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One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and myriad attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It covers an area of 32, 87,263 sq. km, extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south. As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity.

Fringed by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer, tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. As you travel the expanse of the country, you are greeted by diverse nuances of cuisines, faiths, arts, crafts, music, nature, lands, tribes, history and adventure sports. India has a mesmeric conflation of the old and the new. As the bustling old bazaars rub shoulders with swanky shopping malls, and majestic monuments accompany luxurious heritage hotels, the quintessential traveller can get the best of both worlds. Head to the mountains, enjoy a beach retreat or cruise through the golden Thar, India has options galore for all.

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6 Pictures Shared By The Indian State Tourism Boards Will Make Y’all Want To Travel Local

Full-time writer, part-time cribber. Sucker for good pictures. My motto in life is to finish eating all the seafood in the world.

With #GoLocal being the only travel mantra this year, the need to scout for the most serene and offbeat Indian destinations is real. If you’re someone who’s confused and can’t make up their mind about where to go for your next trip, fret not! The Indian State Tourism Department has got you covered. In a bid to promote tourism, a few state boards have recently shared some of the most gorgeous pictures that will not only tempt you but also help you plan better. Take a look:

Table of Contents

1. Kerala Tourism

Get seduced by the magic of Marari Beach. Music from the wind that sets your blood racing, the rhythm of the waves that sets your feet tapping and the glorious skies that keeps your heart singing. Yes, there’s romance in the air at Marari Beach, Alappuzha. #honeymoon pic.twitter.com/PHjRFkoEaD — Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) February 3, 2021

Image Credit: @KeralaTourism, Twitter

Have you heard of the Kumbalangi island in Kerala? This beautiful island is just a short drive away from Ernakulam, and needs to be on your itinerary for its secluded and untouched beauty. 

When the heat strikes, head for the hills of Maruthimala in Kollam. The swirling mists and cool winds are the perfect antidotes for the searing summer heat. #Summer #KeralaTourism ? Ajith Chandran (IG: @aj .th_chandran ) pic.twitter.com/l5oplLCop8 — Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) February 4, 2021

For summers, the state tourism suggests travellers head to the hills of Maruthimala in Kollam for some cooling weather.

2. Jammu & Kashmir Tourism

Beautiful evening views at Gulmarg @incredibleindia https://t.co/OzfiDViU4x — Jammu & Kashmir Tourism (@JandKTourism) January 23, 2021

Image Credit: @JandKTourism, Twitter

These jaw-dropping evening and night views of Gulmarg are literally telling you to pack your bags for the ultimate experience. 

3. West Bengal Tourism

The more you visit the region, the more you will realise what a treasure trove it is-- Sundarbans. Read More: https://t.co/J42DFKf5BQ #Travel #Bengal #Tourism #BengalTourism #ExperienceBengal #WestBengalTourism #Sundarbans #DepartmentOfTourismWestBengal pic.twitter.com/aDu0PFQme0 — West Bengal Tourism (@TourismBengal) January 31, 2021

Image Credit: @TourismBengal, Twitter

If you have been postponing that Sundarban trip, perhaps now is the time you should plan it. The months of February and March are considered to be the best time to visit the National Park as the weather is pleasant. The tourism board wrote, “The more you visit the region, the more you will realise what a treasure trove it is -- Sundarbans”, and we couldn’t agree more. 

4. Odisha Tourism

Located in the lap of dense tropical deciduous forests & surrounded by breathtaking hills, the valley of #Mandasaru Nature Camp is truly a traveller's paradise. The abundant & serene ecosystem is its primary attraction. Know more: https://t.co/verDXU2wlU #OdishaTourism pic.twitter.com/MDY5ayVTOE — Odisha Tourism (@odisha_tourism) February 6, 2021

Image Credit: @odisha_tourism, Twitter

If you have been underestimating the beauty of this gorgeous state, the valley of Mandasaru Nature Camp will make you rethink. Located amidst the dense tropical deciduous forests and surrounded by breathtaking hills, it’s truly a traveller's paradise. 

5. Rajasthan Tourism

The delightful hill station, Mount Abu is a destination that shall keep you mesmerized. Enjoy boat riding at Nakki Lake, the city view from Guru Shikhar & so much more. . #Rajasthan #RajasthanTourism #IncredibleIndia #DekhoApnaDesh pic.twitter.com/WdrkAK5aKJ — Rajasthan Tourism (@my_rajasthan) February 4, 2021

Image Credit: @my_rajasthan, Twitter

Sharing some of the most breathtaking pictures of Mount Abu, they tweeted, “The delightful hill station, Mount Abu is a destination that shall keep you mesmerized. Enjoy boat riding at Nakki Lake, the city view from Guru Shikhar and so much more.”

6. Goa Tourism

In recent years, the Miramar Beach located in close proximity to the city of Panaji, is a well-known location for health enthusiasts. Workout, Jog or even practice Yoga on the seashore to revitalize your mind, body and soul. #LetsGoa #travelresponsibly #beingresponsible pic.twitter.com/BYY0XNwj0c — Goa Tourism (@TourismGoa) January 15, 2021

Image Credit: @TourismGoa, Twitter

Goa is always on your mind, right? Well, if you thought the North Goa beaches got too crowded, the state tourism urges you to visit their Miramar beach which is located near Panaji. They say it’s one of the best North Goa beaches for fitness enthusiasts.

