Page 2 - Tourism Sector

FHRAI seeks GST rationalisation to boost India's tourism competitiveness

FHRAI urges the government to rationalise GST to make India's tourism sector globally competitive, aligning with Vision 2047 and attracting more investment to the economy

MakeMyTrip charts global expansion route, boosts corporate travel focus

Cofounder says growth driven by three engines: Customers, artificial intelligence, and supply

Independence Day long weekend: Hotel occupancy, room rates set to surge

Hotel occupancy rates and room tariffs are set to rise this Independence Day long weekend as travellers across India head to various destinations, major industry players said. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip told PTI, Independence Day has emerged as a key travel occasion over the years. "This year too, the search and booking trends point to strong intent to travel over the Independence Day weekend. With Independence Day on a Friday, travel demand appears to be peaking two days earlier, on Wednesday (13 August), giving early travellers a five-day window," he shared. According to him, the top trending domestic destinations are Goa, Udaipur, Jaipur, Puri, Lonavala, Varanasi, Coorg, Mahabaleshwar, Ooty and Pondicherry, while the leading international destinations are Pattaya, Bali, Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai, Phuket, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Zurich and London. Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the country's biggest hospitality firm, wh

Rajasthan govt signs 1,600 MoUs worth ₹1.37 trillion for tourism push

State targets tourism-led economic growth with mega projects, policy incentives, and job creation through strategic MoU execution

Singapore tourism board partners with IndiGo to boost India travel

The Singapore Tourism Board has signed an initial pact with domestic carrier IndiGo to boost tourism and travel between the two countries, a statement said on Thursday. Under the year-long strategic pact, the two partners will promote the island-city nation as a leading leisure and business destination for Indian travellers and boost bookings through the airline's extensive network, it said. India, according to STB, remains one of Singapore's top three tourism source markets, building on its strong performance in 2024. The collaboration is the first memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an Indian airline, and IndiGo's first with a national tourism board. In the first half of 2025, Indian visitor arrivals exceeded 5,00,000, supported by excellent air connectivity, as per STB. More than 270 weekly flights connect Singapore to 15 Indian cities via Changi Airport. "As we celebrate 60 years of India-Singapore diplomatic relations in 2025, our expanded collaboration with IndiGo and

Indians opt for skill-based, learning-led holidays over leisure trips

According to Cox and Kings, this segment is expected to grow annually by 15-20 per cent over the next three to five years. These types of trips generally range from 10 to 12 days to over a month

Early monsoon boosts tourism prospects in Rajasthan: Trade experts

According to trade experts, hotels across the state are busy and preparing for the main tourist season, from October to March, as they expect a big rush during this monsoon season

Tourists trickling into Afghanistan, Taliban govt eager to welcome them

By plane, motorbike, camper van and even on bicycles, tourists are beginning to discover Afghanistan, with solo travellers and tour groups gradually venturing into a country that until recently was wracked by war. And the country's Taliban government, which seized power more than three years ago but has yet to be formally recognised by any other nation, is more than happy to welcome them. The Afghan people are warm and welcoming and wish to host tourists from other countries and engage with them, Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal told The Associated Press in an early June interview. Tourism brings many benefits to a country. We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them. A potentially lucrative industry Tourism is a vital, multi-billion-dollar industry for many countries. Afghanistan's isolation on the international stage, largely because of the Taliban's restrictions on women and girls, has left much of its 41 million people m

Andamans to expand Blue Flag beaches to boost eco-tourism: Chief secy

To boost beach tourism, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration is planning to expand Blue Flag certifications beyond the already accredited Radhanagar Beach at Swaraj Dweep, popularly known as Havelock, a top official said. Talking to PTI, Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar said, "Five additional beaches have recently been evaluated, aiming to draw more environmentally conscious visitors. We hope to get five more Blue Flag-certified beaches in the islands." Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to beaches that meet high criteria for safety, cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. In India, there are 12 such beaches, and the recognition is given by a Denmark-based non-profit organisation known as the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Kumar added, "We are getting a good tourist footfall. Infrastructure upgrades are also progressing, with a new modern 500-passenger terminal jetty at Swaraj Dweep nearing completion." "With a stron

