistic mission to be developed as a sustainable and responsible destination under its Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. Meanwhile, the Lakshadweep administration is planning to develop eco-tourism projects in 11 islands in public-private partnership, according to federal policy think tank NITI Aayog which has sought proposals from consultants.

While airlines are beginning to operate international flights to and from Manohar International Airport (MIA), foreign travellers have been in for a rude shock on their arrival to learn that eVisa facilities are not available at MIA. According to the authorised portal for Visa Application to India, Goa has been included in the list of 29 designated international airports, through which eVisa holders can travel. However, it has not been clearly specified in the portal that only the Dabolim International Airport is an authorised immigration checkpost through which eVisa holders can travel.

More than 40 exhibitors will meet over 600 pre-registered buyers over two day at the ongoing Global Panorama Showcase in Ahmedabad that will conclude today. Sharing these numbers, Harmandeep Singh Anand, MD, GPS, says, “Apart from B2B meetings, We also had interesting  sessions on cyber security, charters, TCS , GST and partners presenting various revenue and ancillary opportunities.”