Lead Image Credit: Alia Bhatt/Instagram and iStock

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8 Ways State Tourism Boards are Working with Travel Influencers

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 hit tourism boards in India. During the three waves of the pandemic, around 21.5 million people in the tourism industry lost their jobs. As a result, the tourist arrivals in India went down by 93% during the first wave, 79% during the second wave, and 64% during the third wave.

With the COVID restrictions lifted, the government and tourism boards hope to improve the tourism sector. The government has lifted visa restrictions for foreigners for hassle-free travel. Also, the state tourism boards are collaborating with the best travel influencers from across the country to improve tourism. And, influencer marketing has turned out to be an ideal formula.

8 Examples of How Tourism Boards are Working with Travel Influencers Post Lockdown

1. madhya pradesh tourism.

Post the COVID-19 lockdown, the Madhya Pradesh tourism board started an influencer-based campaign themed “Intezaar Khatam Hua.” This campaign aimed to build confidence among travel influencers and promote the monsoon attraction and caravan tourism of Madhya Pradesh.

The tourism authority of Madhya Pradesh planned two to five days of caravan road trips, each one from Indore and Bhopal. A travel influencer visited different destinations within the state for each trip to promote tourism.

Starting from Indore, the caravan road trip covered destinations like Sailani, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, Janapav, Vanchu Point, Jam Gate, Choral Dam, and Patalpani. In addition, the trip also touched locations like Pench, Patalkot, Tamia, Pachmarhi, Madai, Tawa, Bhimbetka, and Amargarh Falls from Bhopal.

The best travel influencers traveled to the destinations mentioned above on caravan road trips and demonstrated comfortable journeys while enjoying the natural landscapes. In addition, the influencers documented the trip as a travelogue, and the Madhya Pradesh tourism board also launched a film on their social media channels.

2. Kerala Tourism

Kerala Tourism flagged off “ My First Trip 2021 ” after COVID restrictions were lifted in the state. This travel initiative targeted domestic tourists, and the ten best travel influencers were a part of this program. The itinerary was for five days, during which the influencers created exclusive content for the Kerala tourism board.

With this new trip campaign, the travel influencers promoted tourism in Kerala. They convinced travel enthusiasts to visit God’s Own Country and experience Kerala’s art, culture, popular activities, and cuisine. Out of 10 travel influencers, four were from Mumbai, three from Delhi, and one from Ajmer, Vizag, and Hyderabad.

The Principal Secretary of Kerala Tourism Board, Rani George, flagged the new travel campaign “My First Trip 2021” which started on March 25, 2021, and concluded on March 29, 2021. The influencers shared the content on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag MyFirstTrip.

The My First Trip travel campaign took the travel influencers across different destinations in Kerala in branded cars while keeping the pandemic protocols in mind. They followed five different itineraries within Kerala. The influencers visited destinations like Kollam, Thrissur, Vazhachal, Malakkapara, and Athirapally.

3. West Bengal Tourism

In a bid to revive the tourism post lockdown, the tourism authority of West Bengal started a social media blitz with the best travel influencers. The tourism department collaborated with travel influencers to boost the social media presence of tourism.

The West Bengal tourism board hired travel influencers for two years on a contractual basis. They used social media to highlight cultural events like the Durga Puja Carnival and visited tourist spots within the state. The WB Tourism Board’s social media account has been revamped, and new accounts have been created.

The travel influencers provided content in travel blogs, documentaries, and pictures of popular destinations in West Bengal. These professionals wrote various travel blogs that were uploaded on the social media channels of the West Bengal Tourism Authority. The influencers had to post 10 tweets and four posts on YouTube and Facebook daily.

4. Maharashtra Tourism

The Maharashtra tourism board has started a tourism influencer campaign that gives travel influencers once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the unexplored places in the state. The name of the campaign is “Create Your Own Story” and aims to promote tourism in Maharashtra post the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tourism Authority of Maharashtra is partnering with the best influencers across travel, food, adventure, and lifestyle categories. The interested travel influencers will have to register themselves on the official website of the Maharashtra Tourism Board and get a chance to build an association.

The travel influencers must have at least 30K followers on their Instagram channel, and they should be active on a majority of social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. In addition, the influencers must deliver 3 Instagram reels, 3 Instagram posts, and 15 Instagram stories daily.

5. Tamil Nadu Tourism

After the COVID-19 protocols were lifted, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Authority roped in 10 travel influencers from different states of India to promote tourism. These 10 influencers from other states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujrat, and Uttar Pradesh visited Tamil Nadu landmarks and lesser-known destinations. The travel campaign was for a 10-day period. During this time, the travel influencers wrote about their experiences during the trip on the social media channel of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Board.

