Tag Archives: India

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “As India’s MICE industry is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, it is set to be a major economic driver, generating high-quality jobs. States across the country are unlocking tourism opportunities in their own unique ways — and now, it is time for India to position itself firmly on the global MICE map.”

The central government is developing a comprehensive online portal to boost the country’s position as a global healthcare destination. Prataprao Jadhav, MoS (Independent Charge), Ayush & Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, said that the new digital platform will integrate hospitals, facilitators, travel agents, hotels, translators, and other support services in one place.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director, Travel Sector, RX Global, said, “India is witnessing the second highest outbound growth after China. It has experienced an increase of 12%, impacting Asia’s outbound market. However, China remains the dominant source market for the Asia-Pacific region, with over 130 million travellers, followed by the USA and Germany.”

As India becomes the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, Mumbai is all set to host the Inter Passenger Terminal Show (IPTS 2025) at the Bombay Exhibition Centre on 11-12 June. The global debut of the event will showcase cutting-edge airport infrastructure and passenger experiences.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director, Travel Sector, RX Global, said, “An upcoming ATM report sees an emerging middle-class in Asia, expected to comprise 24% of the global population by 2030. India is predicted to add 9 million households. Middle East remains a top choice due to religious, cultural and commercial ties.”

Minor Hotels announces the arrival of the Avani Hotels & Resorts brand in India with Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnam Resort, an exclusive new-build resort and branded residences development set along the scenic Sunray Beach in Visakhapatnam, India. The project will feature 117 hotel rooms and 58 branded residential villas, alongside a suite of premium amenities designed to set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. The announcement comes as Minor Hotels significantly accelerates its expansion strategy in India, targeting 50 new openings in the country over the next decade.

Rikant Pittie, CEO & co-founder, EaseMyTrip, “For FY26, we plan to significantly scale up our EasyDarshan vertical and expand curated pilgrimage offerings across all major religious circuits like Char Dham, Jyotirlingas, Shaktipeeths, and key temples in South India. The plan is to tie up with temple trusts and local administrations to ensure pilgrims’ safety and comfort.

Marking a major milestone in India’s maritime tourism sector, Mumbai’s long-awaited International Cruise Terminal at Ballard Pier is set to begin full-scale operations. Built at a cost of ₹556 crore, it is ready to welcome 10,000 passengers daily. The terminal is set to make Mumbai a major departure point for international sea travel.

Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO– South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “In terms of rate dynamics, I foresee continued growth in Average Daily Rates (ADRs) across metros and leisure destinations, despite a possible short-term dip in occupancy during Q2 of FY2025. But other than that, I don’t see any drop in ADRs in India.”

Calling India the second-largest producer of films and OTT content after Hollywood, Naveen Kundu, MD, Ebixcash Travel Services, said, “The film tourism market is anticipated to increase at a high CAGR of 6.8% during 2022 to 2032 and will boost filming, driving tourism to lesser-known Indian destinations. As per a report, it could generate $3 billion in revenue for India and boost tourism by 31% on average, with some locations seeing up to 300% growth.