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9 Forts & Palaces In UP To Be Converted Into Luxury Heritage Hotels Soon

Uttar Pradesh is all set to get multiple high-end heritage hotels, complete with numerous luxurious amenities if all goes according to plan. Nine of the state’s palaces and forts have been earmarked for the project. The move is expected to boost tourism in Uttar Pradesh, especially in its rural areas, and increase employment opportunities for local youth. Additionally, it will provide travellers the experience of staying at a place where royals once lived. The project also aims to restore these heritage properties and aid economic growth in these areas, with local culture and history at its epicentre. Here are the shortlisted forts and palaces to be converted into heritage hotels chunar fort heritage hotels.The decision has been made as an attempt to take care of the large tourist footfall expected during the opening of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, according to a report in The New Indian Express. Steps are being taken to restore the nine ancient properties to their former glory with the help of private sector investments, say senior state government officials. These are Chhattar Manzil, Kothi Gulistan-e-Iram, Kothi Darshan Vilas and Kothi Roshan in Lucknow, Chunar Fort in Mirzapur, Barua Sagar Fort in Jhansi, Barsana Water Palace in Mathura, Shukla Talab in Kanpur and Tikait Rai Baradari in Bithoor. An investment of about INR 180 crore is expected to be made for these activities, and leading hospitality groups have expressed their interest to take up this work, adds the report. Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary and Director General of UP Tourism told media that the successful bidder will be chosen according to cost-based selection method as well as quality. Criteria and responsibilities related to the conservation of these heritage properties have been defined. The hotels will have to retain their original archaeological layout, and their historical and mythological significance should be enhanced through signage and other means. Local culture, heritage, cuisine, art and clothing should also be highlighted, and neighbouring villages need to be developed in the process, with at least 25 percent of local citizens gaining employment through the project, adds the report.

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Tourism ministry launches campaign to showcase India as premier wedding destination

The ministry has unveiled an “ambitious campaign aimed at showcasing India as a premier wedding destination on the global stage,” an official statement said. The Ministry of Tourism on Saturday launched an ambitious campaign to showcase India as a premier wedding destination globally. Officials on Saturday said the wedding tourism campaign also aims to unlock the potential of India's huge wedding industry. Building upon the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to developing tourism in a mission mode, the ministry has unveiled an "ambitious campaign aimed at showcasing India as a premier wedding destination on the global stage," according to an official statement. It seeks to "expand India's wedding industry, by enticing couples from around the world to embark on a remarkable journey to celebrate their special day in India," it added. Launching the special campaign, G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Tourism, said, "Today marks the beginning of a remarkable journey. A mission to position India as the epitome of wedding destinations worldwide". A senior official in the ministry said the campaign was launched in Mumbai. "With the launch of this campaign, I invite couples from around the world to explore the enchanting dream wedding destinations across our incredible nation," the minister said. The campaign begins with profiling about 25 key destinations across the country, exploring how India fits into their wedding aspirations in more than one way. From breathtaking landscapes to sacred traditions, from tantalising culinary delights to cutting-edge infrastructure, this campaign captures the essence of India's grandeur, inviting couples to say 'I do' against a backdrop that transcends imagination, the ministry said. "It celebrates the fusion of India's ancient heritage with modern elegance, weaving a narrative that entices the world to embark on an unforgettable journey of love and celebration," the statement said. A key highlight of the campaign lies in its collaborative approach, developed in close consultation with industry experts, associations, and seasoned wedding planners, officials said. Their invaluable feedback has shaped a comprehensive narrative that unravels India's allure as a wedding tourism destination, addressing diverse aspirations and showcasing the myriad facets of this incredible nation, they said. Samit Garg, President, EEMA (Event and Entertainment Management Association), said, "It's truly wonderful to witness this idea come to fruition, and it seems to be shining brightly indeed". He also said the Ministry of Tourism has translated the vision of the Prime Minister into action and "brought the wedding tourism campaign to life". The campaign delves into a rich interplay of India's stunning locales, ancient rituals, sumptuous gastronomy, and world-class infrastructure, presenting a captivating tapestry of possibilities. Prerna Saxena, CEO and Founder of Theme Weavers Designs, said, "India is indeed a vast tapestry of cultural microcosms, each woven with its own unique threads of traditions, values, colours, and joy". Utilising a 360-degree approach, the campaign will leverage the power of digital marketing, social media campaigns, strategic partnerships with wedding planners, collaborations with domestic and international influencers, and a host of offline and online activations. The aim is also to redefine India's perception beyond the realm of royal, extravagant weddings. Its thematic focus encompasses wedding themes such as beach wedding, nature wedding, royal wedding, Himalayan wedding, and beyond, allowing couples to craft their dream celebration in the embrace of India's charm, the ministry said. This campaign is just the beginning of the strategic endeavour to "elevate India as a wedding tourism destination", with further initiatives planned to captivate the domestic market as well. Incredible India's wedding tourism campaign aims to establish India as the "foremost choice for couples seeking an extraordinary wedding experience" while bolstering the growth of the wedding industry and overall tourism in India. Through this endeavour, Incredible India seeks to create timeless memories and celebrate the beauty of love against the backdrop of India's rich tapestry of traditions and treasures, it said.

