Tag Archives: Minister for Tourism

The Government of Karnataka, Department of Tourism, announced the inaugural edition of ‘Karnataka International Travel Expo’, in Bengaluru from February 28–March 2, 2018. The inaugural edition of ‘Karnataka International Travel Expo’, is set on a B2B platform with over 400 registered buyers and media from over 25 countries exploring business opportunities for discerning travel and tourism products, which will make the event one of the most sought-after travel events in the country and enhance the marketing efforts of the state to promote Karnataka as a destination which is diverse, fascinating and safe. Priyank Kharge, Minister for Tourism, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, said “Karnataka is home to a large and exciting portfolio of globally acclaimed tourism products with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, splendid wildlife and resplendent nature, virgin beaches to adorn. ‘Karnataka International Travel Expo’, being held for the first time will provide the impetus to the inbound travel and tourism industry and would enhance the marketing efforts of Karnataka Tourism to promote our destinations to the travel trade from all over the world.” The event is supported by major travel trade and hospitality associations in India such as ADTOI, ATOAI, IATO, TAAI, SKAL, FICCI, Karnataka Tourism Forum, Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI), among others. The 2018 event will showcase both the rich cultural heritage and high-tech features of the city of Bengaluru in the state of Karnataka. “Karnataka with its diverse range of products is fast emerging as one of the most interesting and productive states for the travel trade industry both for leisure and business travel. A globalized one-stop sourcing platform is vital for stakeholders within the tourism industry to effectively reach out …

The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Ministry of Shipping will prepare an action plan for development of cruise tourism in India. MOT intends to promote cruise shipping and tourism in a big way and will be an important element of the Incredible India 2.0 campaign. The Netherlands-based consultant Bermello Ajmali has prepared a report on cruise tourism in India, which has a low penetration rate in the sector. During the National Workshop on Cruise Tourism conducted by MOT and Ministry of Shipping, Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Government of India, said, “The report prepared on cruise tourism by the foreign consultant will be discussed and the action plan will be ready in next 3-4 months. Next year is going to be very good for cruise tourism in India.” At present, India has a very small share in world cruise tourism market, as against 23 million passengers globally in 2016. Various stakeholders from the ministry of tourism, Shipping ministry, Bureau of Immigration, Central industrial Security Force (CISF), department of Revenue (Customs) and policy consultants etc. came together to discuss the nuances of the action plan to be put in place. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister for Tourism, Government of India, said that cruise tourism will be a game changer for tourism sector as it helps in foreign exchange earnings as well as job creation. Rashmi Verma, Secretary-tourism, Government of India, informed that in 2013-14 only 103 cruise ships visited India which increased to 158 in 2016-17 and in 2013-14, 80,645 cruise passengers disembarked in India which grew to 191,725 passengers in 2016-17. She said, “This workshop is a landmark in promotion of cruise tourism in India and …