6. Gujarat Tourism

To give new dimensions to the tourism sector post-COVID pandemic, the tourism sector of Gujrat organized a Bloggers and Influencers Meet at Gandhinagar on December 1st, 2021. The program was chaired by Gujrat Tourism Corporation Limited in collaboration with the Government of India. This was the first time any such meet was organized on such a large scale, and travel influencers from all over India participated in the meet.

During the meet, the Secretary of Gujrat Tourism, Harit Shukla, offered valuable information to the travel influencers about different destinations within the state. The bloggers and travel influencers present during the meet were asked to visit different destinations in Gujrat to promote tourism. The influencers were further asked to depict the vibrant culture of Gujrat on their social media channels in the form of videos and blogs. After the meet, the travel influencers were invited to visit different tourist places like the Statue of Unity, Mandavi Beach, Science City, and Kutch Ranostav.

During the visit to these tourist locations, the travel influencers shared their thoughts on their social media handles like Twitter and Facebook.

7. Karnataka Tourism

The scintillating coastline of Karnataka beckoned female travel influencers from different parts of the world to converge at Mangalore to join the Women Blogger Travel Program. All-female writers and travel influencers embarked on a memorable journey for a unique experience of the cuisine, art, culture, and tradition of Karnataka.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day and to revive the dying tourism after the Covid aftermath, Karnataka Tourism Authority launched the Women Blogger Travel Program on March 1, 2021. It was a six-day program that took the female travel influencers on an exciting journey to explore the coastal areas of Karnataka and much more.

The women influencers were greeted warmly by the Director of Karnataka Tourism Board and other stakeholders partnering with the travel program at Mangalore International Airport. The group kicked off the journey by visiting the famous Kudroli temple at Mangalore, followed by a hearty lunch at Shetty Lunch Home.

During the trip, the travel influencers visited the Crafts Boutique to see the paintings and metalwork by the locals. The participants then got their first taste of the sea breeze during the visit to Kapu Beach to explore the panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. The day’s grand finale was a spell-binding Yakshagana performance across Maple Beach.

The day of the Women Blogger Travel Program finally concluded with a traditional coastal dinner. Food was served at Fisherman’s Bay Beach Café on banana leaves, and the influencers thoroughly enjoyed the local delicacies. During the six-day program, the women travel influencers visited different destinations like Maple Beach, St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Bhagvati Nature Camp, Varanga, Manipal, Kasarkod, and Gokarna, among others.

8. Jammu Kashmir

The border tourism in Jammu Kashmir is boosted after the Covid lockdown is lifted, and the cease-fire from the neighboring country Pakistan has been on hold for more than a year. To increase the footfall of tourists, the Tourism Board of Jammu Kashmir and the Indian Army are organizing the Explore Gurez event .

The tourism department is inviting the best travel influencers from all corners of the country to promote the valley and put it on the tourism map of Kashmir. It’s a five-day event that will rope in eight influencers to explore the valley and embark on different activities like trekking, rafting, fishing, and other forms of adventure sports.

According to an army official, the travel influencers will explore the locations within the valley through their digital cameras and upload the same on social media channels to boost tourism in the state. Also, a seven-day Jash-e-Gurez festival will be started to promote tourism in the valley. Tourism promotion will bring peace and prosperity, but it will also boost the socio-economic development of Gurez.

As the states in India begin lifting travel restrictions post-pandemic lockdown, the tourism board is now collaborating with travel and social media influencers to promote tourism. From the private companies like Novotel Hotels, Indigo Airlines, and Airbnb to the state tourism boards like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, everyone runs campaigns on social media channels to woo travelers and tourists. These campaigns focus on the safety features to remove the myths surrounding travel post-pandemic.

More than 21 million people in the tourism industry lost their jobs during the first three waves of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tourism in India was severely affected, which dropped by 93% during the first wave.

Numerous state tourism boards like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka are working  with travel influencers to boost tourism. The influencers were asked to visit different destinations and upload images and videos on social media to promote tourism.

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10 Incredible Initiatives by State Governments That Will Boost Your Post-COVID Travel Plans

The Indian tourism industry has been badly affected and is slowly recovering. International tourism too might take time to revive. The Indian government has advised the states to take initiatives on how to boost tourism in the post-covid era. According to media reports, some states like Himachal Pradesh don't need a covid negative certificate from tourists while other states are not asking for e-pass, etc. But listed below, you will see how state governments are working to make our travel experience much safer and convenient in post-covid era.

Maharashtra:

Now you can plan an adventurous vacation or visit your favourite spots by renting a caravan .

• A mini caravan is perfect for small families. It comes with a rear passenger seat which can convert into a flatbed.

• Another option is to rent a big camper van which comes with a kitchen, a bedroom, a living room, a terrace and a bathroom.

• Paragliding activities are being set by the district administration in Udaipur, Kumbalgarh fort and Rajasmand to attract tourists.

• As per five-year policy, 2-3 prominent sites would be developed as “Iconic Monuments” in each division of the state.

• Sambhar, Bikaner, Pushkar, Nagaur are being promoted as new desert destinations. Government has rolled out incentive scheme to attract the filmmakers.