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Is India ready for a bumper inbound tourism season?

The Ministry of Tourism has initiated the 'Visit India Year 2023' program to accelerate the growth of inbound tourism this year. The aim is to unlock the untapped potential of to in India and make it a year-round destination by showcasing the diverse tourism option country has to offer. But the question remains - Is it enough? Foreign tourists at the picturesque Taj Mahal. India's travel trade industry is on the brink of a resounding revival as it gears up to embrace the first full-fledged foreign tourist season since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019. The industry, in synergy with government initiatives, is poised to welcome a surge of foreign visitors that is projected to surpass the combined total of the past two years. With India's concurrent role as the G20 Presidency, this upcoming season gains paramount importance, setting the stage for a significant influx of inbound tourist groups. This convergence of events places a spotlight on the effectiveness of the current destination marketing plans and the urgent need for a robust and aggressive promotion of 'Incredible India' on the global stage. Doing a comprehensive analysis of the industry's preparedness and the effectiveness of existing destination marketing strategies, the industry stakeholders feel it is imperative to promote 'Incredible India' on the global stage aggressively. In line with the rejuvenation of domestic tourism, the Ministry of Tourism has also orchestrated a series of initiatives aimed at promoting inbound tourism as well. Ranging from promotional events and roadshows to workshops and social media campaigns, the government is taking efforts, but the question remains – Is this enough? Harnessing the power of 'Incredible India': A proactive government approach Aligned with the aspirations of the Indian travel and tourism industry, the Indian government and the Ministry of Tourism have embraced a forward-looking outlook for inbound tourism promotion. As India's G20 Presidency extends until November 30, a window of opportunity exists to showcase the country's cultural richness, festivals, and gastronomic delights to a global audience. Social media emerges as a pivotal tool for conveying India's readiness to welcome tourists, employing vibrant campaigns and engaging vlogs to communicate safety assurances, particularly for women travellers. To fast-track the growth of inbound tourism this year, the Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘Visit India Year 2023’ initiative to unlock the untapped potential of tourism in India and make the country a 365-day destination. The goal is to attract tourists to India by showcasing its diverse tourism options, including culture, heritage, spirituality, and natural beauty while also prioritising sustainable, rural, medical, and MICE tourism. Country’s Tourism Minister, G Kishan Reddy mentioned that each foreign delegate of G20 will be a brand ambassador of India's culture, heritage, and tourist destinations. “Ministry of Tourism is coordinating with Indian missions and other stakeholders to have a conducive environment for foreign visitors this year. More than one lakh foreign delegates will visit India this year, and they will be showcased the entire gamut of India’s culture, including monuments and festivals.” What data and statistics say? According to the most recent data released by the government on the number of inbound visitors, over 2.5 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) visited India in the first quarter of this year. This figure is 20 per cent short of the number achieved during the pre-pandemic era in 2019. With an 80 per cent recovery to pre-Covid levels, the industry is hopeful of a bumper recovery this year. During January-March 2023, a total of 25,29,766 FTAs visited India as compared to 7,84,750 in January-March, 2022 and 31,79,792 in JanuaryMarch 2019 registering a growth of 222.4 per cent in comparison to 2022. If we also take April 2023’s numbers into account, the total number of FTAs reaches close to 3.1 million, which is almost double the number of foreign tourists received last year but still 28 per cent less than the figure in 2019. With the recent data, India’s top 15 tourism source markets are Bangladesh (20.85 per cent), USA (16.85 per cent), UK (10.56 per cent), Canada (5.40 per cent), Australia (4.52 per cent), Sri Lanka (2.95 per cent), Malaysia (2.76 per cent), Russian Federation (2.59 per cent), Germany (2.52 per cent), France (2.20 per cent), Nepal (1.94 per cent), Singapore (1.57 per cent), Thailand (1.44 per cent), Japan (1.28 per cent) and Italy (1.19 per cent). Last year, India’s top inbound source market was the USA with a 22.19 per cent share and 13, 73, 817 FTAs, marginally superseding India’s traditionally top source market, Bangladesh, which got 20.29 per cent share and sent 12,55,960 visitors. Globally, the US and China are top destinations which spend the most on tourism. Based on the credit data of travel heads from the balance of payments of RBI, the Ministry of Tourism estimates monthly Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India, both in rupee and dollar terms. During January-December, 2022, the FEEs were INR 1,34,543 crore as compared to INR 65,070 crore during the same period in 2021. This indicates a hike of approximately 106.44 per cent. This year, between January and February 2023, the FEEs were INR 36,927 crore as compared to INR 7,869 crore during the same period last year and INR 36,164 crore in the first two months of 2019. This indicates a growth of 369.30 per cent and 2.11 per cent with respect to 2022 and 2019 respectively. The number is expected to further go up this year during the peak October – December 2023 quarter. Last year, Gujarat received the most number of foreign tourists followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal. Pre-Covid, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh used to top the list with the most number of inbound tourists visiting these states. Taj Mahal still gets the greatest number of foreign tourists followed by Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. United stance of the travel trade: A call to showcase India’s charm The travel trade industry is unequivocal in its recognition of India's immense potential as a tourism hotspot. The G20 Presidency further presents a unique