July 21, 2026 3:08 PM

Centre sanctions 117 tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs 5,756.62 crore across India

The Centre has sanctioned 117 tourism infrastructure projects worth ₹5,756.62 crore over the last two years to strengthen tourism facilities, improve connectivity and promote niche tourism across the country, the Ministry of Tourism said on Monday. The projects have been approved under multiple flagship schemes, including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the Challenge-Based Destination Development Scheme, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), Assistance to Central A...

July 19, 2026 4:01 PM

Rs 8,300-crore Rameshwar-Paradeep Coastal Highway to boost Odisha’s tourism, connectivity and economy

Odisha's coastline is set for a major infrastructure upgrade with the construction of the 160.18-km Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway, a project expected to significantly improve connectivity while giving a major boost to religious tourism, coastal tourism and economic development across the state's coastal belt. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will develop the project at an estimated cost of ₹8,300.79 crore. The highway will pass through Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada and Ja...

June 25, 2026 2:06 PM

India on the move: How a decade of tourism-led growth is transforming the nation

Over the past decade, tourism has emerged as one of the strongest drivers of India's economic transformation, creating jobs, boosting local economies, strengthening infrastructure, and showcasing the country's rich cultural and natural heritage to the world. Backed by large-scale investments, policy reforms, improved connectivity, sustainability initiatives, and destination-focused development, India is steadily positioning itself among the world's leading tourism economies. From bustling metro...

June 18, 2026 12:07 PM

Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi: How India’s heritage renaissance is reshaping cultural preservation, tourism and global recognition

Over the past twelve years, India has witnessed an unprecedented expansion of its heritage conservation and cultural development ecosystem under the vision of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" - a development model that seeks to balance economic growth with the preservation and promotion of the country's civilisational legacy. From restoring ancient temples and redeveloping pilgrimage centres to digitising manuscripts, reclaiming stolen antiquities and expanding India's footprint on UNESCO's global heri...

April 21, 2026 4:01 PM

Rishikesh emerges as a hotspot for wellness and adventure tourism

For those seeking a break from the relentless pace of modern life, few places offer the balance of calm and adventure quite like Rishikesh. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the Ganga, this once-quiet spiritual retreat is now evolving into a vibrant hub of wellness, adventure, and experiential travel. Long known for its ashrams and spiritual legacy, Rishikesh today attracts visitors from across the globe--not just for meditation and yoga, but for a deeper, more pers...

March 10, 2026 3:06 PM

India strengthens tourism ties with Germany and Indonesia at ITB Berlin 2026

India showcased its diverse tourism offerings and held key bilateral meetings with Germany and Indonesia during the global travel exhibition ITB Berlin 2026 held at Messe Berlin in Germany from March 3 to 5. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the India Pavilion at the event and held discussions with international counterparts to strengthen tourism cooperation and promote sustainable travel. During the visit, Shekhawat held bilateral meetings with Widiyanti Putri Wardha...

March 5, 2026 4:59 PM

India to build first riverine lighthouses on Brahmaputra to boost navigation and tourism

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday laid the foundation stones for four riverine lighthouses along the Brahmaputra River, marking the first time lighthouse infrastructure will be established on an inland waterway in the country. The foundation ceremony was held at Lachit Ghat and was organised jointly by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping...

February 19, 2026 3:58 PM

Gujarat BJP calls Rs 4.08 lakh crore budget a ‘boost to growth’, highlights 8.2 per cent GDP share

Gujarat contributes 8.2 per cent to India's gross domestic product (GDP), with a per capita income of Rs 3,01,000, around 60 per cent higher than the national average, demonstrating the state's economic strength, said state BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference in Gandhinagar, Vishwakarma congratulated Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state Finance Minister Kanu Desai for presenting the Rs 4,08,053 crore budget for the financial year 2026-27, describing...

January 15, 2026 6:31 PM

Fewer foreigners visited US in 2025 as global tourism spending rose

The United States registered a 6% drop in foreign visitors in 2025 even as global tourism overrode concerns about saturation in some locations to generate a 6.7% rise in spending compared to the previous year, according to an industry group. More than 1.5 billion tourists spent $11.7 trillion on hotels, cruises and flights last year, according to the data from the World Travel and Tourism Council. The tourism industry's contribution was equivalent to 10.3% of global gross domestic product, wit...

January 14, 2026 5:42 PM

Ibiza holiday rentals plunge as Spain cracks down on overtourism

The number of short-term tourist lets on Ibiza almost halved in 2025 from a year earlier as Spain's crackdown on holiday homes and overtourism started to bite. The supply of short-term rentals on the popular tourist island is now 80% lower than in 2017, tourism lobby Exceltur said. Across Spain, listings fell 4% in the second half of 2025 versus a year earlier - the first nationwide drop - though trends varied among the 25 biggest cities. Authorities are tightening rules as locals complain soa...