The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala in association with Association of Tourism Trade Organisations (ATTOI) will host the International Conference on Tourism Technology (ICTT) in Kochi. The three-day long event that will begin on June 8 will be formally inaugurated by Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran on June 9, and it will address the challenges related with technology faced by Indian tourism and hospitality industry. The inaugural function will see a string of high-profile attendees, including Hibi Eden MLA, Dr Venu V, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, and P Bala Kiran, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism. Dr. Venu will launch the twitter campaign #Kerala #IndiaForBeginners and Shri Bala Kiran will launch the Facebook campaign during the inaugural ceremony. “Kerala Tourism has always been a pioneer in taking significant steps to promote state tourism and support the growth of the tourism industry. This conference on tourism technology is yet another initiative undertaken in association with ATTOI. Keeping pace with the technological advancements also helps in reaching out to international tourists by being easily accessible through social media platforms,” said Minister for Tourism, Kadakampally Surendran. “Kerala Tourism, with its new tourism policy, is preparing for a big leap in promoting responsible tourism that benefits the visitor as well as local communities. The government is confident that the progress of the state through tourism is unfinished without the idea of inclusion in terms of increased participation of the community in general,” he added.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SilkAir in the presence of Kadakampalli Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala. The initiative is to jointly promote tourism to Kerala from priority markets like Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Japan and Singapore by conducting roadshows and other special marketing programs in the selected cities. “Department of Tourism has been looking for more opportunities to spread words about the legacy of Gods own Country across all the global markets and to further increase the tourist footfall in Kerala in the coming years. I expect the agreement with SilkAir will benefit Kerala Tourism in terms of more tourists from the four significant markets with the help of its wide network and reputation as a quality service provider,” said Kadakampalli Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Govt of Kerala. Commenting on the association, P Balakiran, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Kerala said “This MoU with SilkAir will allow us to strategically attract more travellers from the four specific markets to enjoy the unique local experiences here in the state of Kerala- God’s own country. This agreement will also bring direct and indirect benefits to many sectors of the economies of both the countries.” “SIlkAir offers high-quality service and with their help under this mutually-beneficial MOU, we look forward to welcoming their passengers with impressive hospitality,” he added further. This MOU will cover a series of joint activities including brand advertising and promotional campaigns, tactical and digital marketing, familiarization trips, trade fairs, joint roadshows and product development. The joint activities are expected to help boost visitor numbers from Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Japan and Singapore to Kerala. …

Four-day Jammu Mahotsav will be held from April 13-16 which will showcase the cultural heritage and multi-cuisine of the land of Dogras. According to Priya Sethi, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Floriculture and Parks, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, this festival will mark the beginning for Jammu in taking its spot in the national and international tourist circuit as an independent and attractive tourist destination. “Jammu Mahotsav is a step to elevate Jammu beyond its existing identity primarily as a religious tourism destination and make it a hub for multi-faceted tourist activities. This event will also be made an annual feature for the city,” she said. Special packages will also be introduced in association with Jammu Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) during the festival to facilitate and divert the tourist movement to nearby tourist destinations in the region. The main events of the festival will be held at Bagh-e-Bahu. “Local cultural extravaganza and cultural carnival are planned on April 11 and 12, live performance by Lakhwinder Wadali and laser show on April 13, live performance by Abhay Sopori on April 14, and live performance by Jassi Gill and Babbal Rai on April 16. Folk dances and cultural programs, multi-cuisine stalls and cultural modelling show are some of the other programmes for the event,” said Sethi. She further added that in Jammu and Kashmir a self-sustained tourism model was being implemented in all three regions of the state for inclusive socio-economic development besides ensuring emergence of each region as exclusive independent tourist destination. (Source: PTI)

Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) has setup a Soft Adventure Park at Garden of Five Senses Said-ul-Ajaib Village. The park was inaugurated by Kapil Mishra, Minister for Tourism, Art, Culture & Languages and Water, Govt. of Delhi in the presence of Dr. Pooja Joshi, General Manager, DTTDC and other senior officers of Govt. of Delhi. While inaugurating the Adventure Park, Mishra said, “This Adventure Park came up as a blessing for people of Delhi and will provide children with space to play and get enthralled with adventure activities which this park has to offer. It will also act as a catalyst to promote Garden of Five Senses as an eco friendly project and bring more families to spend their time in the Garden”. The sprawling park is designed keeping nature lovers in mind in the area of 22 acres of the Garden. The games are such that one would feel close to the nature. Some of the highlighting features/activities the Adventure Park has to offer are :- Paint Ball, Rock Climbing Wall, Zip Line, Burma Bridge, Commando Net, Running Bungee, Sumo Wrestling, Zorbing, Air Rifle Shooting, Archery and more. The Adventure Park will commence its operations for general public from tomorrow. The entry ticket to the Garden of Five Senses has been kept Rs. 30 per person only (for adults) and Rs. 10 only (for children) and the price for activities ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 120 per person.