Tag Archives: tourism

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, Govt of India has said that including hospitality infrastructure investment for tourism in the infrastructure master list would increase the payback period manifold. The old notification, which says that investment for 3-star hotels in areas with less than 1 million population, will automatically come in the list, he added.

While addressing the 3rd edition of ‘Virasat,’ Mugdha Sinha, DG, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, said, “There is a ‘symbiotic relationship’ between culture and tourism and the latter pillion rides on cultural assets as destination pullers. Culture and tourism are the two sides of the same coin, like Janus, the Roman god.” She noted India attracted 1.45 per cent of global tourists in 2023.

Expressing his views, Sanjeev Mehra, President, SKÅL International (India), said, “The Union Budget 2025 has introduced promising initiatives for the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. The focus on developing the top 50 tourist destinations and providing PLI-linked incentives to states will significantly enhance infrastructure, accessibility, and visitor experiences, strengthening India’s position as a global tourism hub.” He further said that the expansion of air connectivity through the modified UDAN scheme, including Patna airport’s expansion and new Greenfield airports, will promote regional tourism and improve accessibility to lesser-explored destinations. Additionally, the allocation of ₹25,000 crore for the Maritime Development Fund will boost cruise and coastal tourism. A key highlight is the emphasis on medical tourism through the “Heal in India” initiative, supported by a PPP model and easier visa norms. India’s high-quality yet affordable healthcare services will make it a stronger global destination for medical travellers. The introduction of MUDRA loans for homestays will further empower small hospitality entrepreneurs, encouraging sustainable and community-driven tourism, he added. This budget is inclusive, ticking the right boxes, though it lacks a major transformative push. However, addressing India’s low per capita income remains crucial for long-term growth. As President of Skål International India and a travel expert for 30 years, I strongly believe that India must now emerge as a global travel business hub like Singapore and Dubai. This budget is a step in the right direction, and we remain committed to making India a world-class travel destination, he concluded.

Outlining its expectations from the Budget 2025-26, FHRAI urges the government to introduce reforms that will address the critical challenges faced by the hospitality and tourism sector. It believes these reforms will increase investment, create employment, and support overall economic growth in the industry. FHRAI’s primary recommendation is to grant infrastructure status to hotel and convention center projects with costs starting from ₹10 crore.

VisitBritain has relaunched industry website http://VisitBritain.org aimed at destinations, businesses, travel trade, business events, media and more. They are passionate about raising Britain’s profile, increasing the volume and value of tourism exports, and developing England’s visitor economy by working with organisations of all sizes and specialities. To know more, visit the link https://lnkd.in/eedfW44D  

G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, “We are collaborating with MoCA & other ministers for ‘whole-of-government approach’, with an aim to result in operationalization of tourism routes and facilitating easier access to iconic sites   

R. Arjun, Managing Director, West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC), says that they have plans to develop artisan cluster villages on the way to major tourist destinations. “This way tourists can have a small stopover to find out some of the important artisan products.”

After a hiatus of three years, the physical edition of the PATA Travel Mart commences today in New Delhi at International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan. The Mart is scheduled to take place from 4-6 October, bringing together tourism professionals from across the world.   

Number of FTA’s in India skyrocketed to 6.19 mn, witnessing a substantial increase as compared to 1.52 mn in the year 2021. The top three source countries for FTAs are United States of America, Bangladesh, and United Kingdom, according to MOT data.

Despite increase in room tariffs, India records 58 per cent increase in the number of nights booked in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi/NCR, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune in first quarter of 2023 than 2022, states a FCM report.