opportunity to bolster the country's global visibility through conferences, exhibitions, and meetings. However, the onus lies on the industry stakeholders to build upon this foundation and establish India as a premier travel destination bound tourism season since 2019, with the expectation that foreign tourist arrivals will surpass pre-pandemic levels. However, the stakeholders feel the high cost of airfares and hotel rates is challenging, and the industry is also understaffed. When asked if India is ready for a bumper inbound season this year, Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO in conversation with ETTravelWorld said the answer is both yes and no. He said India has built better infrastructure, and there is an additional buzz due to G20 as well. Most importantly, there is a huge backlog of bookings since 2019. “We can say, it will be the first normal season for us.” “On the flipside, the government has reduced the marketing budget, which is hindering efforts to promote India as a destination aggressively. There is a need to streamline visa processes and reduce taxes to make the country more competitive. The industry needs to market itself aggressively and distribute the tourist flow evenly across the country. The G20 Presidency is expected to boost tourism, but sustaining the momentum is a challenge. The industry needs a long-term plan for marketing itself globally,” he added. Rethinking strategies: 'Dekho Apna Desh' and beyond The post-pandemic landscape demands a recalibration of tourism strategies. The 'Dekho Apna Desh' initiative has unlocked avenues for domestic exploration, and its success underscores the potential for fostering a renewed sense of pride in India's offerings. Additionally, India's growing infrastructure, new airports, and potential for hosting weddings and conventions with new MICE venues position the nation as a leading destination choice for both local and international travellers. While the development and promotion of tourist destinations and products primarily fall under the purview of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, the central government's role in facilitating these endeavours remains pivotal. According to Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, the G20 Presidency has given India a plethora of opportunities, but the eventual responsibility lies in the hands of the tourism stakeholders to make the most of them. She said social media marketing has an essential role to play to showcase the 1readiness of India to host foreign tourists. “With aggressive social media campaigns, the government should focus on developing vlogs and video messages and letting people know internationally that India is ready to welcome tourists. There is a need to create a buzz while addressing the safety issues for women travellers to mention categorically. With the world opening in a phase-wise manner and wooing travellers, it is imperative to deliberate how India may facilitate a one-of-a-kind tourism experience to its admirers,” she said. PP Khanna, Board Member, FAITH feels that the industry needs to aggressively promote 'Incredible India' and plan for the future. He suggested that government can do more to simplify e-visa and streamline visa fees, reduce taxation on hotels, and cap airfares and hotel rates. “We are not doing enough to market ourselves globally. The publicity budget for source markets like the UK and Canada has been substantially reduced. Our competitors like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and Dubai have a major presence around the world and we must make our presence felt. Industry together needs to step up its presence in the global arena. We must build on the momentum and plan for the next 5-10 years and become a major player in the tourism sector,” he said. Cultivating long-term plans The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) is advocating the need to aggressively promote 'Incredible India' and plan for the future. However, there are challenges such as high hotel room rates and airfares, as well as a lack of global marketing presence. With respect to overseas marketing and promoting India abroad, the industry feels this year the bulk of job has already been done via the G20 Presidency but the country as a destination needs to formulate longterm promotional plans to reap extensive benefits. Mehra said that the industry is putting its best foot forward but the rising demand and lack of skilled staff is going to become an issue. “Hotels would be full chock a bloc with abnormally high room rates. The tourist flow should be distributed evenly throughout the country . States should come forward and market themselves aggressively. They should also be present in the international travel marts that happen globally,” he said. A bright outlook: resilience and renewed focus The resilience demonstrated by the travel trade industry, coupled with the government's strategic planning, heralds a promising era for India's inbound tourism. The nation's cultural diversity stands as its greatest strength, and through tourism, this unique tapestry can be unveiled to the world. With the anticipated boost from the G20 Presidency, India's ability to cater to diverse traveller preferences, particularly the burgeoning interest in outdoor experiences, positions the nation at the cusp of an extraordinary resurgence. Mayal asserted that this pivotal moment requires collective action to translate year-round efforts into substantial results, thereby establishing India as a global tourism hub. “Beyond this, fostering neighbourhood tourism adds to the equation, transforming the region and India into an influential tourism force,” she added. Sharing his views on the upcoming inbound season, Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook India said India has indeed eased certain visa restrictions and the weakening rupee makes it more attractive for foreigners to visit India however, fuel prices need to remain stable to travel more accessible. “The US travel situation is still an issue. Forward bookings at Sita India are looking good and despite high airfares and inflation, long-haul bookings are coming back. The G20 Presidency is expected to bring more publicity and bookings, but Southeast Asia is still facing challenges with the absence of Chinese tourists. Overall, the timing is right for the inbound business to re-emerge, and bookings are showing growth towards pre-Covid levels,” he said.

