Odisha CM unveils reforms and ₹1,500 crore push for tourism
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Odisha Tourism Investment Incentive Management System and a new tourism portal at the seventh Odisha Travel Bazaar in Bhubaneswar. Aiming to transform the state into a global destination, Majhi announced major policy reforms, including raising capital subsidies to ₹120 crore, lowering star-hotel room requirements, and approving a ₹1,500 crore budget. He urged global investors to drive regional economic growth and job creation.
StarDream Cruises secures double honours at Travel Weekly Asia Awards
StarDream Cruises took top honours at the Travel Weekly Asia 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards in Singapore, named Best Cruise Line – Asia and Best Cruise Line – Entertainment for the second consecutive year. Operating StarCruises and Dream Cruises, the company was recognized for over 30 years of regional cruising excellence. President Michael Goh credited team dedication and partner support for driving their success in delivering diverse Asian and international experiences at sea.
Lemon Tree Hotels debuts in Darjeeling with 65-room Keys Prima
Lemon Tree Hotels officially entered Darjeeling with the opening of Keys Prima on Old Kutchery Road. Marking the group’s debut in the hill station, the 65-room property becomes its third operational hotel in West Bengal, with three more in the pipeline. Managed by subsidiary Carnation Hotels, the property offers scenic mountain views, multi-cuisine dining, a fitness centre, and outdoor event space for leisure and business travellers.
Tawang to host 14th International Tourism Mart to boost North East tourism
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, will host the 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2026 in Tawang from October 27 to November 1. Designed to highlight the North Eastern Region’s tourism potential, the event brings together international stakeholders, state departments, media, and industry representatives. The programme will include B2B meetings, panel discussions, cultural showcases, and visits to tourist sites.
First Opinion
In 2026, travellers expect high-quality, relevant and personalised experiences. Interest in experiential and interest-led travel is rising. For travel advisors, this means moving beyond ticketing and itinerary execution to becoming curators and consultants, combining everything into a full customer proposition. Today’s well-informed Indian traveller seeks experiences such as meeting people, understanding cultures and experiencing genuine hospitality. This philosophy played an important role in our decision to celebrate TAFI’s 40th anniversary in Rhodes. For TAFI, celebrating 40 years in Rhodes is about continuing our tradition of opening new doors for the Indian travel trade.
Abbas Moiz, President, TAFI
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