Tag Archives: tourism

Tourism, hospitality and aviation are among the worst affected sectors that are facing the maximum brunt of the present crisis, revealed a report on impact of COVID-19 on Indian economy by FICCI. The survey suggests that there has been a drop in both inbound and outbound tourism of about 67% and 52% respectively since January to February as compared to the same period last year, owing to large scale cancellation of travel plans by both foreign and domestic tourists. Of all the segments of the hospitality sector, the M!CE segment has been hit the most with the cancellation of major trade events. The tourism industry expects the situation to further deteriorate in March and in the forthcoming summer season i.e. April-June, says the report.

The theme of the Indian delegation at FITUR will be ‘Finding the Incredible You’, revealed Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Tourism. The delegation will be led by Yogendra Tripathi, Secretary, Tourism. To be held from January 22-26, 2020, FITUR is an important market for India. Speaking about the same, Brar said, “Spain is an important market and is itself one of the top countries visited by Indians. So, these are occasions also for us to learn best practices of other counties that come into these events. We look forward to that. As far as showcasing India is concerned, the theme remains ‘Finding the Incredible You’. The idea behind the campaign is that there is so much within us that is not exposed and India is a place that allows you to visit the places and also discover yourself. I am sure that there is so much of spirituality and mysticism attached to India, along with the modernity that is a part of our lives now, we have a unique quality as a country. We are lapping up all the modern technologies, being a cutting edge nation and yet we are carrying along with it all our traditions that are coming to us from thousands of years. That is the USP of our country, and we are looking forward to showcasing that in FITUR also. The Indian delegation is being led by Secretary, Tourism, and he shall be accompanied by the officers of the departments, and the officers that are in Europe will also be part of the delegation.”

The Department of Culture and Tourism of Inner Mongolia, autonomous region of the People’s Republic of China organised the Inner Mongolia Culture and Tourism Festival as part of the ongoing Chinese New Year festivities. Representing the travel trade, Chitra Bhatia, General Secretary, OTOAI and Rajeev Sabharwal, EC Member, OTOAI were present at the event. Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in India and the Government of Inner Mongolia, the promotional event was aimed to promote and attract tourists to the region of northern China. Briefing about the attractions in Inner Mongolia, Shi Mo, Deputy General Secretary, People’s Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, introduced the guests while Ai Lihua, Vice Chairman, People’s Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Zhu Xiaohong, Culural Counsellor, Chinese Embassy in India presented the welcome remarks. On the ocassion, He Zhiliang, Director of Department of Culture and Tourism, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region said, “This is the first time we have come to India to promote Inner Mongolia province. We are trying to promote the culture of Inner Mongolia by showcasing it through a art performance by ‘Anda Union’. I hope the Indian audience will like this event and visit Inner Mongolia.” During the event, a cooperation agreement was signed between Zhong Xin International Travel Co and Delhi-based Pettitts India Tours.

K J Alphons, Union Minister for Tourism has inaugurated the project ‘Development of Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady’ under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of Ministry of Tourism in the presence of K Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala at Vagamon in Kerala. This Eco Circuit project was sanctioned in December 2015 for Rs 76.55 crores.  Major works carried out under the project includes Eco Adventure Tourism Park at Vagamon, Cultural Centre at Kadamanitta, Eco Log Huts at Peerumedu, Idukki, Approach Roads, walking trails, rain shelters at Pine Valley Forest, Thekkady, Kumily, Moozhiyar Dam, Penstock and Kakki Dam. Swadesh Darshan scheme is one of the flagship schemes of Ministry of Tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner. Under this scheme the Government is focussing on development of quality infrastructure in the country with objective of providing better experience and facilities to the visitors on one hand and on other hand fostering the economic growth. The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 77 projects worth projects for Rs. 6131.88 crore to 30 states and UTs. 30 projects / major components of projects are expected to be completed during the current financial year, of which 12 projects worth Rs 1024.49 crore, covering the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Kerala and Sikkim have already been inaugurated. The Ministry of Tourism recognising the tourism potential of the state has sanctioned seven projects in Kerala under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes for an approximate amount of Rs 550 crores.

Union Minister of State for Tourism, Alphons Kannanthanam laid the foundation stone for a spiritual circuit connecting Sivagiri Sree Narayana Guru Ashram, Arruvipuram, Kunnumpara Sree Subrahmania Swamy temple and Chembazhanthi Sree Narayana Gurukulam, at a function held at Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala near Thiruvananthapuram. The circuit will have facilities like a craft bazaar, bus shelters and an audio-video virtual reality show. Speaking on the occasion, Alphons said that the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned seven projects to Kerala under the Swadesh Darshan and Prashad schemes at an approximate amount of Rs 550 crore. He further said that Kerala’s future lies in exploring the possibilities in tourism sector. The project was sanctioned in January 2019 for Rs 69.47 crore.