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Surge in digital travel platforms usage; 57% Indians seek planned itineraries

The APAC Travel Confidence Index 2023 reveals that consumers' trust in digital travel platforms has significantly grown. According to it, 42 per cent of Indian travellers lean these platforms for bookings. However, they weigh multiple factors before confirming affordability, comprehensive booking options and flexible cancellation policies. For 30 cent, reserving transport and accommodation ahead of time is also essential. The online travel service provider, Booking.com, has published its APAC Travel Confidence Index 2023 which reveals that digital travel platforms have revolutionised travel planning, with over 50 per cent preferring planned itineraries. The APAC Travel Confidence Index 2023 underscores the surge in the adoption of digital travel platforms, reshaping how Indians plan, book, and experience their journeys. The survey further reveals that 57 per cent of Indian travellers now favor meticulously planned itineraries, including local excursions, dining spots, and attractions. For 30 per cent, reserving transport and accommodation ahead of time is essential, while spontaneity governs the rest. Travel insights from Skyscanner: Indian travellers embrace budget-friendly explorations & immersive… In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld, Skyscanner’s travel trends & destination expert, Laura Lindsay, who is also the Director,… Trust in digital travel platforms is significant, the report stated, with 42 per cent of Indian travellers leaning on them for bookings. Notably, 40 per cent of travellers seek platforms that facilitate a connected trip experience, integrating transport, accommodation, activities, and services into an itinerary. Travellers seek these experiences due to their unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and immersive nature, the report mentioned. However, they weigh multiple factors before confirming. Besides affordability, considerations like comprehensive booking options and flexible cancellation policies are pivotal. The report states that approximately 40 per cent prioritise platforms offering flexible cancellation and refund policies.The report also states that around 50 per cent of respondents utilise online accommodation platforms to compare prices before finalising bookings. Nearly 40 per cent opt for platforms boasting a variety of stay options, from hotels to resorts, hostels and more. Global business travel to log 32% growth, to reach USD 1.8 tn by 2027 The latest GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook projects a rebound in the industry, aiming to reclaim its pre-pandemic expenditure of USD 1.4… Additionally, about 35 per cent value user experiences and reviews when selecting a platform. The report stated that the loyalty programs influence 24 per cent of Indian travellers' platform choices. For the APAC Travel Confidence Index, Booking.com, in partnership with Milieu Insight, conducted research across 11 APAC countries and territories, involving 8,800 respondents. The study evaluated parameters like willingness to travel, spending intentions, trip frequency, and travel propensity within the current macroeconomic context. Additionally, it delved into travel considerations, sustainability perspectives, and market-specific queries. Rankings were established using a two-axis framework, revealing travel confidence and sustainability interest levels.

