Spiritual Travel

‘Resume direct flights, reduce hotel tariffs to revive tourism in Kashmir’ | Kolkata News

Published

1 month ago

June 12, 2025

Srinagar: The travel trade industry has appealed to airlines to resume flights to Srinagar that were discontinued after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 so that tourism in Kashmir can revive. While all flights to Srinagar, Jammu and over two dozen other areas were suspended in May, as India conducted air strikes against terror hubs in Pakistan, some services including direct flights from Kolkata to Srinagar by IndiGo Airlines and Air India Express have not resumed after hostilities ceased on May 10. IndiGo has indicated that it will resume the direct flight from June 16.Last month, TOI wrote about the ‘Chalo Kashmir’ campaign, a strong community-tourism industry connect initiative launched by the Travel Agents’ Association of India (TAAI), which handles around 4 lakh tourists from Kolkata in a year, around 40,000 of whom travel to Kashmir. Taking the campaign forward, TAAI started a new campaign called Rally for Valley to boost tourism in Kashmir.“We are in talks with the Union govt as well as airlines and hotel bodies to put a cap on tariffs that can help us shape attractive packages for tourists,” said TAAI president Sunil Kumar. “As for safety, we are visiting the valley with our families. Tourists have nothing to fear. People here are among the most hospitable. This is the best time to visit the Valley,” he added.Over 15 lakh tourists visited Kashmir last year. The Valley was packed with tourists again this year before the terror attack triggered mass cancellations. The downturn in tourists has hit Kashmiris hard. “In April, we were charging Rs 5,000 for a round trip to Pahalgam from Srinagar. Now we are taking tourists even for Rs 3,000,” said Md Rouf, a driver. Restaurants like Lazeez, which had to turn down guests two months back, are now giving special offers to fill tables.“Very few rooms have been booked across several hotels. Had it not been for the terror attacks, these hotels would have been packed. These hotels should take a Covid-time-like approach and cut down on tariffs. We have set ourselves a target until Sept this year by when we intend to revive tourism back in Kashmir,” said TAAI chairman (east) Anjani Dhanuka.The newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Express, travelling through the landmark Chenab Bridge, is also being promoted as a game changer. “Kolkata will host the first roadshow promoting Kashmir as a safe destination. We are also regularly updating our social media handles with snippets and current activities in popular destinations in Srinagar, Pahalgam, Jammu, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and other places to encourage tourists from Kolkata,” said Manav Soni, TAAI national committee member.

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Spiritual Travel

India’s Tourism Sector and Vision 2047 Towards a $32 Trillion Economy

Published

1 day ago

July 21, 2025

Shivam

The Government of India has set an ambitious target to raise the contribution of tourism to 10% of GDP by 2047, aligning with its broader goal of transforming India into a $32 trillion economy. Rich in cultural heritage, natural diversity, and spiritual wealth, India’s tourism sector is poised to become a major engine of economic growth, employment, and global influence, provided structural and strategic challenges are addressed.

Background

Currently, tourism contributes about 5–6% to India’s GDP, with the country ranking 14th globally in tourism receipts (as of 2023). India accounted for 1.8% of global tourism revenue, with projections showing a 24% Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the sector. The government now aims to double its share in the economy by 2047 through sustainable and inclusive development.

Significance

Tourism is a labour-intensive industry with vast potential for job creation, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. It also enhances foreign exchange earnings, supports infrastructure development, and strengthens cultural diplomacy. India’s immense spiritual, ecological, and historical diversity positions it uniquely to tap into global travel trends, including medical tourism, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism.

Types of Tourism in India

Spiritual Tourism: India’s temples, pilgrimage towns, and religious circuits attract millions of domestic and international tourists.
Adventure Tourism: Mountain treks in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Himalayas are popular.
Beach Tourism: Goa, Kerala, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands remain top destinations.
Cultural Tourism: Fairs like the Pushkar Mela and Taj Mahotsav showcase India’s rich traditions.
Wildlife Tourism: National parks like Jim Corbett and Kaziranga attract eco-conscious travelers.
Medical Tourism: India is emerging as a hub for affordable, high-quality healthcare under the “Heal in India” initiative.

