Category Archives: States

The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu is now trying to promote a little-known destination in the UT called Kishtwar. Rupinder Brar, Additional DG, MoT, said that Kishtwar is blessed with beautiful geaography and rich culture, and has immense potential with regard to several types of tourism, ranging from nature to ethnic tourism. She said, “We need to work with the local administration and develop connectivity to the destination, hospitality units workforce quality and marketing strategy for Kishtwar. We are planning roadshows and other promo activities to promote the region extensively.”

Cabinet Minister for Tourism & Culture, G Kishan Reddy, recently met with Alok Ranjan, Minister of Art Culture & Youth Department, Government of Bihar, to discuss the several initiatives undertaken by the state for the promotion of its culture and heritage. As part of the continued efforts, Bihar Museum is also all set to open its largest gallery for visitors from September.

Robert Romawia Royte, Minister of State for Tourism, Sports & Youth Affairs (I/C), Mizoram, has said, “Northeast states are rich in diversity. We can promote eco-tourism and nature-based tourism here,” adding that there needs to be a circuit among the northeastern states so that by collaborating with each other, the Northeast may become a potential emerging region in the tourism sector.

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, has shared that the goal with the MICE tourism strategy would be to increase the number of MICE events that take place in the country. We see that we have a very small percentage of the global MICE market, and that a large number of Indian groups and Indian MICE events are held abroad as people like to Southeast Asia, Middle East or Maldives to hold MICE events. Hence, the short terms strategy would be to attract some of them because of the restrictions on travel, and if they are doing any MICE events, to encourage them to hold them at many places in India, instead of going to neighbouring countries.”

The Maharashtra government has approved the state’s new adventure tourism policy which covers around 25 adventure activities. The policy will cover the promotion of adventure activities as well as registration, regulation, monitoring, planning, promotion, training etc. of various adventure event organisers and adventure training organisations. Organizers will be given a temporary registration certificate from the Directorate of Tourism (DoT) and a final registration certificate after obtaining all the required equipment details and qualifications. Under this policy, the organisers of adventure activities will gain several benefits like refund of SGST, discount in stamp duty and power charges.

Applauding the progress of the work of Jewar Airport, Yogi Adityanath, CM, Uttar Pradesh, has said that the airport would not only prove to be a milestone in the development of Uttar Pradesh, but would also give a new dimension to  make air connectivity universal and world class in the country. “Jewar Airport is a great medium for us to pursue the future prospects, which will help in making Uttar Pradesh a one trillion economy,” he added. He further informed that the work on Kushinagar International Airport had been almost completed may start  international flights anytime.

G Kishan Reddy, Cabinet Minister, Tourism & Culture, met with ML Khattar, CM, Haryana, where they discussed several matters pertaining to the overall development of tourism in the state & propagation of its cultural heritage. Also, he met Oinam Lukhoi Singh, Minister of Tourism, Manipur, and deliberated on key issues in improving tourism in the state of Manipur.

In a bid to promote adventure tourism, the Maharashtra government approved the state’s new adventure tourism policy. The policy will channelize adventure tourism on land, air and water. Around 25 different adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, water rappelling, river rafting, biking, rock climbing, scuba diving etc. will be covered in the policy.  The policy will cover the promotion of adventure activities as well as registration, regulation, monitoring, planning, promotion, training etc. of various adventure event organisers and adventure training organizations. State Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray shared, “Safety being the priority, adventure tourism organizers will need to be vigilant as per the provisions mentioned in the policy regarding the safety of tourists. Norms for trained and experienced trainers, quality, and standardized equipment will be laid down. State level committees and divisional level committees will be constituted for effective implementation of adventure tourism policy. These committees will consist of experts in land, air and water tourism.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the much-awaited Rudraksh convention centre at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. In a tweet, the PM said, “I am delighted to be inaugurating the Rudraksh convention centre in Varanasi. Constructed with Japanese assistance, this state-of-the-art centre will make Varanasi an attractive destination for conferences thus drawing more tourists and businesspersons to the city.”

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Usha Padhee, recently met with Office of the Lt. Governor in Leh, Ladakh to discuss and seek his guidance on various air connectivity issues. Secretary Civil Aviation, Ladakh Saugat Biswas and officials from AAI and SpiceJet were also present. She also visited Kargil. The meeting was to discuss flight operations in Kargil. Approval from DGCA for air operations, assessment for land, infrastructure, etc and the prospect of acquiring aircrafts on lease for both civil and commercial purposes was also discussed.