• Addition of light and sound show in Forts, Temples, etc across Rajasthan.

• In heritage zones like Braj and Shekhawati, project for conservation of Havelis will be launched.

Uttarakhand:

• Some hotels/home stays across Uttarakhand are part of an incentive coupons scheme under which tourists will get ₹ 1000 or 25% (whichever is less) off on accommodation charges per day. To avail this, they would have to register on Dehradun Smart city portal .

Madhya Pradesh:

• For Workcation: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is working to develop new offices in the middle of the jungle for digital nomads who are tired of sitting back at home in the lockdown.

• Madhya Pradesh has launched # IntezaarKhatamHua campaign under which short caravan road trips have been planned from Indore and Bhopal. In this travel influencers would visit multiple destinations.

• Odisha tourism department and wildlife wing have joined hands to train managers and committee members across 40 eco-tourism sites. These sites include – hill stations, forests, nature camps and beach resorts.

• The tourism board has planned to float road trip packages, it might start from October. For this they are targeting neighbouring states.

Himachal Pradesh:

• The much awaited “Atal Tunnel” is being inaugurated this month. This tunnel is 8.8 km long which will provide almost all-weather connectivity to Lahaul and Spiti. Currently, Spiti is closed to tourists.

• Tiling village, which is located 2 kms away from this tunnel, is going to be developed as a ski destination . These plans are in the pipeline. For this, they will make 3 lifts (each 550 mtr long) in the village.

• Himachal Pradesh and the World Bank have made an $82million loan deal to develop state roads .

• Karnataka has approved setting up a Lakundi Development Authority. Lakundi is considered as significant as Hampi. The plan is to develop this town as the sculptures and inscriptions date back to the 11th century.

• Government is giving subsidies to people and companies to develop infrastructure.

• Karnataka state tourism board will construct three-star hotels at Hampi, Belur, Badami and Vijayapura.

• Karnataka Tourism have already come up with Luxe Camper , India’s first fully equipped caravan.

Uttar Pradesh:

• The government is identifying more attractive spots with the concept of “One district, one destination” to promote eco-tourism.

• Eco Tourism: Development of Bhagwati Van , spread across 316 hectares of land, along the river Ganga in Kasganj district.

• Upcoming airport projects in Ayodhya and Chitrakoot will boost tourism.

• Completion of Ayodhya’s Ram ki Paidi by Diwali this year. Number of ghats are going to be increased from 5 to 9.

• Addition of 4 new expressway ’s which will connect Uttar Pradesh like never before. (Purvachal, Bundelkhan, Gorakhpur- link, Ganga Expressway).

• For contact less booking and safe travels, the Meghalaya tourism department will soon launch a ‘Check into Nature App’ for online booking of tickets.

• Government has identified various tourism locations in South West Khasi Hills district, which they plan to develop to promote tourism.

• Mawkyrwat and its neighbouring area is being developed too, keeping in mind the hot springs in the Jakrem area and heritage monolith site.

• The ministry has approved to train at least 20 local youths to become government approved guides. This will make tourists aware of the unique culture and diversity of the state.

• Also, the government is planning to construct a five-star hotel in Aizawl.

Though only some states are listed above but soon all would come up with their own action plans to promote tourism. The new developments happening in every state will add more places for you to discover with a broader cultural view. In some time, things will get back to normal and we will uncover a new India.

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State tourism boards unveil campaigns to woo well-heeled domestic travellers

As vaccination expands, the confidence to travel is rising with families and senior citizens stepping out.

There is intense competition among tourism boards from across the country to woo domestic travellers with an increasing number of people opting for destinations within the country.

The boards have launched marketing promotions across social media, television and print. Several tourism boards, including those of Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Leh & Ladakh and Uttarakhand, are leaving no stone unturned to attract travellers and revive the tourism economy.

Some states have started running demand generation campaigns targeted at travellers, while others have reached out to tour operators to pitch their destinations. “States are also reaching out to industry associations for focused branding, promotions and advertising to reach out to all stakeholders," said Aashish Gupta, consulting CEO, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality.

States expect domestic travel to pick up in the upcoming months, which coincide with the summer vacation period, with the vaccination drive starting for the public. As vaccination extends to various states, the confidence to travel is rising with families and senior citizens stepping out.

“I expect states to focus on hidden destinations and new experiences. Almost 28 million people travelled outside India in the pre-covid era. This segment of high-value traveller is looking for unique domestic destinations and is willing to pay between ₹ 80,000 and ₹ 1 lakh. It is a huge opportunity for state tourism boards to refocus and reposition their products to both high and upper middle-class travellers and retain them," Gupta said.

Maharashtra is focusing on curating packages for offbeat destinations in the state targeted at families and solo travellers. It is also working on a publicity campaign.

“In the domestic segment, religious tourism also tends to be popular. Therefore, we are promoting the ‘Ashtavinayak Circuit’ (that covers 8 Ganesha temples) as well as the five jyotirlingas (covers five Shiva temples). We are also promoting Nashik, which is a part of the Ramayana circuit," said Dhananjay Sawalkar, director, directorate of tourism, Maharashtra.

