Page 4 - Tourism

Pahalgam attacks: Hotels and tour operators see flurry of cancellations

Travellers reschedule trips beyond peak season; hill states set to benefit

Ladakh safe; stakeholders demand removal of 'misleading' travel advisories

Concerned over the cancellations of bookings in the aftermath of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the tourism stakeholders in the neighbouring Ladakh on Wednesday assured the foreign and domestic tourists of safe travel in the Union Territory (UT). They also demanded the removal of "misleading" travel advisories. Terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. Ladakh observed a shutdown against the terror attack. The UT is also holding a candlelight vigil, jointly being organised by all religious groups representing Buddhist, Muslim and Christian communities besides trade and tourism associations here later in the day to express solidarity with the bereaved families. The "terrorism-free" region of Ladakh was separated from the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. The two were made separate UTs. All Ladakh Ho

Rajasthan govt plans to upgrade museums, seeks ₹50 cr to boost tourism

With the funds, museums in cities such as Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Alwar, and Bharatpur will undergo conservation and development for better display and preservation of artefacts

German teens detained, deported from US over 'suspicious itinerary'

Both the teenagers landed in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 18 where they were reportedly denied entry into the US, despite possessing valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approvals

Chhattisgarh govt prepares development roadmap for post-Maoist Bastar

To discuss the plans, an event Viksit Bastar Ki Ore (towards developed Bastar) was organised in the divisional headquarters of Bastar region Jagdalpur, on Tuesday and Wednesday

China issues over 85,000 visas to Indians in 2025 after easing rules

'Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China,' says Chinese Ambassador

Tourism accounts for 10% of Sikkim's GSDP, has growth scope: CM Tamang

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said tourism contributes nearly 10 per cent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) of the Himalayan state with a strong potential for further growth. He said his government is focused on eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and community-based models that empower local economies. "With over 1,000 homestays, initiatives like 'Mero Rukh Mero Santati' and 'Shishu Samriddhi Yojana' reflect our commitment to future generations and climate action," Tamang said at the inauguration of the three-day Internation Youth Conclave for tourism development at Yangang, a small hamlet in Namchi district, on Saturday. The youth conclave is being organised by Yangang Tourism Development Committee and the Tourism Department. Around 176 representatives from different countries are participating in the event. The event is being organised to mark 50 years of statehood. The chief minister said the conclave is more than just an eventit is a platform for collaboration, .

Anger against Trump may reduce US international visitors, warns forecaster

Anger over the Trump administration's tariffs and rhetoric will likely cause international travel to the US to fall even further than expected this year, an influential travel forecasting company said Tuesday. Tourism Economics said it expects the number of people arriving in the U.S. from abroad to decline by 9.4 per cent this year. That's almost twice the 5 per cent drop the company forecast at the end of February. At the beginning of the year, Tourism Economics predicted a booming year for international travel to the US, with visits up 9 per cent from 2024. But Tourism Economics President Adam Sacks said high-profile lockups of European tourists at the US border in recent weeks have chilled international travellers. Potential visitors have also been angered by tariffs, Trump's stance toward Canada and Greenland, and his heated White House exchange with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. With each policy development, each rhetorical missive, we're just seeing unforced error .

Sikkim's Rs 50 tourism toll sparks debate over cost, sustainability

State argues the "entry fee" for travellers will boost infrastructure and instil ownership of sustainable tourism, but critics call it unjust and a burden on the sector. ADITI PHADNIS weighs in

South African Tourism sees India as top APAC mkt for international arrivals

This comes after 75,541 Indian tourists visited South Africa last year, with 63 per cent from Mumbai

Tourism New Zealand signs JV agreements with nine Indian travel companies

Air New Zealand, Air India sign a MoU to boost air connectivity between the two countries

Tourism Ministry working to ease visa processes for foreign travellers

Efforts on to attract more MICE visitors, global conferences

The new travel playbook: Indians seek spirituality, festivals, and wellness

Rather than routine getaways, Indians are packing their bags for spirituality, festivals, concerts, wellness - and sleep

CM Sukhu presents Rs 58,514 cr budget with focus on tourism, green energy

With a focus on tourism, rural development and green energy, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday presented the annual Budget of Rs 58,514 crore for 2025-26. While presenting his third annual Budget for FY26, Sukhu said the year 2025-26 is full of financial challenges as revenue deficit grant has been reduced and GST compensation has been stopped which will impact the state's economy. The Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) has been reduced from Rs 10,949 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 3,257 in 2025-26, while Himachal Pradesh incurred a loss of Rs 9,478 crore till 2023-24, despite Good and service Tax (GST) compensation given by the centre to the state, he said. The government will focus on promoting religious and eco-tourism besides exploring lesser-known tourist destinations, he said, adding that tea estates would be developed as eco-tourism destinations. Operators were selected for seven eco-tourism sites in 2024 and 78 new eco-tourism sites would be allocated in the next phase and .

Extended Holi weekend paints busy travel scene, flight bookings up 50%

According to travel platform ixigo, flight bookings have seen a year-on-year surge of 45-50 per cent, driven by a mix of homebound travel, leisure getaways, and spiritual tourism

Townhouse, Sunday brands bring 50% of Oyo's business: Ritesh Agarwal

He added that the reason for adding premium offerings to the company's suite of services was to improve its bottom line and stay relevant in the market

Yamuna to get ferry tourism as Delhi govt, Centre push river transformation

IWAI, newly-elected Delhi govt ink pact to run ferry services

Rajasthan plans new initiatives to further boost tourism in the state

The chief minister said Rajasthan has been famous for its grandeur, royal heritage and majestic hospitality for centuries

Tourism in border areas revived after ceasefire in J-K: CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said tourism activities in the frontier areas of the Union Territory have revived after ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border (IB). Replying to a supplementary question raised by National Conference member Sajad Shafi in the Legislative Assembly here regarding his Uri constituency, Abdullah said as the border areas are slowly opening after the ceasefire, tourism is witnessing a positive trend due to the prevailing peace in the region. Shafi also used the opportunity to inform the House about Abdullah's birthday. Most of the members from the treasury and opposition benches wished the chief minister who acknowledged the greetings and thanked the members. "It is true that Uri has huge border tourism potential. Tourists have started visiting areas like Uri and are eager to explore places such as Aman Setu and other scenic locations. Our priority is to enhance tourism infrastructure in these regions," t

PM Modi promotes tourism in Uttarakhand, urges people to visit in winter

Prime Minister also branded Uttarakhand's winter tourism as 'Gham Tapo Tourism' (Basking in the Sun Tourism)