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

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that the Indian government aims to position the country among the top 10 global tourism destinations.

India improved its ranking from 54th in 2022 to 39th in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

A key strategy involves focusing on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. Shekhawat emphasized the development of iconic venues like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and Jio World Centre, aiming to elevate at least 10 Indian cities into top MICE destinations. This initiative is part of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign.

State tourism minister Diya Kumari highlighted the development of Rajasthan Mandapam and the state’s infrastructure to support the MICE segment. She cited Jaipur’s hosting of the International Indian Film Academy awards as an example.

During India’s G20 presidency, meetings were held across various states to enhance their capabilities in hosting events. Suman Bery, vice-chairperson of NITI Aayog, stressed the importance of integrating events, cultural infrastructure, and global best practices to unlock tourism potential

Shekhawat also addressed the recent Pahalgam terror attack, acknowledging its temporary impact on tourism but noting the resilience of tourists who continued their visits

Need to focus on tourism sector, attract foreign tourists: Maharashtra Chief Minister

The first Maha Tourism festival, which started on May 2, concluded on Sunday, bringing over 75,000 visitors to Mahabaleshwar

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said in order to have toursin grow in Maharashtra, focus should be directed towards ensuring sanitation, cleanliness and improving online booking platforms.

”Nowadays, tourism is rated based on the experience the people receive, so we must focus on sanitation, cleanliness, an online booking platform, and having a yearly festival calendar in advance, taking tour operators into account,” the Chief Minister said on the concluding day of the first Maha Tourism Festival.

Sikkim may get new airport to boost tourism: Union minister

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said an airport is likely to be built in Sikkim to boost tourism.

He said Sikkim was excelling remarkably in the tourism sector under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

Athawale, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, is on a two-day visit to the state.

He said the whole of the Northeast has made tremendous progress under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi.

The state BJP has been demanding an all-weather international airport in Sikkim to boost tourism.

The state’s lone Pakyong airport often faces low visibility issues, leading to the closure of services for months.

Shillong beckons tourists despite pre-monsoon rains

As misty rains drape Meghalaya’s pine-covered hills, the state enchants a rising wave of tourists with its ethereal monsoon charm and timeless natural beauty.

As curtains of mist sweep over pine-covered hills and raindrops tap gently on tin rooftops, Meghalaya—true to its name, the abode of clouds—is quietly capturing the imagination of travellers across India. Even as pre-monsoon rains continue to veil the state in silvery softness, tourists are arriving in growing numbers, drawn by the magic that only the monsoon can bring to these ancient hills.

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh’s optimism reflects this growing momentum. With travellers defying the rains to experience Meghalaya’s cool climes and raw natural beauty, the state is quickly emerging as one of India’s most cherished destinations. “We expect to touch 20 lakh visitors this year,” he remarked, highlighting the state’s rising popularity. His statement is more than just a prediction—it is a reflection of how Meghalaya’s charm, even in the midst of rain, resonates deeply with those looking to escape the suffocating heat of the plains.

Lyngdoh further noted the government’s upcoming initiatives to enhance the tourist experience. “Our tourism calendar will be released in the next two weeks, and we’re hopeful that with the increased attention, Meghalaya will see more visitors. Just yesterday, a parliamentary committee visited the state, and iconic figures like (Sachin) Tendulkar have visited as well. These visits help to showcase Meghalaya as a premier tourist destination,” he said. In addition, the government is rolling out its ‘Tourist Buddies’ programme to ensure better assistance for travellers. “We are already in the process of recruiting 50 Tourist Buddies, starting with the state capital. We’ve advertised the positions, and these buddies will be stationed at key tourist locations such as Wards Lake, Golf Links, and Khyndai Lad,” Lyngdoh added.

Assam: Jeep safari In Kaziranga To Close From May 19 Due To Bad Weather

Jeep Safari at Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve will remain suspended from May 19, 2025, until further notice, due to continuous bad weather and deteriorating road conditions. The closure was announced in an official notification issued by the Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division.

“It is notified for general information and best interest of all concerned that Jeep Safari for the visitors in Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve will remain closed from 19th May, 2025, due to inclement weather and road conditions,” the notification stated.

The Assam Chief Minister’s Office also confirmed the development on social media platform X, highlighting safety concerns for tourists and staff amid the ongoing weather challenges.

The announcement comes on the heels of Kaziranga reporting record-breaking tourist footfall in the financial year 2024–25. Field Director Sonali Ghosh said that the park attracted 4,06,564 visitors, including 17,693 international tourists, generating revenue of Rs 10.90 crore. She noted that tourist numbers have increased fourfold over the past decade.

Foreign tourists now constitute 4.5 percent of the total visitors to the park, which remains a key attraction due to its rich biodiversity and the presence of the iconic one-horned rhinoceros.

Kaziranga has also gained prominence on the global tourism map. It hosted several high-profile visits, including Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the park since it was declared a national park in 1974. On February 24, 2025, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with 60 Heads of Mission from different countries, visited the park under the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative.

The park was recently featured by The New York Times as one of the top global destinations. It also hosted the 12th International Tourism Mart from November 26 to 29, 2024, showcasing its growing role in sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.

To promote eco-tourism, the Assam government has introduced incentives for electric vehicle safari services as part of its green tourism push.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve spans three divisions: Eastern Assam Wildlife Division (Bokakhat), Biswanath Wildlife Division (Biswanath Chariali), and Nagaon Wildlife Division (Nagaon).

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