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Indian PM Modi to travel to Indonesia in the first week of September

In a bid to fortify India's active involvement in the ASEAN community and to reinforce diplomatic bonds in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a visit to Indonesia during the first week of September. The visit will see his participation in ASEAN-related summit meetings held in Jakarta, showcasing India's commitment to regional collaboration and dialogue. Scheduled from September 6th to 7th, this visit will be Prime Minister Modi's second trip to Indonesia within a year, his prior presence being in November 2022 at the G20 summit in Bali. Notably, the visit will happen just a day before New Delhi hosts the annual G20 summit from September 9th-10th. During his stay, Prime Minister Modi will participate in several key summits, including the East Asia Summit and the India-ASEAN Summit. PM Modi's presence underscores the continuity of India's proactive engagement with ASEAN. This engagement holds significant importance within the framework of India's 'Act East Policy,' with the ASEAN partnership standing as a cornerstone of India's foreign policy strategy. The steady growth of trade and investment relations between India and ASEAN underscores the mutually beneficial nature of their collaboration. Last year, Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar represented the country at the India-ASEAN Summit and other related summit meetings in Cambodia. The summit meetings marked a turning point as they elevated India's association with the bloc to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP). Indonesian President Joko Widodo will preside over 12 meetings during the 43rd ASEAN Summit, set to take place at the Jakarta Convention Center from September 5th to 7th. The meetings include the 43rd ASEAN Summit plenary session, the 43rd ASEAN Summit retreat session, the 26th ASEAN-China Summit, the 24th ASEAN-South Korea Summit, the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum and the symbolic transfer of the ASEAN chairmanship to Laos. The East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Plus Three Summit will take place on September 7. The ASEAN summit and its parallel summit meetings hold immense significance as they offer a platform for dialogue and cooperation among leaders of Southeast Asian nations, along with the participation of key partner countries. But overall, the upcoming weeks are poised to see a flurry of high-level diplomatic activities, commencing with the BRICS summit from August 22nd to 24th in Johannesburg, followed by the ASEAN summit meetings in Jakarta from September 5th to 7th, and culminating in the G20 summit in Delhi on September 9th-10th.

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INDIA: 6 MORE AIRPORTS TO GET DIGIYATRA FACILITY, INCLUDING MUMBAI AND LUCKNOW

01 India: 6 more airports to get DigiYatra facility, including Mumbai and Lucknow Reportedly, the Airport Authority of India and Ministry of Civil Aviation is all set to launch the Digi Yatra paperless boarding facility at 6 more airports in India. As reported earlier, Delhi already has this facility enabled, where passengers can use the DigiYatra facility without downloading the mobile application. Read on to know more about this facility.Apart from Delhi, the other airports that already have this system in place are Varanasi, and Bengaluru. 02 What is DigiYatra? DigiYatra is a facial recognition-based technology, which was launched in December last year. This system promises a quicker, paperless experience from airport entry to the boarding point, as it allows a passenger to skip airline counter queues and get cabin luggage checked faster through separate gates for DigiYatra-registered travellers. Since this facility is contactless, it will easily help you save 15-25 minutes of your time. Going forward, this digital boarding facility will be enabled in the following airports, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Guwahati from this month. 03 Mumbai Mumbai will finally join the league of metro cities that will now have this facility in place, and will offer biometrics-enabled airport experience. Mumbai airport is already known for offering experiences that redefine modern air travel, and also showcases Indian culture to passengers in a beautiful way. Now apart from handling millions of passengers every year, it will also help to make their experience peaceful and hassle-free. 04 Ahmedabad DigiYatra service will debut in Ahmedabad airport this month, which will likely help to improve the experience of travellers. Since it's one of the busiest airports in the country, the enhanced system of DigiYatra will smoothen the entire process for sure. Since the system verifies the flyer’s identity and trip information using face features, it will also allow passengers to pass through various airport checkpoints easily. 05 Kochi Travelling paperless from Kochi airport has become a reality, as the DigiYatra system is also in place here. If reports are to go by, paperless entry with a face recognition facility as a trial with limited airlines has already been in practice here since February 2023. While the trial was with only limited airlines, all passengers having this app will be able to use this facility from August 15. 06 Lucknow Lucknow airport is also not lagging behind. It has also introduced this high-end system to ensure that passengers have a seamless experience when here. Since this process will allow digital processing of passengers at an airport across various touch points, it will make your travel more comfortable and fun. 07 Jaipur As per the reports, the programme will initially start with only one dedicated entry route for passengers choosing the DigiYatra option, which will later be expanded as per the response garnered. This efficient programme will allow domestic passengers to use the Biometric Boarding System (Face Pods), and eliminate manual verification, by using facial biometrics for a seamless boarding , and check-in processes. 08 Guwahati Guwahati airport also gets state-of-the-art facial recognition technology, under the DigiYatra facility, which will help eliminate the need for manual verification of tickets and identification documents at multiple checking points, thereby saving crucial time of passengers.

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