TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - August 2020
Aug 2020
Sep 29, 2025
Jharkhand Launches Influencer Engagement Program 2025 to Boost Tourism on World Tourism Day
Marking World Tourism Day, the Jharkhand govt launched its ambitious Influencer Engagement Program 2025 (Johar Influencers) in September 2025 to showcase the state's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tribal traditions to the world through the digital reach of social media creators. The initiative was unveiled in line with this year's World Tourism Day theme, "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation."
Tourism secretary Manoj Kumar said the policy was recently approved and would serve as a modern tool to boost the state's image globally.
The social influencers policy was approved by the department a few days back. There are many parameters such as the number of views, number of likes, and the quality of engagement that will be factored into payments. This is an opportunity to tap into young, creative voices who can carry Jharkhand's story to millions online," Kumar said.
Tourism director Vijaya Jadhav added that the programme was part of a carefully prepared strategy. "Influencers today play a critical role in shaping perceptions, and we believe that their authentic content can highlight Jharkhand's forests, waterfalls, tribal cuisine, handicrafts, and festivals in ways traditional campaigns cannot," she said.
The scheme offers payments up to Rs 10 lakh depending on the influencer's category: Nano, Micro, Macro, or Mega. Content will be assessed on reach and creativity, with quarterly disbursements. Eligible influencers on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X (Twitter) are invited to apply by showcasing Jharkhand's landscapes, cultural vibrancy, and lifestyle.
India Taps Netflix to Drive Tourism Through Storytelling
Netflix and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to integrate India's travel destinations into the streaming platform's storytelling. The move aimed to turn Netflix originals into cultural showcases that also drive tourism.
Under the collaboration, Netflix and MoT will work to identify how locations can be woven into scripts without compromising creative integrity, while amplifying India's cultural and geographic diversity.
Netflix has already highlighted locations such as the Nilgiri forests (The Elephant Whisperers), the Andaman Islands (Kaala Paani), Punjab (Amar Singh Chamkila), Rajasthan (Mismatched), and Kalimpong (Jaane Jaan). Globally, shows like Emily in Paris and When Life Gives You Tangerines have demonstrated how content can influence travel trends.
Andhra Pradesh Unveils Tourism Policy 2024-29 to Boost Investments and Job Creation
In a move to attract more investments and create jobs, the state govt focussed on the tourism sector. The state govt released the operational guidelines for the tourism policy 2024–29, aimed at ensuring that incentives and policy benefits are implemented in a smooth, transparent, and timely manner.
The guidelines served as a comprehensive framework outlining eligibility, application procedures, verification mechanisms, and timely release of incentives. They were designed to reduce delays, avoid ambiguity, and streamline coordination between govt departments and private tourism enterprises.
Telangana Unveils 15,000 cr Tourism Projects to Boost Sector
As outlined as a target in the Telangana Tourism Policy (2025–30), the tourism department announced multiple tourism projects with total investments exceeding 15,000 crore at the inaugural tourism conclave held at Sampradaya Vedika, Shilparamam, in September 2025.
Thirty such projects were unveiled in the presence of chief minister A Revanth Reddy, Tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao, and other senior officials from the department, with a combined investment of 15,279 crore.
According to officials, these initiatives are expected to generate employment for over 50,000 people. The projects will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, as part of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between the tourism department and private investors.
Sep 28, 2025
Tamil Nadu Travel Expo 2025 Charms Indian Travel Industry
Tamil Nadu Travel Expo 2025 held in September 2025, at IDA Scudder Auditorium, Madurai. The event, was designed to bring together diverse stakeholders of the travel industry from across the country, invites them to explore Tamil Nadu's offerings in hospitality, wellness retreats, and wedding destinations, and not just its heritage.
Sep 27, 2025
Tourism India Alliance (TIA) Delegates Explore Malaysia in Mega Destination Showcase Familiarisat...
Tourism India Alliance (TIA) successfully concluded its Malaysia Mega Destination Showcase FAM trip, bringing together a strong delegation of 40 leading travel agents and tour operators from across India.
The FAM cum study tour was organised in association with Malaysia Tourism, Langkawi Development Board, Malaysia Airlines, Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Association (MITTA), and Malaysia Airlines, with the objective of showcasing Malaysia's diverse tourism offerings and strengthening bilateral tourism ties between India and Malaysia.
Sep 26, 2025
SOTC Travel Inaugurates First Store in Kozhikode
SOTC Travel inaugurated its franchise outlet in Kozhikode, Kerala, expanding its network to 4th strategically located outlets. This expansion underscores SOTC's strong commitment to South India, highlighting Kerala's position as a key growth market and the company's focus on catering to the evolving needs of travellers from the region. Located at Centrio on Ram Mohan Road, Kozhikode, the new SOTC outlet serves both leisure and business travellers, strengthening the company's presence in North Kerala's key urban hub.
The outlet offers a comprehensive range of travel solutions, including domestic and international holidays such as Group Tours, Personalised Holidays and Cruises, along with value-added services like travel insurance, ensuring convenient, end-to-end experiences for today's diverse travellers.
Sep 25, 2025
Helsinki Dominates Global Sustainability Rankings Again
The 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) revealed a momentous year for sustainable tourism, with Helsinki once again securing the top position for the second consecutive year.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the GDS-Index, celebrating a decade of progress in the global effort towards sustainable tourism practices. As destinations around the world increasingly focus on combating climate change, the 2025 rankings demonstrate a significant improvement in sustainability metrics, showcasing the resilience of the tourism sector in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
Helsinki's unwavering commitment to sustainability, coupled with Adelaide's dramatic improvement, exemplifies the growing global shift towards eco-conscious travel.