UP Tourism hosts Rural Tourism Conclave 2025
Uttar Pradesh Tourism organised the Rural Tourism Conclave 2025 at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, positioning the state as India’s rural tourism capital. Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh presided over the event, attended by policy experts, farm stay operators, and innovators. Over 40 homestay owners were felicitated for redefining rural hospitality, while dignitaries like Padma Shri farmer Ram Sharan Verma and sustainability expert Annadani Malligavad emphasized village-led tourism as the future of India’s inbound growth.
Sarovar Hotels launches eco-friendly Portico in Sriperumbudur
Sarovar Hotels has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Sarovar Portico Sriperumbudur, its third owned property in India. Strategically located on the Chennai–Bangalore Highway, the hotel is designed as a model of sustainable hospitality with solar roofing, rainwater harvesting, in-house STP, and purified water supply. The property has been built using eco-sensitive techniques.
FHRAI calls for GST Rationalisation in Tourism
The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the GST Council to rationalise GST in tourism and hospitality. FHRAI highlighted that the sector contributes nearly 5% to India’s GDP, with the potential to double if supported by policy reforms. With a high employment multiplier, tourism remains key to India’s Vision 2047. FHRAI welcomed recent GST reforms as a positive step towards global competitiveness.
Country Club to invest ₹100 crore in Kerala Tourism
Country Club Hospitality and Holidays has announced a ₹100 crore investment in Kerala over the next 4–5 years, targeting destinations including Alappuzha, Munnar, Wayanad, Wagamon, and Kumarakom. The expansion will strengthen its luxury hospitality footprint in the state. Alongside, the company launched its VIP Gold Card, offering members exclusive benefits such as complimentary stays and gold coins.
#First Opinion
“As I step into my first convention as IATO President, I feel a deep sense of pride, responsibility, and optimism. Personally, it’s a milestone moment; professionally, it’s an opportunity to set a progressive tone. My priority is to strengthen member engagement, foster innovation in inbound tourism, and ensure this convention becomes a platform for transformative collaboration and growth. The Convention will include a well-appointed inaugural session, strategic business sessions, presentations by 17 state governments, a dedicated session on Odisha Tourism, post tours by leading tour operators to Odisha’s key sites, evening entertainment, the IATO Run for Sustainable Tourism, and a memorable valedictory session.”
Ravi Gosain,
President, IATO