Rigzin Samphel, Secretary—Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir, recenty chaired a review meeting to finalise the arrangements for Jammu Mahotsav 2019 set to be held from February 8-10. Samphel instructed the tourism department to work in coordination with other departments to mobilise maximum participation of people for making the festival a grand success. He asked the concerned to showcase the natural beauty and landscape, diverse culture, art and craft, cuisine and music to attract tourists during the festival. He also asked the tourism department to encourage the local tour operators, hoteliers and guest house owners to develop network with the best tour operators of the country to invite tourists for the festival and the upcoming tourist season.

K J Alphons, Union Minister for Tourism has inaugurated the project ‘Development of North East Circuit: Rangpo– Rorathang- Aritar- Phadamchen- Nathang-Sherathang- Tsongmo- Gangtok-Phodong- Mangan- Lachung-Yumthang- Lachen- Thangu-Gurudongmer- Mangan- Gangtok-Tuminlingee- Singtam’ implemented under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism in the presence of Ugen T Gyatso, Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim at Zero Point, Gangtok. This project was sanctioned by Ministry of Tourism in June 2015 for Rs 98.05 crores. One of the many challenges region faces in development of tourism is the absence of quality infrastructure, services and awareness about the array of tourism products region has to offer. The Ministry is carrying out number of activities to handle the issues on above fronts. On one hand, the Ministry has given great impetus to the tourism infrastructure in the region under its flagship schemes of Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. For development of tourism infrastructure, the Ministry has sanctioned 16 projects for Rs 1349.04 crores covering all North Eastern States under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD.  The Ministry is actively working with other Central Ministries like M/o Culture, M/o DONER, M/o Road Transport and Highways, M /o Civil Aviation, etc for development of tourism in the region. For promotion of North East region Ministry carries out special promotion in domestic and international markets highlighting regions diversity, tourism products and its rich culture. The Ministry of Tourism has also set up hotel managements and food craft institutes for creating skilled manpower in tourism and hospitality sector in the North Eastern Region.  

Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism, K J Alphons announced that the Ministry of Tourism sanctioned projects worth Rs 85.23 crore for the development of Spiritual Circuit III for Kerala under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Alphons said that the sites identified under the circuit are spread across all 14 districts of the state and cover 133 religious places. He said the districts where the projects would be implemented are Kasargode, Wayand, Kannur, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamhitta, Kollam and Thiruvanathapuram. The Minister said the destinations have been selected keeping in view the inherent historic, cultural and religious significance of the places. The development works include community hall, Annadhana Mandapam, multipurpose hall, toilets, cafeteria, parking facilities, landscaping, pathways, illuminations, signages, dustbins, etc. The circuit covers religious sites all across the state from Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple in the northernmost district of Kasargode to the Madre De Deus Church in Thiruvanathapuram, the southernmost district. The circuit will cover several historical religious sites across the state like the Cheraman Jumah Masjid (Kodungallooor), Koodalmanikyam temple (Irinjalakkuda), St Thomas Church (Malayattoor), Thriparayar Sreerama Temple (Thrissur), etc. In reply to a question, Alphons said that the sites have been identified after elaborate study and discussions with all stakeholders. He pointed out that 60 per cent of domestic tourism is related to spiritual circuits.

A recent report by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) suggests that total contribution of tourism to global GDP will grow to USD 12,450.1 billion (11.7% of GDP) by 2028. Further, according to the report, total employment contribution of tourism sector accounts for 9.9 per cent of global employment in 2017, supporting twice as many jobs as financial sector. Travel & Tourism investmentA recent report by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) suggests that total contribution of tourism to global GDP will grow to USD 12,450.1 billion (11.7% of GDP) by 2028. Further, according to the report, total employment contribution of tourism sector accounts for 9.9 per cent of global employment in 2017, supporting twice as many jobs as financial sector. Travel & Tourism investment in 2017 was $882.4 billion, or 4.5 per cent of total investment. It is projected to rise by 4.3 per cent per annum over the next ten years to $1,408.3 billion in 2028 (5.1% of total). Tourism contribution to global GDP (10.4 per cent in 2017) is higher than many other sectors.

With an aim to increase tourists from Tamil Nadu, the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka recently organised a roadshow in Velacherry, Chennai to promote tourist places, hotels, resorts, homestays and service providers from Coorg and Karnataka. This B2B roadshow had over 200 travel agents from Chennai and over 35 discerning trade partners from Coorg. The event was aimed at showcasing the scenic beauty of Coorg which succeeded in being one of the most vibrant editions that the Karnataka Tourism had ever seen. The main objective of Karnataka Tourism is to promote Coorg as leisure, MiCE and wedding destination in the Indian market. Under the theme ‘Destination Coorg’, this is aimed to promote the different hotels, resorts and service providers from Coorg and Karnataka. The roadshow was inaugurated by Sadananda, Vice President, Hotel & Restaurant Association of Coorg, in presence of N Ravindra, Deputy Director, Karnataka Tourism, and Rathnakar, Jungle Lodges & Resorts. The roadshow brought together different aspects of the tourism products in Coorg like natural beauty, adventure, pilgrimage, coffee tourism, homestay experiences and many more to the Chennai and Tamil Nadu market.