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• The growing popularity of night safaris: Changing the way tourists explore Indian forests

  The increasing popularity of night safaris and astro tourism is no accident. India's eco-tourism market is booming, projected to hit $4.55 billion by 2027, growing at an annual rate of 15.7%. The global astro tourism market, valued at $250 million in 2023, is projected to grow at a 10% CAGR, reaching $400 million by 2030, with India emerging as a prime destination due to its natural dark sky reserves and growing infrastructure.

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• Meghalaya Minister urges tourists to visit state with clean intent, warns against harmful behaviour

  The state Tourism Minister called for self-discipline and responsible tourism among locals. "Sohra is a land of good spirit and a land of good manners. Despite facing unwarranted criticism from beyond our borders, our community stood tall, leading peaceful rallies and candle vigils while supporting an extraordinary search effort," Lyngdoh said in a felicitation event on Wednesday.

  

• Goa Tourism Minister seeks Centre's support for aviation expansion & cultural tourism strategy

  “Goa is not just a destination; it’s a cultural emotion. By building a concert economy and strengthening aviation linkages, we aim to make Goa globally accessible while preserving its soul”, said Khaunte after the meeting. “Our discussions today reflected a shared commitment between the Centre and the State to work together on building a tourism framework that is experiential, sustainable, and globally connected.”

  

• J&K govt working to improve tourists' experience: CM Omar Abdullah

  "Tourists have a journey or an experience. They go home and tell others about it. I think there are lessons we've all learned over the past few months," the chief minister said. He said the Jammu & Kashmir government is using this time to improve infrastructure and overall visitor experience.

  

• Resume direct flights, reduce hotel tariffs to revive tourism in Kashmir: TAAI

  "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.

  

• Maharashtra govt to submit Raigad tourism development proposals under PRASAD

  Maharashtra's Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has urged the swift submission of Raigad tourism development proposals to the Central government under the PRASAD scheme. Focused on sites like Harihareshwar and Diveagar, the initiative includes a Rs 22.66 crore project for Shri Harihareshwar Temple and a INR 25.06 crore Star Gazing Observatory at Maral.

  

• Qantas shutters Singapore-based Jetstar Asia on rising costs, competition

  Qantas Airways will shut down its budget airline, Jetstar Asia, based in Singapore. The closure will happen next month due to rising costs and strong competition. Around 500 jobs will be lost. The airline's Airbus A320 planes will be moved to Australia and New Zealand. Jetstar Asia has struggled to make profits.

  

• Indian Railways tests new reservation system: What it means for waitlisted passengers

  Indian Railways is piloting a system to release final reservation charts 24 hours before departure, a significant change from the current four-hour window, to ease anxiety for waitlisted passengers. Initiated in the Bikaner division, this move aims to provide travelers with ample time to make alternative arrangements.

  

• India’s experiential travel market set to reach USD 45 bn by 2027

  India’s experiential travel market is projected to reach USD 45 billion by 2027, driven primarily by Gen Z. A new survey by WanderOn reveals that the 18–35 age group accounts for over 60 per cent of bookings, signalling a shift towards curated, immersive, and meaningful travel. The industry’s expansion is also backed by rising aspirational spending and the growing popularity of solo and offbeat experiences.

  

• Fresh off the tracks, fully booked! Srinagar Vande Bharat Express sees massive 10-day demand

  The Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra and Srinagar receives great response. The train is fully booked for ten days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the train on June 6. The train reduces travel time to three hours. The USBRL project connects Kashmir to the national railway. The train travels over the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges.

  

• Happy Valley allocates record $1.1 million to boost tourism in 2025–26

  Happy Valley Adventure Bureau has announced over USD 1.1 million in tourism grants for 2025–26—its largest ever funding round—supporting 81 local initiatives. The investment, driven by Centre County’s hotel tax revenue, aims to strengthen overnight travel and cultural programming across the region. First-time grantees and heritage projects will benefit, reflecting growing interest in Happy Valley’s tourism economy.

  

• Booking.com sees 51% rise in India’s LGBTQ+ friendly properties

  Booking.com has reached a milestone of 100,000 Travel Proud properties globally, including a 51 per cent year-on-year rise in India. Coinciding with Pride Month, the platform highlights destinations like Zurich, Panama City, Brighton and Sydney that offer inclusive experiences for LGBTQ+ travellers, addressing the ongoing need for safe, welcoming spaces worldwide.

  

• IHG to open Holiday Inn Ahmedabad as part of Gujarat expansion strategy

  IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Atithi Gokul Hotel Inns Pvt Ltd to develop Holiday Inn Ahmedabad. The 150-key property, set to open in 2028, will be part of a mixed-use project in the city’s Sarkhej–Gandhinagar corridor, strengthening IHG’s presence in Gujarat’s growing hospitality market.

  

• Alike launches free visa travel campaign for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bali

  Travel-tech startup Alike has launched a Free-Visa Holidays campaign, allowing Indian travellers to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bali without the need for visa fees or paperwork. The move aims to simplify international travel and encourage spontaneous trips. The initiative comes amid a growing trend of visa-free access for Indian passport holders across global leisure destinations.

  

• Boeing books 303 new orders, hits 737 MAX production target in May

  Boeing experienced a strong May, securing 303 new orders, including a historic widebody jet deal with Qatar Airways. The company rolled out 38 new 737 MAX jets, reaching a long-sought production rate, and delivered 45 aircraft. While Airbus reported no new orders in May, Boeing's performance signals a positive trajectory as it heads into the Paris Air Show.

  

• Airline body seeks waivers on user charges for 1 year at Srinagar Airport to boost air travel demand

  Federation of Indian Airlines requests waivers on user fees at Srinagar Airport. This request aims to revive air travel demand to Kashmir. The Pahalgam attack has severely impacted tourism. FIA proposes waiving UDF and ASF for one year. This initiative seeks to restore confidence among travelers. Airlines play a crucial role in connecting India and boosting tourism in Kashmir.

  

• Himachal CM launches border tourism at Shipki La, pitches for Mansarovar Yatra link

  Himachal Pradesh has initiated border tourism from Shipki La in Kinnaur district. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister, aims to open the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. Discussions with the Central Government and Chinese authorities are anticipated. The move seeks to boost eco-tourism and livelihood opportunities. Locals welcome the decision, expecting increased employment and economic revival.

  

• Aena gets approval for 3.2 billion-euro Barcelona airport expansion

  Catalonia has approved Aena's 3.2 billion euro expansion plan for Barcelona-El Prat airport, which includes extending a runway, building a satellite terminal, and remodeling existing terminals. To offset environmental concerns, nearly 300 hectares of agricultural land will be converted into wetlands. While Aena anticipates increased capacity and more direct international flights, critics worry about overtourism and pollution in Barcelona.

  

• IndiGo to launch new flights from Mumbai to Almaty, Tashkent, and Tbilisi from July

  IndiGo is set to expand its Central Asian footprint with new direct flights from Mumbai to Almaty, Tashkent, and Tbilisi starting July 2025. The airline will operate four weekly flights to Almaty and Tashkent, and three to Tbilisi. The move follows its earlier launches from Delhi in 2023 and aims to enhance regional connectivity and international travel options.

  

• Driving India's energy independence: The economic imperative of electrifying intercity bus travel

  While the initial investment for an electric bus is around ₹2.5 crore, 44% of this cost is typically offset over time by savings on fuel and maintenance, which make up a significant portion of the operating expenses in ICE buses and freight vehicles. The long-term savings are substantial. Operators can expect annual operational cost reductions of ₹15–20 lakhs per bus, primarily due to no fuel and lower maintenance expenses.

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