Uttarakhand is highlighting wellness and rejuvenation. The state has unveiled the International Yoga Festival to be held from 1 to 7 March, in Rishikesh. This is in addition to its ongoing mainline and digital campaign around wellness retreats, local cuisines and homestays.

Kerala Tourism has launched ‘A Change of Air’ campaign, urging people to take a break from their home city and visit the state. It is also actively promoting multiple offbeat destinations using digital video campaigns.

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10 Most Visited States of India By Domestic and Foreign Tourists

Most visited states of india: india is emerging as a tourist destination. take a look at the statistics of 2022 to know about the most visited states of india..

Most Visited States of India: Indian tourism is a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of diverse cultures, landscapes, and traditions. Boasting ancient monuments and a rich heritage. Also, in recent years state governments are taking considerable steps to develop and promote tourist visits. Addressing a gathering in Mathura, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said, " Today UP is drawing the maximum number of tourists. Earlier Goa was at number one and Uttar Pradesh at number three. But last year 80 lakh tourists went to Goa and seven crore devotees came to Kashi (Varanasi) and six crore devotees visited the Braj area." 

List of Most Visited States of India

Tamil Nadu: The Dravidian-style Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu, a state in South India, are one of the most famous tourist attractions. Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai boasts tall, colourfully decorated towers known as "gopurams." Ramanathaswamy Temple is a holy place on Pamban Island which is a must visiting spot for both domestic and foreign visitors. The colonial Fort St. George from 1644 is one of the highlights in the capital city of Chennai and it cannot be concluded without witnessing the charm of the ritual sunrises of Kanyakumari.

Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh, India's culturally rich state, offers numerous tourist attractions. The iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the seven wonders of the world stands as a symbol of eternal love. Varanasi, one of the world's oldest cities, entices with its spiritual aura along the Ganges River. The historical city of Lucknow showcases impressive architecture and delicious Awadhi cuisine. Mathura birthplace of Lord Krishna, Ayodhya, where Lord Rama was born, and  Allahabad, now Prayagraj, holds religious significance with the confluence of three sacred rivers.

Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh boasts several captivating tourist spots. Araku Valley's scenic beauty, Visakhapatnam's beaches, and Tirupati's sacred temple draw many visitors. The historic Golconda Fort and the serene Nagarjuna Sagar Dam are also popular destinations. For cultural enthusiasts, the ancient Buddhist site of Amaravati and the beautiful Belum Caves offer enriching experiences.

Karnataka: Karnataka, a diverse state in India, presents a plethora of tourist places. The majestic Mysore Palace and beautiful Brindavan Gardens in Mysuru are must-visit destinations. Bengaluru, the state capital, is known for its modern charm and vibrant nightlife. The ancient ruins of Hampi, the serene Coorg hill station, and the wildlife-rich Bandipur National Park also attract visitors from all over.

Maharashtra: Maharashtra is home to various tourist spots and cuisine. Mumbai, the bustling capital, boasts iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India and Marine Drive. The ancient Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad showcase magnificent rock-cut architecture. Pune's historical sites, Mahabaleshwar's scenic beauty, and the pristine beaches of Goa, which partly lie in Maharashtra, add to the state's allure.

Punjab: Punjab, a vibrant state in northern India, to plan visits. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, a spiritual and cultural symbol, attracts visitors from all faiths. The historic Jallianwala Bagh memorial and Wagah Border ceremony are also significant attractions. Patiala's palaces and gardens showcase architectural splendour. Punjab's warm hospitality, lively festivals, and delectable cuisine add to its appeal for tourists.

Delhi: Delhi, the capital city is an important commercial, transport and cultural hub of India. The historic Red Fort and Qutub Minar are iconic landmarks. India Gate stands as a memorial to soldiers, while Humayun's Tomb showcases impressive Mughal architecture. The Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple offer spiritual experiences. Chandni Chowk's bustling markets and the modern ambience of Connaught Place add to Delhi's charm.

Kerala : Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," is a paradise for tourists. The serene backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom offer tranquil houseboat experiences. Munnar's tea plantations and the wildlife-rich Periyar National Park captivate nature lovers. The beautiful beaches of Kovalam and Varkala provide relaxation by the Arabian Sea. Kerala's rich culture, Ayurvedic treatments, and delicious cuisine make it a top travel destination.

India has witnessed a boost in tourism over the years. Tourists visit India for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique experiences. The country's historical landmarks, like the Taj Mahal and ancient temples, draw visitors in search of architectural marvels. India's natural beauty, from the snow-capped Himalayas to the serene backwaters of Kerala, offers breathtaking sights. The bustling cities provide a glimpse into the vibrant life of the country. The diverse cuisine, colourful festivals, and traditional arts and crafts fascinate travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences. Additionally, India's spiritual heritage and yoga retreats attract seekers of inner peace and self-discovery. Overall, India's allure lies in its ability to captivate and enchant visitors from around the world.

