Introduction:
Tourism around the world is buzzing with major developments—from reopened sacred pilgrimages and new travel routes to growing concerns about over-tourism. Here’s a roundup of the most important travel and tourism news making headlines today

Oman Targets Indian Travelers for Sustainable Tourism Under Vision 2040

  • Strategic Focus on India: Oman is actively seeking to attract Indian tourists as part of its Vision 2040 initiative, aiming to diversify its economy and promote sustainable tourism.

  • Sustainable Tourism Goals: The country plans to develop eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, emphasizing cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and responsible travel practices.

  • Enhanced Connectivity: Efforts are underway to improve air connectivity between Oman and major Indian cities, making travel more convenient for Indian tourists.

  • Cultural Exchange: Oman is promoting cultural events and experiences to foster deeper connections between the two nations, highlighting shared histories and traditions.

Dharamshala tourism braces for boost as IPL fever draws close

Tourism stakeholders expect a rise in visitors as the Punjab Kings will play three matches at the city’s picturesque stadium — against Lucknow Super Giants (May 4), against Delhi Capitals (May 8) and against Mumbai Indians (May 11)

Dharamshala The tourism and hospitality industry in Dharamshala, which was reeling under a lean patch in winters, is likely to get a boost as three Indian Premier League (IPL) matches will be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium.

Tourism stakeholders expect a rise in visitors as the Punjab Kings will play three matches at the city’s picturesque stadium — against Lucknow Super Giants (May 4), against Delhi Capitals (May 8) and against Mumbai Indians (May 11). The Dharamshala stadium is the Punjab Kings’s adopted home ground.

Hotel occupancy is also expected to see a significant increase in the period.

Hoteliers had attributed the decline in occupancy during winters to scarce snowfall and the Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.

Hotels saw an occupancy of nearly 20% in January and February.

As the offline sales of the tickets have started, fans have made beelines in front of the sale windows at the stadium.

Dharamshala Hotel Association president Ashwani Bamba said a surge in visitors is expected in Dharamshala during the match days. “Two matches are scheduled over the weekend, and we anticipate an increase in hotel occupancy,” he said.

“We expect occupancy in lower Dharamshala to rise to over 70% as visitors prefer hotels closer to the stadium. In contrast, hotel occupancy in upper Dharamshala is not expected to see much change, except a few ones,” he added.

He said that the matches will boost tourism in nearby areas, such as Palampur, as well.

J&K’s economy and tourism in peril after Pahalgam massacre

The attack comes amid a tourism boom and slight gains in the Union Territory’s own revenue generation

The targeted killings of tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir took place at a time when the region was witnessing a tourism boom. The number of visitors was at a 15-year high and the Union Territory (UT)’s own revenue generation had started showing signs of improvement. The home States of the victims reflected the diversity of tourists that the Valley had began attracting. Now, with several key destinations in Kashmir deemed unsafe by the government, over 80% of upcoming bookings have been cancelled. Amid escalating tensions at the border, the tourism sector is bracing itself for a bleak year.

Meghalaya’s Culinary Cascade Festival launches at Shillong’s Ward’s Lake

The Meghalaya Culinary Cascade Festival has begun at Ward’s Lake, Shillong, showcasing the region’s diverse culinary heritage. The event features traditional dishes, cultural performances, and workshops, aiming to boost tourism and support local artisans

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today inaugurated the highly anticipated Culinary Cascade 2025 food festival at Ward’s Lake, Shillong. The three-day event, running until May 3, aims to showcase the northeastern state’s diverse culinary heritage while promoting sustainable food systems.

“This event is a vibrant celebration of our Meghalaya’s rich cultural and culinary heritage, highlighting traditional culinary practices while drawing inspiration from global cuisines, culminating in a refined fusion of local flavours with international flair,” said CM Sangma during the opening ceremony.

