Category Archives: States

Emphasising the importance of timely and structured stakeholder engagements, particularly in light of national and regional developments, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, says, “The meeting not only addressed current concerns, but also about building long-term resilience. We are moving from mere policy reviews to dynamic recalibrations that are responsive to ground realities. Goa’s strength lies in its people—every Goan is a stakeholder, an influencer, and a tourism ambassador.”

IATO team led by Ravi Gosain, President met Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister of Odisha, to invite her for the 40th IATO Annual Convention scheduled to be held from 22nd to 25th August 2025 at Swosti Premium Spa & Resorts, Puri. Odisha. IATO delegation included Sanjay Razdan – Vice President, Rajiv Mehra – Immediate Past President, J.K. Mohanty – Chairman, IATO Eastern Region and Gagan Sarangi – Chairman, IATO Odisha Chapter and met the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister. Gosain informed that the Deputy Chief Minister gave her consent to join for the convention and assured her full support and also from the Directorate of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha and OTDC. She also mentioned that special arrangements with seamless entry will be made for the IATO delegates to visit Lord Jagannath Temple and beautification of Puri Beach during the convention. She also agreed to our request to host IATO Delegates at Odisha Tourism Development Corporation properties for the post- convention tours. After the meeting, IATO delegation met Mansi Nimbhal, Director (Tourism), Govt. of Odisha to invite for the convention and to seek her support, who assured her full support for the convention. With the support from Odisha Tourism, the 40th IATO Annual Convention is going to be held from 22nd to 25th August 2025 in Puri, Odisha. Odisha is the host state of the convention and besides the host state, we expect Ministry of Tourism and Government of India and 15-18 states presence in the convention. Swosti Premium Beach Resort, Puri will be the venue hotel and all the activities on all the three days i.e. registration for the convention, inaugural function, business sessions and evening programme will …

The government has decided to lift the Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for several airports across north and north-western India that had been temporarily closed for civilian flights till May 15. Airport Authority of India revoked the suspension, which had led to numerous flight cancellations. The decision was taken post India-Pakistan ceasefire.

Hyatt has signed a management agreement with Krivish Hospitality for the development of Grand Hyatt Indore, which is set to open in 2029. This 11.5-acre luxury property is poised to redefine hospitality standards in Indore, a rapidly growing economic hub of Madhya Pradesh. The hotel will feature 250 opulent rooms and suites catering to both business and leisure travellers.

Outlining his vision to expand the association’s global footprint by forging partnerships with international tourism boards and organisations, Ravi Gosain, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), said, “We want IATO to grow into a truly international organisation. Whenever anyone is looking to do business with India, they should consider our members as their first choice.”

HVS Anarock, in its latest report, revealed that occupancy growth trends in March 2025 showed a mixed pattern across key Indian markets, with Bengaluru, Chennai, and Gurugram emerging as the top gainers in year-on-year growth.  

Amruda Nair, Founder and Director, Araiya Hotels & Resorts, said, “India’s hotel industry is currently experiencing robust growth with increased disposable income and infrastructure development. The industry is expanding into tier II and III cities, with big players revisiting their strategy to capture the market. The sector is poised to grow at a faster rate than the economy.”

Amid the India-Pakistan tensions, to restore confidence and trust in tourism once again, MP Bezbaurah, Secretary General, HAI, suggested that for tourism to flourish in future as an instrument creating employment for the people and wealth for the country, trust and confidence needed to be restored in the law enforcing agencies to provide safety and security.

Chairing a meeting, PA Mohamed Riyas, Tourism Minister, Kerala decided to complete around 100 tourism projects at the initiative of the Tourism Dept this year. He directed the officials to complete the current projects in a systematic and timely manner. Discussions were held on the ongoing projects and those in the pipeline.

To support tourists stranded due to the ongoing disruption of flights from Ladakh, the All Ladakh Hotel & Guest House Association has decided to provide complimentary stays to guests at the hotels where they have been staying. It calls upon its member hotels and guest houses to support the measure.