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• India State Ranking Survey – 2024

by Manav Thadani , Arsh Suyal and Harinya Sreenivas Mar 14, 2024 Market Snapshots , Travel & Tourism

The India State Ranking Survey, by Hotelivate in collaboration with the World Travel and Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) , is a biennial report that evaluates the competitive standing of the nation’s 28 states and 2 Union Territories regarding their travel & tourism potential on 14 identified parameters. This is the 7 th edition of the report since its inception in 2009, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic year 2021.

India’s diversity, cultural richness, and robust economy, driven by a sizable youth population, make it an appealing destination for both domestic and international strategic investments. India ranks 9th out of all G20 countries, signaling that although the travel and tourism sector is well established, ongoing developments in policy, tourist infrastructure, safety, health, technology adaptation, and environmental sustainability continue to hold potential for improvement. During the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meet in Goa, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s commitment to tourism, emphasising the development of transport infrastructure, hospitality, skill enhancement, and streamlined visa processes. The G20 presidency in 2023, with meetings held across 60 domestic destinations, allowed India to showcase its diverse tourism offerings globally. Initiatives like the Swadesh Darshan scheme, aimed at developing comprehensive tourism packages for 50 destinations, and schemes like M-visa and PRASHAD for medical and spiritual tourism, underscore the government’s focus. Recent visa reforms, including the golden visa scheme, green residency, and new entry permits align with the tourism vision.

In terms of international tourist arrivals, a total of over 230 million international arrivals were recorded in 2023 in the Asia Pacific region, of which India accounted for 7.2 million. Figure 1 highlights the comparative international arrivals in select countries in the Asia Pacific region. Countries such as Vietnam and China were ahead of India in this aspect. However, the outlook for the tourism industry remains optimistic. According to the WTTC, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed US$1.3 trillion to the overall GDP of the Asia Pacific region in 2022/23. As travel rebounds, this sector’s contribution is predicted to reach US$2.6 trillion in FY 2023. However, the region remains behind its highpoint in 2019. The direct economic contribution of the Travel & Tourism sector in India stood at US$247 billion in 2022, largely driven by domestic travel expenditure accounting for 87% of the tourism spend. Additionally, the industry generated 35 million jobs in 2022/23, exhibiting an 8.3% growth over the last year, with a projected increase to 53 million over the next decade.

India continues to grow and become a prominent tourism destination with the sector contributing 6% to the country’s overall GDP, higher than the average for the Asia pacific region. Figure 2 shows the comparative contribution of the Travel & Tourism sector to countries’ overall GDP.

The Travel & Tourism industry, comprising hotels, airlines, and travel companies, is multifaceted. The India State Ranking Survey specifically focuses on the hospitality sector, using 14 key parameters to identify the best-performing states. These 14 parameters and their assigned weights are:

For more information, please contact Manav Thadani at [email protected] , Arsh Dennis Suyal at [email protected] or Harinya Sreenivas at [email protected]

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List of tourism offices in India by Ministry of Tourism

Get detailed list of tourism offices in various states by Ministry of Tourism. Users can get information about regional and sub-regional tourism offices, their address, phone number and e-mail address.

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Application for Proposal Submission for Central Financial Assistance for Information Technology Initiatives

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Guidelines and Application Proforma for Approval of Convention Centre

You can find the guidelines and application proforma for approval of convention centre provided by the Ministry of Tourism. Users can download and fill the form according to their requirement. Format of acceptance of regulatory conditions for approval of convention centre project and condition to be fulfilled after the convention centre or hotel becomes functional is also available.

Form for Proposal Submission for Hotel Classification or Reclassification

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Travel and trade related information by Ministry of Tourism

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• Madhya Pradesh gets two floating jetties in a bid to promote cruise tourism

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has signed an agreement with the Inland Waterways Authority of India and the Government of Gujarat. ​​ This will be used as a terminal for a pontoon cruise. MP Cruise tourism initiative is being taken by the Tourism Board with the aim of promoting tourism in the state. The cruise on the Narmada River will cover a journey of 120 km.

• Online Bureau ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Apr 26, 2024 at 06:23 PM IST

Cruise tourism footfall at highest-ever 4.7 lakh in 2023-24

As per govt data, the share of domestic and international cruise tourists was almost 50-50 in 2019-20 when the total footfall was a little over 4.2 lakh. During the pandemic year, there was no footfall as services stopped. In 2021-22, domestic cruise footfall revived, but there were no international tourists.

• By Online Bureau ,
• Published On Apr 26, 2024 at 06:22 PM IST

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Winchester business owner voices concerns for her safety in ongoing county-wide controversy

WINCHESTER, Ky. (WKYT) - A Winchester business owner said her safety, and the safety of her customers, is being threatened.

“For folks who don’t know me, they now hate me,” said Shannon Tipton, the owner of Crystal Coven Mystic Cottage .

Shannon Tipton’s store, the Crystal Coven Mystic Cottage, started receiving backlash after her business was featured by the Tourism Commission. But now she said the criticism has turned to threats.

“Concern for the safety of not only myself, but Tourism, and for my customers,” said Shannon.

Some said Tourism should not feature a business they feel promotes witchcraft.

“The products they sell, the material, some of it is used in witchcraft,” said one resident, Tim Sparks.