The festival, organised by Meghalaya’s tourism department in collaboration with Meghalayan Age Ltd, will operate daily from 12 pm to 8 pm, offering visitors free entry to experience the region’s indigenous ingredients and cooking traditions alongside contemporary culinary innovations.

CM Sangma emphasised the festival’s focus on local production: “We are proud to have farmers and entrepreneurs who will showcase their organic produce and artisanal products, underscoring the importance of sustainable and community-driven food systems.”

Culinary Cascade features a strong emphasis on strengthening connections between local producers and consumers. Hydroponic farmers, spice cultivators, and homegrown beverage makers are among the many local producers participating in the event, offering visitors a chance to sample and purchase authentic Meghalayan products.

The festival has attracted notable culinary figures, including Jason White, former chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant Noma, who will lead live cooking sessions alongside local celebrity chef Ahmedaki Laloo of A’origins. Representatives from culinary institutes, food writers, and practitioners of traditional cooking methods will also share their expertise throughout the event.

Visitors can explore traditional Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo cuisines, as well as locally brewed beverages and coffee. Street food enthusiasts will find both indigenous offerings like dohsnam and ktung alongside contemporary options such as ramen, boba, and innovative baked goods.

Beyond the culinary attractions, the festival includes educational components such as a special documentary screening that explores the philosophy behind the event—connecting food, culture, climate consciousness, and community engagement. Traditional cooking tools and vessels are also on display, providing insight into the region’s culinary history.

“Come, experience the flavors, stories, and spirit that make our culinary identity truly exceptional,” urged CM Sangma as he invited residents and tourists alike to attend.

Pahalgam attack news live updates: UK appeals for measured approach, de-escalation

Pahalgam attack news live updates: The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders, who have expressed solidarity with India and denounced terrorism.

Pahalgam attack news live updates: The United Kingdom has called on all parties involved to take a measured approach and urged de-escalation in the aftermath of the “despicable” terrorist attacks in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives last week. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 persons, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The assault is one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

The attack drew swift and widespread condemnation from global leaders, who have expressed solidarity with India and denounced terrorism.

Anticipating a military response from India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the armed forces “complete operational freedom”, the Pakistan Army rushed its reinforcements to bolster its posture along the LoC. It also resorted to unprovoked firing during the intervening night of May 1 and May 2 along several locations across the border.

A defence spokesperson in Jammu said the unprovoked ceasefire violation last night began as unprovoked small arms firing at several posts along the LoC in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir, and swiftly expanded to the Poonch sector and subsequently to the Akhnoor sector of the Jammu region.

Meanwhile, the United States’ vice president JD Vance supported New Delhi, saying that he hopes for Pakistan’s cooperation in bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice, and that India’s response to the recent Islamist militant attack that killed 26 people would not lead to a broader regional conflict.

Separately, external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said he discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and called for justice for those responsible.

Also on Thursday, defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, during which the latter reportedly said the US stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself.

Pahalgam attack | Key updates

• To speed up its probe into the attack, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday revisited the Baisaran meadow for three-dimensional, or 3d, mapping of the site based on the statements of witnesses.

• The Indian Navy intensified operations in the Arabian Sea within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), conducting extensive naval exercises. Its warships have also been placed high alert amid back-to-back security review meetings in New Delhi.

• Union Home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said during an event in Delhi that the government will hunt down those behind the terrorist attack and the terrorists will have to answer for the heinous act.

• Stories of those who survived the attack also made headlines. Himanshi Narwal, the wife of an Indian Navy lieutenant, Vinay Narwal, who was killed in Pahalgam, said that people who have done wrong to her husband should be punished. “We don’t want people going after Muslims and Kashmiris,” she said amid reports of allegedly targeted harassment from a few parts of the country.

Get Daily Updates on Tourism ! 📞🛶

For bookings and inquiries, contact us:
📲 Call/WhatsApp: +91 7044073097 / 9435733097
📧 Email: enquiry@holidayeyes.co.in
🌐 Website: www.holidayeyes.co.in