‘Meet in India’ Conclave in Jaipur showcases India’s potential as a MICE hub
The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, and FICCI, organized the Meet in India Conclave at Jaipur on the sidelines of the 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB). More than 300 delegates and participants attended the event consisting of International MICE Companies/Operators, Domestic MICE Companies/Professional Conference organizers, Speakers, FTOs and more. The platform spotlighted India’s readiness to lead in the global MICE landscape
Air India announces Delhi – Gaya flights from September
Air India has announced daily flights between Delhi and Gaya, starting 01 September 2025. The daily service on this route will be operated by Air India’s A320 aircraft, bringing the only full-service flying experience to customers travelling to and from Gaya. The connectivity to Gaya supports religious tourism and enables seamless one-stop access for travellers from other Asian countries to the gateway to Bodh Gaya.
Kerala to build its own Cruise Ships to boost tourism
The Kerala Maritime Board has unveiled plans to build the state’s own cruise ships, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. The ships will be constructed at the Cochin Shipyard and operated by Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), aiming to tap into the growing demand for cruise tourism. This move is expected to create new employment opportunities, enhance coastal connectivity, and position Kerala as a key player in India’s cruise tourism sector.
DCT Abu Dhabi forges strategic partnerships to drive tourism growth
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a series of strategic partnerships at ATM 2025, targeted to drive tourism growth and enhance visitor experiences across key international markets. The new initiatives span collaborations with leading travel operators, hotel groups, and destination management companies, and will focus on attracting visitors from Europe, Saudi Arabia, India, and other key markets, while showcasing Abu Dhabi’s diverse offerings and year-round appeal.
#First Opinion
“Indian tour operators urgently need better access to capital, marketing, skills, and knowledge. Today, no bank supports tourism businesses, and this must change. My vision is to globalise IATO’s operations, attract FDI, promote mergers and acquisitions, and produce research-driven insights to strengthen our industry. I will focus on creating mechanisms for easier capital access, collaborating with global universities to offer specialised tourism education in India, and appointing a full-time CEO to lead a professional, independent IATO Secretariat. It’s time to build a stronger, future-ready IATO that goes beyond routine work and positions India as a global tourism powerhouse.”
Naveen Kundu,
Managing Director, EbixCash Travel Services
Candidate for EC Member – Active, IATO Elections 2025-27
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