Tipton said her store doesn’t claim a religion and is a metaphysical shop, a store that sells crystals and herbs. But the conversation led these neighbors to Clark County’s Fiscal Court meeting Thursday.

After District 4 Magistrate Mark Miller previously went on record saying he also believes Crystal Coven shouldn’t have been promoted by ‘a government-funded commission.’

So a few supporters, and eventually Tipton, took to the podium to tell the board what she’s faced this week, like calls to shut down her business...and worse.

“She has received a message along the lines of ‘we burned witches once, we’ll do it again,’” said Julianne Tackett, with the Tackett Law Office.

Tipton said she’s lost business, and has hired Julianne Tackett as her attorney as she tries to navigate an uncertain future.

“It’s saddening because I was born and raised in this community,” Tipton said.

“This isn’t Winchester, okay? Winchester is for everyone,” said Tackett.

No decision was made at this week’s Tourism Commission meeting as to what the Commission can and cannot promote.

Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.

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Post-Tribune | Dunes Tourism board president holds appointed…

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Post-tribune | dunes tourism board president holds appointed seat — for now, commissioners president plans to call for board restructuring.

After a dramatic interplay between himself and the Porter County Council Tuesday night Mitch Peters, president of the Indiana Dunes Tourism Board, managed to hold onto his post – for now.

Council President Mike Brickner, R-At-Large, Vice President Red Stone, R-1st, and member Andy Vasquez, R-4th, voted to remove him, while members Greg Simms, D-3rd, Sylvia Graham, D-At-Large, and Andy Bozak, R-At-Large, voted to retain him resulting in a tie because member Jeremy Rivas, D-2nd, was absent.

Board of Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North, said by phone Wednesday that he will call for a restructuring of that board, removing Peters by default, at the next commissioners meeting on May 14. He said an analysis of the state statute dictating the makeup of county tourism boards reveals those serving must be employed in tourism.

Peters is a defense attorney involved with facilities for men coming out of addiction.

Peters, flanked by new Dunes Tourism CEO Christine Livingston and five members of that board’s executive committee, addressed the council at the end of its meeting, offering up apologies for the handling of the departure of former IDT CEO Lorelei Weimer, who left the post in January with a $225,000 severance package.

“We weren’t as accountable as we should have been,” he said. “We appreciate that each of you are accountable to the voters of Porter County. This isn’t going to happen again.”

Peters and Livingston gave a brief rundown of the changes they are making to IDT to make it more community-focused with an emphasis on partnerships with sister organizations such as the Porter County Expo Center and Memorial Opera House.

While he remained polite and complimentary of the “wisdom” represented by the IDT board members in attendance, Brickner, after speaking at length following an absence in recent months for medical reasons, called for a vote to remove Peters, who was reappointed by the council to the 11-member board in January. Peters has been on the board for 14 years and president for 13.

“Our responsibility as a council is to the taxpayers. I consider our appointments as an extension of the council,” Brickner said. “I am disappointed. This is not personal, but when we appoint someone, I expect transparency.”

Stone said he spoke to Weimer for four hours on the eve of her non-disclosure agreement taking effect. “She didn’t lie. She didn’t cheat. And she didn’t steal. That’s what you said,” he said to Peters. “I believe we were misled to pass the $225,000.”

Vasquez said his vote to approve the settlement would have been different if he had had more information. “I think I was misled,” he said.

Bozak, who pointed out that he voted against the settlement, also argued against removing Peters. “I also think if we remove Mitch at this time that causes a lot of turmoil,” he said.

Graham agreed. “Am I happy how it turned out? No, but we have to go on,” she said. “To say that he has to go after all his years of expertise . . . He screwed up, but haven’t we all?”

IDT board member Don Ensign, who would be one of the board members removed for lack of a tourism background, according to Biggs, defended Peters, saying the driver behind all the board’s choices during the settlement negotiation with Weimer was making sure “Lorelei was given a great deal of dignity and respect.”

He said the board was “absolutely wrong” in not apprising the council of that process while it was happening.

“I didn’t know I was going to be called in here and called a liar. You’ve called me a liar,” Peters said, adding that he was not going to get into details about Weimer because there is a non-disclosure agreement regarding her departure.

“Now,” Stone replied. “Now there is.”

Simms wanted to table the vote until Rivas could be present.

“Well, we have a quorum,” Vasquez responded.

Weimer, who sat at the back of the room throughout the meeting, was invited to come to the microphone. IDT board member Richard Riley spoke up to say the vote on Peters needed to happen first.

The council looked to their attorney Harold Harper for clarification on the rules of order. He said it was at the discretion of the council president whether Weimer was allowed to speak before or after the vote.

She was invited up. She told the council she was told by the IDT board and its attorney David Hollenbeck that she could either retire or be fired. She added that while it was clearly a violation of the Open Door Law, she was told the IDT board had the votes lined up to fire her.

“I said I could not take this risk and Dave said, ‘That’s probably a good decision,’” Weimer said. “Nobody has any idea what this man has done to me since August.”

“Are you talking about me?” Peters asked her.

