Union Budget 2024 holds significant expectations for India’s travel and tourism sector. As the country aims for a target of US $1 trillion by 2047, industry experts have high hopes from the budget. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO IATO wants the export status to be given to our industry like the …

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, says instead of a single tourism taskforce, there needs to be multiple taskforces dealing with sector specific concerns. Nisha Verma There is a need for multiple taskforces to change the tourism landscape in India, says Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry …

India’s foremost offering in tourism is culture and heritage, but as a sub-continent, the country has a lot to offer, says Manisha Saxena, Director General, Tourism, Government of India, while attending the 17th Outlook & Update Meeting by the PATA India Chapter in New Delhi recently. ‘We want to make …

In an exclusive interaction with TRAVTALK, Suman Billa, Addl. Secretary, Tourism, Govt of India, shares the key issues raised in the meeting between the new Union Tourism Minister and industry associations. Nisha Verma Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, had an all-encompassing meeting with the …

Being a people’s person, patience, and effective communication are some of the top skills required to succeed in travel and tourism business, say experienced travel operators in unison. Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI The travel industry is all about people, and about fulfilling their dreams and helping them create memories while …

While digital ID options for air travellers have already been rolled out by several global airlines, the adoption among Indian carriers is still in its early stages. However, steps are being taken in this direction. Hazel Jain Convenience and speed are the top priorities for passengers and digital identity (ID)and …

In a bid to lure foreign tourists to Indian shores during the summer months, and to project India as a 365-day destination, the Union Ministry of Tourism has launched a new initiative, called ‘Coolcation’. TT Bureau Manisha Saxena, Director General, Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Government of India, has revealed that …

There is nothing wrong with offering run-of-the-mill itineraries to the new traveller, but one needs to keep innovating, fashioning something unique to create fresh demand. TRAVTALK speaks to a few agents creating a niche with their own ideas. Hazel Jain ‘It is better to fail in originality than succeed in …

Suman Billa has returned to MOT after a gap of 4 years as Additional Secretary replacing Rakesh Verma. He moved on from MOT in 2019 after taking up a role in UNWTO. TT Bureau Suman Billa has returned to Ministry of Tourism as Additional Secretary in place of Rakesh Verma, …

While India hasn’t traditionally been a luxury destination for the Middle East travellers, it is coming up as an exotic one with its vibrant culture, ancient traditions, and new bespoke experiences such as private dining and tours. India’s transformation into a luxury escape may not be complete just yet, but …