Finland–India Tourism Workshop strengthens India Outbound connect
Sara Consulting Services concluded the Finland–India Tourism Workshop 2026 across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and New Delhi, bringing together 22 tourism partners. The largest-ever Finnish delegation engaged with Indian luxury travel advisors, tour operators, MICE specialists and media, including agents from Tier II and III markets. Finland’s growing appeal was highlighted by an 89% rise in Indian overnight stays in Lapland in 2024, followed by 20% growth in 2025.
Uttar Pradesh, Japan’s Yamanashi strengthen tourism cooperation
Uttar Pradesh and Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture have strengthened tourism ties with a cooperation agreement focusing on Buddhist tourism, hospitality and wellness. Signed in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the initiative aims to build stronger connectivity around Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist Circuit. Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said Yamanashi could serve as a gateway for Japanese travellers, while the shared heritage of Sarnath and Fujisan could further deepen cultural and tourism exchanges.
Maharashtra steps up push to become Global MICE Hub
Maharashtra is strengthening its position as a global MICE destination through initiatives under the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024. Central to the strategy is the Maharashtra Convention Bureau, announced at IMEX Frankfurt in 2025 and now operational. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Bureau aims to attract international events, simplify event hosting and strengthen industry coordination, with initial focus on Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Pride Hotels launches Pride Plaza Indore
Pride Hotels & Resorts has launched Pride Plaza Indore, a 141-room property on AB Bypass near Rau, marking the Pride Plaza brand’s debut in the city. Featuring six event venues, three restaurants, a poolside lounge and bar, and expansive banquet facilities, the hotel targets business and wedding segments. The launch takes Pride Hotels’ Madhya Pradesh portfolio to five properties, including Bhopal, Ujjain and Jabalpur, strengthening its presence in the state.
#First Opinion
“I am glad to share that the 56th FHRAI Annual Convention served as a landmark platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of Indian tourism and hospitality. Hosted in the spiritual capital of India, the convention reflected our vision of combining heritage with innovation while creating opportunities for industry collaboration, policy discussions and sustainable growth. The convention received an overwhelming response from delegates, industry leaders and stakeholders from across India and abroad. We were delighted to witness insightful discussions and meaningful engagement throughout this prestigious gathering, with strong participation from 22 states across India and over 1,400 delegate registrations.
Shri Surendra Kumar Jaiswal,
President, FHRAI
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