Category Archives: States

In a move that could transform Arunachal Pradesh into a sought-after eco-cultural destination, the state government has proposed branding it as the Orchid Capital of India. Home to more than 600 species of orchids, the state boasts the highest diversity of these flowers in India. If rebranded as the Orchid Capital of the country, the state could attract tourists, nature lovers, and botanists to its pristine landscapes, giving a major boost to its tourism industry.

GRT Hotels & Resorts is set to launch the GRT Agents Circle, a relationship-driven program for travel agents. Going beyond rewards, it offers exclusive rates, priority support, complimentary upgrades, and surprise perks for clients. “Our agents are an extension of our brand family,” said Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts.

Rohan A. Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa, urged the Centre to extend the visa-on-arrival facilities at both Dabolim and Manohar International Airports, highlighting the state’s rising status as a global tourism hotspot. Speaking at the Legislative Assembly, he said the issue has been raised with the Union Civil Aviation Minister and will soon be taken up with the Home Minister.

Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, said, “We are set to launch new clubs in Srinagar, Guwahati, Andaman & Nicobar, Calicut, and Pondicherry before the Skål India Congress, slated to happen from 12–14 September in Mumbai. He said the larger goal of expanding to 25 clubs and 2,500 members by 2026, reflecting Skål’s growing influence in India’s tourism network.

The Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Maharashtra Chapter, successfully concluded its study tour to Goa from 14th to 16th July 2025, showcasing Goa’s diverse offerings for domestic tourism, leisure travel, and MICE potential. Led by Dharmendra Singh Chauhan, Chairman – ADTOI Maharashtra Chapter, the three-day tour brought together active members and key industry stakeholders for an immersive experience across some of Goa’s most notable hospitality and tourism assets. The delegation was hosted for two nights by Ginger Candolim – IHCL SeleQtions, who also organised a property showcase and networking lunch on 15th July morning. The event was graced by Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager – Hotels, Marketing, IT & Public Relations, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (GTDC), who lauded the efforts of ADTOI in building strong linkages between regional tourism stakeholders and travel professionals. The itinerary featured interactive visits to: Mandrem Beach Resort – where the group was hosted for high tea and a property walkthrough Neelam De Glitz – which offered lunch and a comprehensive hotel orientation Aralia Beach Resort, Morjim – the setting for a gala dinner evening Jumping Heights, Goa – offering a thrilling insight into Goa’s adventure tourism landscape Snow Park & Thunder World – offered us A unique experience of such type of activities first time in Goa These experiences were designed to deepen the understanding of Goa’s evolving hospitality and tourism ecosystem, encourage partnerships, and boost confidence among travel trade professionals to position Goa as a year-round destination. “It was a wonderful and enriching experience for all involved,” said one participant. “The hospitality, local experiences, and opportunities to connect with Goa’s top tourism players have been truly valuable.”

‘Fairmont Udaipur Palace’ has thrown open in Udaipur. Speaking on this, Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles & Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, said, “This new palace reflects Fairmont’s commitment to honouring the spirit of each location we enter, blending global luxury with deep local resonance. We are proud to bring the Fairmont experience to Udaipur and to be part of the city’s enduring legacy as a jewel in India’s cultural crown.”  

Himachal Pradesh government has banned adventure activities in the state for two months, from July 15 to September 15, due to monsoon. The Tourism Department will take action in case of a violation, which could lead to the cancellation of the operator’s license and confiscation of materials used in the activities. A letter has also been sent to the sub-divisional officers by the department in this regard, so that all areas can be monitored.

Meghalaya has kicked off a ₹1,087 crore development wave, placing tourism and MICE infrastructure front and centre. Laying the foundation in Shillong, Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, GoI, said, “I appreciate Meghalaya’s efforts as the funds are being fully utilised.” Projects include the ₹120.8 crore redevelopment of Umiam Lake into a world-class eco-tourism hub and ₹103 crore for MICE infrastructure at Mawkhanu. The initiatives are expected to attract 1.27 lakh tourists annually and generate nearly 4,000 jobs.

MP Bezbaruah, General Secretary, Hotel Association of India (HAI), highlighted India’s tourism infrastructure gap, citing a need for 4 lakh branded rooms and 2.8 million non-branded units. He urged the government to develop a long-term, capital-intensive accommodation policy looking ahead to 2047. He emphasised that while the industry will build it, policy support is crucial for encouragement and growth.

The 12th edition of the Travel M!CE & Corporate Show will take place on 2–3 August in Chennai. As an exclusive, invite-only B2B platform, it will feature 40 leading corporate buyers engaging in pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings with handpicked exhibitors. The event fosters high-value networking and business opportunities in a focused, closed-door setting.