Page 4 - Tourism

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)

Oberoi partners with Ladhani Group for two new resorts in Rishikesh

The first will be an 80-key luxury Oberoi resort that will carry "Vilas" name, while second will be a distinctive 120-key five-star hotel under Trident branding, the company stated in a release

UAE eyes investment in tourism, healthcare sectors in Kerala: Minister

A 22-member delegation, led by UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, is in Kerala to attend the Invest Kerala Global Summit

'Everyone must go': Why this New Zealand tourism campaign is facing flak

Critics have downplayed the campaign's slogan, with some saying it sounds like a discount store promotion or even a public restroom sign

India's medical tourism poised for expansion with relaxed visa rules

Industry reports estimate that India's medical tourism market was valued at $7.69 billion in 2024, with approximately 7.3 million foreign patients travelling to India for medical treatment

Budget 2025 will help make India a top global tourism destination: Industry

Industry experts on Saturday said the Budget announcements for the tourism sector will help make India a top global tourism destination and will create new opportunities for growth, jobs, and innovation. The Union Budget 2025-26 proposes that the top 50 tourist destinations in the country will be developed in partnership with states in a "challenge mode", as tourism is a driver of employment-led growth and unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure, skill development and ease of travel. "The plan to develop the top 50 tourism destinations in partnership with state governments is a major initiative. This collaboration will not only improve infrastructure but also help spread tourism across the country, attracting more visitors and benefiting local communities," Pradeep Shetty, spokesperson, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India - and Vice President, Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India, said. The focus on medical and wellness ...