Andaman to get 5-star resorts, yacht marina in tourism overhaul: Chief secy

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar has said that a comprehensive roadmap has been prepared to transform the archipelago into a world-class tourism destination. Talking to PTI, Kumar said the ambitious plan focuses on infrastructure development, heritage promotion, eco-tourism, and sustainable growth. Emphasising the strategic importance and unique appeal of the islands, he added, "The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, comprising 836 islands, is a rare blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and adventure tourism. We aim to elevate it to international tourism standards." Kumar said that under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, approvals have been given for the construction of four five-star resorts on select islands, marking a key step towards premium tourism infrastructure. Additionally, a dedicated yacht marina is in the pipeline, with an Expression of Interest (EoI) already floated. "The marina will be instrumental in attracting

Travel industry in turbulence amid worsening West Asia situation

Industry executives said closure of airspaces leading to longer routes and flight times has already led to a 12-15% hike in air fares on some routes

Pahalgam attack wrecks Kashmir tourism; hotels, airlines demand action

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, tourism in Kashmir collapsed, prompting airlines and hotels to urge the Centre for immediate relief to revive the sector

Maldives names Katrina Kaif its global brand ambassador for tourism

The Maldives has assigned actor Katrina Kaif as its global brand ambassador for tourism, said the country's marketing and PR department. The decision comes ahead of PM Modi's arrival to the country

Namma Yatri hits 100 million rides, enables ₹1,600 cr driver earnings

Namma Yatri achieves a landmark 100 million zero-commission rides, generating Rs 1,600 crore for 6 lakh drivers while building an open AI-led mobility infrastructure

IATO urges govt to set up tourism board; seeks ₹1,000 cr budget allocation

IATO has also recommended easier visa processes, which includes expanding the e-visa facility, faster approvals for group tourist visas and considering visa fee waivers for selected countries

Indian tourism sector to contribute 10% to India's GDP by 2030: Shekhawat

Tourism minister says rising aspirations, infrastructure and policy support will drive India's tourism sector towards 10% GDP share by 2030, in line with global benchmarks

Indian Hotels CEO highlights high taxes hurting tourism sector growth

India holds immense potential to attract foreign tourists, but it is lagging severely, Indian Hotels Company Limited MD and CEO Puneet Chhatwal said on Friday, asserting that high tax rates were a key impediment in creating global brands for the country's hospitality sector. He also sought an "additional push" while referring to the "infrastructure" status accorded to 50 tourist destinations in this year's Budget and reiterated the long-standing demand for an "industry" status. Alluding to the lack of competitive advantage in terms of margins, the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) MD and CEO said, "If you are the highest taxed sector in every possible way, GST, excise, paying all charges during COVID when your business is shut with the least amount of budget for promotion, for marketing the destination and just relying on what we have, then how are you going to create those kind of global brands on your own". Speaking at CII's Annual Business Summit, Chhatwal said India is not ju

Why General Munir may have seen Kashmir normalcy as a threat to 'destiny'

The April 22 Pahalgam attack may be rooted in a deeper anxiety inside GHQ Rawalpindi, where Kashmir's peace disrupts the old script of rebellion and resistance

India set to emerge as 'MICE capital' of world: Tourism minister Shekhawat

Emphasising on the construction of state-of-the art exhibition and conference complexes in various parts of the country, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday said India is all set to emerge as the "MICE capital" of the world. MICE or 'Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions' refers to business and tourism driven by mega events. "After 2014, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure, be it the construction of roads spanning over 1,50,000 km, new railway stations, semi high-speed trains, inland waterways and more than 150 operational airports. All these have contributed to India's prowess with regard to MICE events," Shekhawat said. "The confidence was also built following India's hosting of the G20 Summit. The entire world is now looking at India with awe and curiosity. In times to come, India will emerge as the MICE capital of the world," the minister said. Shekhawat was addressing a gathering at the inaugural session of a two-day ev

Over 50 tourists from Goa stuck in J&K after terror attack: Officials

More than 50 persons from Goa who were on a vacation to Jammu and Kashmir were stranded at hotels in Srinagar after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam and efforts were on to bring them back, officials said on Wednesday. Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 persons, mostly tourists, and injuring several others, according to officials. The terrorists opened fire at tourists who were milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking at the Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, touted as 'Mini Switzerland' for its serene beauty. After the incident, all visitors were transported from Pahalgam and other places to hotels in Srinagar, a Goa government official said. More than 50 persons from Goa were currently in Jammu and Kashmir, the official said, adding that "all are safe". Efforts were on to bring them back, the official said. Tour operators from Goa were also working out plans to bring all tourists back f