Category Archives: States

Andhra Pradesh is accelerating tourism growth through strong public-private partnerships, said Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography. The state has granted industry status to tourism and is finalising a new policy focused on inclusive development. The upcoming policy aims to create a favourable environment for investors, boost employment opportunities, and ensure active community participation in tourism initiatives.

Air India Express expands its network, adding Nagpur to its route map with twice-daily flights to Bengaluru, starting 1 December, alongside the introduction of new international services to Abu Dhabi from Delhi and Pune, from 2 December.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Uttarakhand’s rapid tourism growth during the state’s Silver Jubilee celebration in Dehradun, noting the surge from 4,000 tourists in six months to the same number daily. He encouraged the state to position itself as India’s “Spiritual Capital” in the coming years and inaugurated or laid foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹8,140 crore.

Kerala Tourism is working to position the state as India’s leading workation destination, said  Mohammed Riyas, Tourism Minister, after a high-level planning meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. Officials from the tourism, IT, and hospitality sectors discussed strategies to enhance infrastructure and interdepartmental coordination. The roadmap will be submitted to the CM, aiming to blend leisure, innovation, and remote work experiences.

Meghalaya has unveiled its new tourism identity, ‘Symphony in the Mist’, a brand that captures its serene beauty. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia laid the foundation stone for the ₹233 crore Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit in Meghalaya under the PM-DevINE scheme, aiming to transform Sohra (Cherrapunjee) into a model for responsible tourism. This would serve as a benchmark for responsible tourism across India and is expected to redefine eco-tourism standards and position Sohra as a global destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, was honoured with the ‘Best Luxury Resort – Destination Weddings – Northeast’ award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Accepting the award, Pravesh Sharma, Director, said, “It’s an incredible honour and a proud moment that celebrates our dedication, creativity, and heartfelt hospitality, motivating us to continue crafting unforgettable celebrations.”

India will have 34 mega airports by 2047, said Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India, at the Aviation India 2025 event. The country’s operational airports have risen to 164 from 74 in 2024. He added that 110 airstrips are suitable for development, while 200 more are under suitability assessment.

Live events are thriving in India, with global artistes adding the country to their tour schedules and the government targeting to double the concert economy. According to Thrillophilia, event-linked travel has surged 42% year-on-year, giving rise to the ‘gigcation’ — short, experience-led getaways. Hotels in metro cities are reporting sold-out weekends, while tour operators are curating concert-centric itineraries.

The Cochin Port Authority (CPA) has signed a ₹300 crore MoU to unlock the tourism potential of Willingdon Island. The project will develop a 20-acre plot near the Ernakulam Wharf cruise terminal, featuring hotels, shopping centres, and recreation zones. It aims to position Cochin as a leading cruise destination with world-class tourism infrastructure.

Marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to strengthen its footprint in India’s rapidly evolving tier-II travel markets, Cox & Kings has opened seven new franchise outlets across Surat, Bhopal, Belgaum, Nashik, Rajahmundry, and Jamnagar. The new additions are part of the company’s broader vision to establish 200 franchise outlets nationwide.