Key Challenges

Infrastructure Deficiencies: Poor transport and facilities in key destinations.
Environmental Degradation: Unregulated tourism affecting ecosystems.
Lack of Standardization: Inconsistent quality in services.
Seasonality: Fluctuating tourist volumes across seasons.
Marketing Gaps: Lesser-known destinations lack promotion.
Cultural Sensitivity: Balancing tourism with heritage preservation.

Government Initiatives

50 Destination Challenge Mode (2025 Budget): Upgrades infrastructure and connectivity at top sites.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Development of theme-based circuits with world-class amenities.
PRASHAD Scheme: Infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites.
Medical Tourism Boost: Public-private partnerships and visa easing for health travelers.
Atithi Devo Bhava: Training hospitality staff to improve service standards.
Visa Reforms: e-Visa and visa fee waivers to boost international arrivals.
Support for Sustainable Tourism: Eco-tourism, responsible travel, and green certifications.
Employment Measures (2025–26): MUDRA loans for homestays, performance-based incentives to states, and simplified visa systems.

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Spiritual Travel

MP now heartbeat of global tourism, 134.1 million tourists visited last year

Published

3 days ago

July 19, 2025

IANS

Jaipur, July 19 (IANS) With its sweeping landscapes, sacred rivers, vibrant culture and world-class heritage, Madhya Pradesh is no longer just the ‘Heart of India’ — it’s becoming the heartbeat of global tourism.

This message rang loud and clear during the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s roadshow held at Jaipur’s Jai Mahal Hotel on Friday.

Speaking to a packed event of tourism stakeholders, filmmakers, and hospitality professionals from both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Additional Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Bidisha Mukherjee, highlighted the state’s soaring popularity.

In 2024 alone, Madhya Pradesh welcomed 134.1 million tourists, with 70 million visiting for religious and spiritual experience, to Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas, Chitrakoot, Maihar, and Amarkantak, the sacred origin of the Narmada River.

But spiritual tourism is just one facet of Madhya Pradesh’s appeal.

“We want to showcase the hidden gems of Madhya Pradesh to the world,” Mukherjee said.

“From majestic temples to dense jungles, from tribal art to local cuisine — we’re creating experiences, not just sightseeing tours. We’re building a sustainable, immersive, and community-led tourism model that speaks to the soul of every traveller.”

In an interesting pitch, she proposed an exciting expansion of the iconic Golden Triangle tourism circuit which she said can work miracles if turned into an arch.

“Imagine tourists travelling from Agra to Gwalior, then exploring the Orchha-Gwalior-Datia belt,” she said.

“Those coming from Chittorgarh can easily explore Mandsaur, Ujjain and Omkareshwar — blending Rajasthan’s desert heritage with Madhya Pradesh’s water sports and adventure tourism offerings in a single trip.”

She also added that Madhya Pradesh is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhimbetka — and 15 others on India’s tentative list, making up a quarter of the country’s UNESCO sites.

Madhya Pradesh also boasts a vibrant cultural identity, with tribal traditions like the Bhagoria dance, Gond paintings, and the Narmada Parikrama pilgrimage recognised on India’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, she said.

With titles like Tiger State, Leopard State, Cheetah State, and even Vulture and Gharial State, Madhya Pradesh has something for every nature lover, Mukherjee added.

It is a wildlife haven and with all these products, the number of tourists soared from 11.41 crore to 13.42 during 2023 to 2024, she said.

With the upcoming Tourism Policy 2025, Madhya Pradesh is also rolling out the red carpet for investors, she added.

The policy offers attractive incentives, including 90-year land leases, low stamp duties, and e-tender processes for accessing land, wayside amenities, and heritage properties.

Ultra-mega tourism projects with investments more than Rs 100 crore can even be allocated land directly.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism officials also said: “It is not tourists who are flocking to Madhya Pradesh — the film industry is also being lured to the state. With a dedicated Film Facilitation Cell, shooting permissions are now fast-tracked. Since the launch of its film policy, more than 400 film and OTT projects have been shot in Madhya Pradesh, including Stree, Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Sui Dhaaga, Laapataa Ladies, Padman, Dhadak 2, Panchayat, Kota Factory, Gullak, and Citadel.”

No surprise then that the Indian government named Madhya Pradesh the “Most Film-Friendly State” for 2017–2020, she added.

Mukherjee concluded with a smile, saying: “Madhya Pradesh offers ‘sab kuch jo dil chahe’. The world is welcome to discover it.”

–IANS

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