TOURISM
'No fear now': Kashmir sees tourist return before Pahalgam attack anniversary
Visitors are returning to Kashmir, demonstrating renewed confidence in the region's safety. This comes as the first anniversary of a deadly terror attack approaches. Authorities have introduced a QR code system to enhance security and public trust. Analysts highlight the attack's impact on tourism and call for strong action against terrorism and its sponsors.
Tourism around Pahalgam picking up; upcoming Amarnath Yatra litmus test
Pahalgam's tourism is slowly reviving after a devastating attack last year. However, several tourist spots remain shut, affecting hundreds of pony wallas. Their earnings have drastically reduced. Hotel occupancy is low, and tourist stays are shorter. Security measures led to the closure of many sites. Authorities are working to reopen these areas, promising a return to normalcy.
For the First Time: Direct flights between Israel and Argentina
Israel and Argentina have launched direct flights connecting the two nations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Argentine President Javier Milei announced the new route. This initiative aims to deepen economic cooperation, facilitate business, and encourage tourism. The flights will make travel between the countries faster and more accessible.
India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park to be set up in Ladakh
Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena lays foundation stone for India’s first petroglyph conservation park in Leh on World Heritage Day. The park aims to protect Ladakh’s ancient rock carvings threatened by tourism and development. An MoU with ASI supports preservation, while efforts will relocate endangered artefacts and promote curated heritage circuits with community participation.
A $176 billion reality check for Europe’s luxury brands as Middle East tensions hit shoppers
A distant war is impacting global luxury sales. Europe's top luxury firms have lost billions in market value. The Middle East, a key growth market, is seeing reduced tourist spending due to travel disruptions and uncertainty. This slowdown affects major brands like Hermès, Gucci, and LVMH. Recovery for the luxury sector faces delays as geopolitical risks persist.
India medical tourism slips below pre-Covid peak amid geopolitics, visa delays and rising Asian competition
India's medical tourism is facing challenges. Arrivals have dropped significantly below pre-Covid levels. Geopolitical tensions and visa delays are impacting the sector. Competition from other Asian nations is also a factor. Industry leaders suggest focusing on high-tech, reliable healthcare delivery to attract international patients. Improvements in ties with Bangladesh could help reverse the trend.
- Go To Page 1
Ancient Egyptian stone monument depicting a Roman emperor as a pharaoh discovered in Luxor
An ancient Egyptian stela, 2,000 years old, was discovered in Luxor. It shows Roman Emperor Tiberius as an Egyptian Pharaoh. This artifact reveals how Roman rulers adopted local customs to maintain power. The stela also details the reconstruction of a temple wall. It is a significant find for understanding cultural exchange and political strategies of the past.
'Hospital infra isn't sole determinant of better care, outcomes also matter,' says Max Healthcare Chairman
Max Healthcare has significantly increased its bed capacity to 6,500 with a new Saket facility. This expansion targets both domestic patients seeking quality care and international medical tourists. The company leverages brownfield economics to manage costs effectively. Max Healthcare aims to contribute to India's growing healthcare infrastructure, addressing a substantial gap in private tertiary care beds.
West Asia conflict hits tourism, aviation: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry flags 15-20%
The ongoing conflict in West Asia is casting a long shadow over India's tourism and aviation sectors. Tourist arrivals have plummeted, prompting airlines to alter their routes, which in turn raises both fares and journey durations. The hospitality industry is feeling the strain as well, with many restaurants shutting down and significant losses reported.
West Asia conflict disrupts aviation, leads to 15–20% dip in inbound tourist traffic; Rs. 18,000 crore net loss for industry: PHDCCI report
India's vibrant tourism and hospitality sector is currently reeling from the impact of conflicts in West Asia. With inbound tourist arrivals plummeting and flight paths being heavily affected, the industry is facing unprecedented financial strain. In response, there is a call for innovative policy changes to enhance stability and broaden the range of tourism experiences.
Indian restaurants' 'slowdown' is ringing up a ₹79,000 cr bill as Iran war chokes LPG supply
The Indian dining scene is looking at a staggering monthly loss of ₹79,000 crore as a result of a commercial LPG shortage. This hiccup is forcing all types of eateries to shut down temporarily or seek alternative cooking methods.
A ₹18,000 crore blow seen for India's aviation story as West Asia conflict clips wings
India's aviation and tourism sectors are currently navigating turbulent skies due to the unrest in West Asia. Airlines are challenged with heightened expenses and prolonged flight durations, significantly impacting international travel. The inbound tourism sector is seeing a downturn as Indian travelers prefer more brief vacations abroad.
Akasa Air to launch direct Mumbai–Hanoi flights from September 4
Akasa Air will launch direct flights between Mumbai and Hanoi from September 4, 2026, marking its entry into Vietnam and expanding its international network. The airline will operate four weekly flights on the route. The move aims to boost travel demand and strengthen connectivity between India and Southeast Asia, particularly as Vietnam gains popularity among Indian travellers.
Eye on aspirational India, medical tourism, Max Healthcare steps up bed capacity expansion
Max Healthcare Institute Ltd is expanding capacity to 10,000 beds over the next 3–4 years, investing ₹4,000–5,000 crore to meet rising domestic demand and boost medical tourism.
