Mastercard Collaborates with Andhra Pradesh Government to Boost Tourism
In a move to enhance Andhra Pradesh's global tourism appeal, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) partnered with Mastercard, a leading global payments company. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to promote the state's rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern hospitality sector among international travellers.
This collaboration is a direct outcome of discussions held at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu engaged with Mastercard executives to explore tourism opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.
Jul 28, 2025
PHDCCI's 14th International Heritage Tourism Conclave Advocates for community-driven cultural tou...
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted its 14th International Heritage Tourism Conclave at the majestic Lukshmi Villas Palace in Vadodara, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Gujarat Tourism, Delhi Tourism, IndiGo, and IRCTC. Themed 'Cherishing Heritage', the event served as a dynamic platform for dialogue and advocacy to advance heritage-led tourism in India.
The conclave brought together policymakers, royal dignitaries, diplomats, conservation architects, tourism professionals, food historians, and cultural custodians to explore how India's rich heritage can drive economic revitalisation, community development, and cultural preservation. Rajender Kumar, Secretary of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Devasthanam Management & Pilgrimage, Government of Gujarat, inaugurated the event, highlighting Gujarat's vision for inclusive heritage tourism.
Jul 26, 2025
India's Passport Sees Its Biggest Jump Ever
India recorded its highest-ever leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025, moving up eight spots from 85th to 77th position. With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries, the Indian passport has gained in global strength, surpassing regional peers like Pakistan and Bangladesh. This reflects the country's improving diplomatic engagement and global connectivity.
The Henley Passport Index is a globally recognised ranking of the world's most powerful passports, based on visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to destinations. It is updated quarterly using International Air Transport Association (IATA) data. The index is compiled by Henley & Partners, a London-based advisory firm specialising in citizenship and global mobility.
Mumbai Airport among World's Top 10 for Third Consecutive Year
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai was named one of the world's top 10 international airports in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2025. With a reader score of 84.23, CSMIA is the only Indian airport to feature in this year's list, for the third consecutive year.
This year's (2025) rankings were once again dominated by airports in Asia and the Middle East. Istanbul Airport in Turkey retained its top position with a reader score of 98.57, followed by Singapore's Changi Airport and Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, respectively.
The Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards are an annual survey conducted globally, involving around 180,000 readers who cast over 650,000 votes.
Jharkhand became the first Indian state to introduce mining tourism, blending its industrial legacy with a unique travel experience. Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the launch of this pioneering project, developed in collaboration with Coal India subsidiary Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).
This initiative marks a significant shift in how Jharkhand plans to showcase its mineral-rich identity.
Through this innovative project, Jharkhand aims to bring its tourism offerings to new heights while simultaneously encouraging sustainable tourism, conserving its cultural heritage and boosting economic growth in the state.