“Yes,” she replied.

Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

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Tourism board recommends $5 million Brevard grant to help fund Brightline station in Cocoa

Brevard County's tourism board unanimously recommended a $5 million grant to help design and build the planned Brightline train station in north Cocoa ― a project that could cost $75 million. The grant proposal will go to the Brevard County Commission as early as May 7 for approval.

Funding for the proposed county grant would come from revenue generated by the county's 5% tourist development tax on hotel and motel rooms, vacation rentals and other short-term rentals.

The advisory Brevard County Tourist Development Council on Wednesday supported the grant, in an 8-0 vote, after hearing a presentation from Cocoa city officials about the project.

So far, the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization 's Governing Board has set aside a total of $15.5 million in federal grant money it is targeted to receive in the 2026-27 and 2027-28 budget years to help cover design and construction work for the proposed station.

In addition, the Cocoa City Council at a workshop in March unanimously voted to commit $5 million in city money for a Brightline station project in Cocoa, which helped trigger Brightline's commitment to have the train stop there.

Support for Cocoa station: Brightline gives green light to Cocoa stop for its Orlando-to-Miami passenger rail service

Cocoa City Manager Stockton Whitten said Brightline and Cocoa plan to leverage the $5 million commitment from Cocoa and the proposed $5 million commitment from Brevard County as matching funds, as they plan to apply next month for a federal grant of up to $50 million.

Whitten said, if the funding is lined up, construction could begin as early as the end of this year, and could take two years to complete.

The Cocoa station would be 7,500 to 9,000 square feet, and would be built on a part of a 90-acre-plus site, some of which is owned by Brightline and some of which is owned by Cocoa.

Brevard County Commission Chair Jason Steele ― who also chairs the Tourist Development Council ― told other TDC members that it is important to support the $5 million grant for the project.

"Brightline doesn't offer a station to everybody," Steele said, adding that "you're going to be kicking yourself right down the road" if Brightline's commitment to have a stop in Cocoa falls through because funding wasn't secured for the station, and a community in another county made a better financial offer.

Concerns from advisory board member

But TDC Vice Chair Tom Hermansen, a hotel owner, expressed qualms about being asked to support the $5 million allocation within minutes of getting Cocoa's presentation about the project. He also noted that the request came ahead of the typical annual cycle for seeking tourism capital grants. Hermansen also contended that Brightline has made no direct commitment to help pay for the station's construction.

Steele said the short notice was necessitated by the tight deadline to apply for the federal grant and the need to get County Commission approval before the application is submitted.

Cocoa officials said Brightline previously has invested more than $12 million for land within Cocoa, including in an area near the so-called "Cocoa curve" where the station is proposed.

The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization previously identified that location near Clearlake Road/U.S. 1 and State Road 528 as the best site for a Brightline station. The site makes sense for Brightline. In addition to owning the land, the area is where Brightline trains must slow down, as they switch from a west-to-east configuration to a north-to-south configuration.

In the end, Hermansen joined the seven other TDC members in voting to support the grant, saying that having a Brightline stop in Cocoa would provide "a meaningful and tremendous economic impact, not just on Cocoa, but on Brevard County as a whole, over the long term."

Brightline currently operates 32 trains a day — 16 in each direction — from early morning to late evening on the roughly 3½-hour route between Orlando International Airport and Miami. But it has no stop in Brevard County.

Samantha Senger, Cocoa's director of communication and economic development, said the Cocoa station would have at least 20 full-time employees. She said having a Brightline stop in Cocoa would generate anywhere from 78,000 to 160,000 nights of accommodations rentals a year at local hotels or vacation rentals.

Assuming an average room rate of $200 a night, that would create $15.6 million to $32 million a year in revenue for the hotels and vacation rentals, plus $780,000 to $1.6 million a year in tourist tax revenue for the county.

Senger said it would be "a transformative project for the Space Coast."

Two options to get county grant

There are two ways for the $5 million Brevard tourism allocation for the Brightline station to be approved.

One would be as a capital facilities grant, which would require a "supermajority vote" of at least four of the five county commissioners.

The other would be by moving money from the Space Coast Office of Tourism capital facilities budget to the office's marketing budget, then approving the $5 million allocation as a tourism-marketing-related project. That approach would require support of a simple majority of three county commissioners.

Steele said he hoped to get unanimous support from the other county commissioners. But he recognized there may be obstacles to get the grant approved by what he described as "a very, very conservative County Commission."

Brightline's current operations

Brightline currently has stops at Orlando International Airport, and in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami. Brightline carried 1.62 million passengers in 2023, and its goal is to have 4 million passengers in 2024.

Brightline announced in March that it also will have a stop in downtown Stuart, after selecting a proposal for a $60 million rail station project there. The station could open as soon as late-2026.

Brightline has plans to extend its route west from Orlando to Tampa in the future, and also could extend service north from Cocoa to Jacksonville.

Earlier this week, the affiliated entity Brightline West broke ground on the nation's first true high-speed rail system, which will connect Las Vegas to Southern California.

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] , on X at  @bydaveberman  and on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54