Spain and Portugal flight and hotel bookings jump as tourists avoid Middle East
Spain and Portugal are seeing a rise in summer travel demand as tourists shift away from conflict-affected Middle East regions. Flight and hotel bookings have increased, with Spain benefiting the most. Industry bodies have slightly raised growth forecasts, expecting higher revenues. However, risks such as fuel costs, reduced overall travel, and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz could impact gains.
Karnataka: HC declines to ban jungle safari, seeks detailed response from state
The Karnataka High Court declined to ban tiger safaris in the state but sought a response from the government on a plea for a permanent ban, asking for details on safari zones and conservation compliance, even as operations have resumed in a phased manner at Bandipur National Park and Nagarahole National Park after a temporary suspension.
Dubai’s Burj Al Arab to close for 18-months due to restoration work
Dubai's iconic Burj Al Arab will undergo an 18-month restoration, focusing on interior refurbishment while preserving its original design. Paris-based Tristan Auer will lead the project, aiming to balance heritage preservation with modernization. The luxury hotel, a key player in Dubai's tourism, will close during this significant upgrade.
Japan tourism hits record despite Middle East conflict
Foreign tourists coming to Japan hit a new record in March despite another huge drop in Chinese visitors as well as a fall in those from the Middle East, official data showed Wednesday. Chinese visitors dropped 56 percent to 291,600 -- Beijing warned people from visiting last year -- while those from the Middle East fell 30 percent to 16,700 because of the Iran war.
PM Narendra Modi urges citizens to take nine pledges for developed India
Speaking at the prestigious Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Mandya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the citizens of Karnataka to embrace nine transformative pledges for a brighter future. His vision encompasses essential themes such as water conservation, local product advocacy, and the power of domestic tourism.
Tourism industry strengthens when local enterprises have access to finance: Omar Abdullah at Axis Bank event in Srinagar
Omar Abdullah emphasised that better access to finance for local enterprises is key to strengthening tourism and driving inclusive growth in J&K. The discussion, held with Axis Bank, highlighted collaboration between government and financial institutions to boost tourism-led economic development and livelihoods.
Infra spend up six-fold since 2014, crosses Rs 12 lakh crore: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially launched the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, marking a significant investment in national infrastructure. Since 2014, spending on such projects has seen a staggering six-fold increase. The expressway, at a cost of ₹12,000 crore, promises to cut down travel times and expenses significantly. It thoughtfully includes a wildlife corridor to safeguard local animals.
Narendra Modi inaugurates Delhi-Dehradun expressway; travel time to drop to 2.5 hours, boost connectivity and tourism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 213-km Delhi-Dehradun expressway, a ₹12,000-crore, access-controlled corridor that will cut travel time between the two cities from over six hours to about 2.5 hours. The six-lane (expandable to 12) high-speed route, equipped with smart traffic systems, will ease congestion on NH-58, improve connectivity across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and boost tourism to destinations like Mussoorie, while incorporating green features such as wildlife passages.
HC quashes 70 acres of Hebbal land acquisition 25 years later, orders CBI probe
A Karnataka High Court division bench has overturned a land acquisition for a non-existent company, restoring 70 acres in Bengaluru to farmers. The court cited a gross abuse of power and fraud, ordering a CBI probe into the 25-year-old transaction where a company was incorporated over a decade after applying for land.
Medical tourism 2.0: Why dental tourism could be India’s next big healthcare export
India's dental tourism is experiencing significant growth. International patients are increasingly choosing India for advanced dental care, driven by affordability, cutting-edge technology, and skilled specialists. This trend marks a shift from low-cost alternatives to a high-quality healthcare destination. Complex procedures are now more accessible, positioning India as a key player in medical tourism 2.0.
Thailand reviews visa-free entry system over compliance gaps
Thailand is reviewing its visa-free entry for tourists from over 90 countries due to compliance gaps and misuse of entry rules. The government aims to attract higher-quality tourists by potentially shortening the 60-day stay, aligning tourism with economic priorities and focusing on income generation over sheer volume.
ICE launches new effort to uncover US 'birth tourism schemes'
America's Trump administration is targeting networks that help pregnant women get U.S. citizenship for their babies. Immigration agents are ordered to find these operations. This move is part of a larger effort to restrict birthright citizenship. Officials state birth tourism costs taxpayers and threatens national security. The government is focused on identifying and addressing potential violations of federal law.
ITDC shares rally 40% in two days, skyrocket 67% in seven sessions. What’s behind the surge?
ITDC shares surged over 16%, extending a sharp multi-day rally of more than 67%, driven by reports of asset monetisation, including the divestment of key hotel subsidiaries under the government’s monetisation plan.
Mysore Sales International Ltd to launch one-stop tourism ticket booking platform in Karnataka
Mysore Sales International Ltd is set to unveil a revolutionary travel app designed specifically for Karnataka explorers. This innovative platform will allow users to seamlessly book tickets to a wide array of attractions across the state. With the launch expected in just three months, the app is a response to a growing demand for hassle-free travel planning.
Hoteliers hope for swift West Asia rebound
The hospitality sector anticipates a strong recovery in the Middle East after the US-Iran ceasefire. Industry leaders expect occupancies in markets like Dubai to bounce back by September. While rates may take longer to reach previous levels, the ceasefire is seen as positive news for tourism and energy markets. Airline flight frequencies will play a key role in the rebound.
Load More
