Tag Archives: economic growth

Mizoram Transport Minister advocates for Tuirial Dam development

 

Mizoram Transport Minister Vanlalhlana has urged prioritising the development of the Tuirial Dam to harness its potential for river cruise tourism and goods transportation, according to an official release.

Speaking at the 2nd Inland Waterway Development Council (IWDC) meeting in Kaziranga, Assam, Vanlalhlana emphasised the strategic importance of the dam. The event was attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Vanlalhlana highlighted that the Tuirial Dam, originally built for generating 40 MW of hydroelectric power, could also serve as a key waterway for goods and passenger transport. He proposed transforming the surrounding areas into an ecotourism hub, generating economic opportunities for local communities.

“A detailed preliminary survey of the dam and its ecosystem is crucial to assess the feasibility of transportation and tourism projects,” Vanlalhlana said, stressing the importance of utilising the dam’s untapped potential.

He noted that Mizoram’s rugged terrain has historically impeded connectivity and economic growth. “Inland Water Transport presents a sustainable and cost-effective solution to address these challenges,” he added.

The IWDC meeting also discussed enhancing cargo and passenger movement while promoting river cruise tourism. The Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI) announced projects worth INR 1,405.26 crore across 21 States and Union Territories, including INR 21.1 crore for Mizoram’s inland water transport initiatives.

Key projects in Mizoram include IWT development on the Tlawng and Chhimtuipui rivers, along with building IWT infrastructure along the Khawthlangtuipui-Tuichawng stretch in Lunglei district. These initiatives aim to transform Mizoram’s waterways into vital transportation and tourism corridors, bolstering the State’s connectivity and economic prospects.

75 iconic lighthouses in India saw more than 10 lakh visitors till September

 

More than 500,000 tourists visited the lighthouses between April and June this year, highlighting the success of transforming these iconic maritime structures into vibrant tourist hotspots as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

These developments have also contributed to job creation, with 150 direct and 500 indirect employment opportunities generated in nearby hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation services, and local shops and artisan businesses.

With a coastline spanning over 7,500 kilometres, India is home to 204 lighthouses that stand as silent sentinels of its rich maritime heritage. Traditionally serving as navigational aids for seafarers, these iconic structures are now being reimagined as tourism destinations under the government of India’s developmental vision.

This initiative aims to preserve the historical and architectural significance of lighthouses while unlocking their potential for economic growth and community empowerment. The central government is actively promoting lighthouse tourism as part of its broader Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to enhance India’s cultural heritage and maritime legacy.

By developing these sites, the government seeks to enhance India’s tourism offerings while fostering local economic growth and creating employment opportunities. Some lighthouses date back centuries and are located near UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu or other prominent cultural landmarks.

Source: IANS

Tourism sector to add 61 lakh jobs by 2034: Whitepaper

 

India’s tourism and hospitality sector is on the brink of significant growth, projected to generate 61 lakh new jobs by 2034. Spending in the sector is also expected to rise by 1.2 times, underlining its role as a major economic driver. A whitepaper by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and EY, unveiled at the 18th Annual CII Tourism Summit, highlights the industry’s resilience post-pandemic and its capacity to adapt to a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Of the anticipated new roles, 46 lakh will be for men and 15 lakh for women, showcasing opportunities for gender inclusion and diversification. Currently contributing 8% to India’s employment, the sector is poised for expansion driven by domestic tourism and a rising demand for skilled professionals. To meet these challenges, the report recommends enhancing skills in digital marketing, sustainable tourism, and customer service. Measures like gamified learning systems and standardised training through a Ministry of Tourism task force are proposed to bridge skill gaps.

Key policy recommendations include granting industry status to tourism, Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) schemes, and targeted subsidies to attract investment. A central body for tourism and hospitality is suggested to streamline governance, improve infrastructure, and boost operational efficiency. The introduction of a Tourism Employment Index (TEI) aims to track workforce trends and seasonal needs, leveraging the gig economy to address labor shortages during peak periods.

The report also highlights untapped avenues like medical tourism and community-driven programs. By integrating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and fostering innovation, the sector can achieve global leadership. With the right industry and policy support, India’s tourism and hospitality industry is set to transform, driving economic growth and creating millions of opportunities by 2036-37.

Rajeev Kohli is an an experienced travel professional with over 2 decades of experience.

Rajeev Kohli elected to the SEPC Committee of Administration

Rajeev Kohli, Joint Managing Director of Creative Travel, has been elected to the Committee of Administration of India’s prestigious Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC).

Representing Tourism Services at the national level, Kohli will join a distinguished panel of 10 members from diverse service sectors, including healthcare, education, logistics, IT, and entertainment, to drive India’s service export agenda.

The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) is an apex trade body in India established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote the export of services. It plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s position as a global hub for service-based industries, including tourism, healthcare, IT, education, entertainment, and legal services. SEPC facilitates international trade by organizing trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and policy advocacy. It provides a crucial platform for service exporters to connect with global markets, fostering partnerships and boosting India’s export competitiveness.

Aligned with the Ministry of Commerce’s objectives, SEPC contributes to India’s economic growth by driving service sector exports, which constitute a significant portion of the country’s GDP. It also assists exporters in navigating global regulations, ensuring that Indian services meet international standards, thereby enhancing India’s reputation as a provider of quality and innovation-driven services globally.

Talking about this development, Kohli said, “I am truly delighted and honoured to have this opportunity. Taking the agenda of tourism growth directly to the Ministry of Commerce opens new avenues for me to voice opinions with national decision-makers. I have long admired the work SEPC does and look forward to contributing to the council during my term. My objectives include increasing membership from the tourism industry by highlighting the council’s value, collaborating with colleagues across the tourism sector to capture their insights and incorporate them into our strategy, and developing a plan to expand the tourism industry’s contribution to the economy. SEPC has a highly qualified professional team that is supportive of tourism, and I aim to harness that to advance the tourism agenda.”

He has held numerous national and international volunteer roles, including being the first President from Asia of the global Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), as well as serving as President of Euromic, the MICE industry’s oldest DMC association.

With his extensive experience and leadership in the tourism sector, Kohli’s election to the SEPC is expected to bring valuable insights and momentum to the council’s efforts in promoting India’s services exports, particularly in tourism.

 

Elliott Ferguson joins Brand USA board as Chair for 2025

 

Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organisation, has unveiled its new leadership and members for the 2025 Board of Directors. Elliott Ferguson, CEO of Destination DC, has been named Board Chair for a one-year term. Ferguson, who joined the board in 2022 and recently served as Treasurer, will lead alongside Vice Chair Lauren Bailey, Treasurer Kristen Esposito, and Secretary Allen Orr.

The organisation welcomed two new directors: Danny Hughes, President of the Americas at Hilton, representing Hotel Accommodations, and Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises, representing Land or Sea Transportation. Additionally, Ferguson, Bailey, and past-chair Todd Davidson were reappointed for second three-year terms. The 11-member board, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in consultation with the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, represents various travel and tourism sectors and aims to drive economic growth through international travel.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Alex Lasry highlighted the board’s role in advancing the National Travel and Tourism Strategy, with Brand USA aiming to reach its goal of welcoming 90 million visitors by 2027—a target it expects to achieve by 2026. Elliott Ferguson reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to showcasing the U.S. as a welcoming and diverse destination, prioritising growth in markets such as Asia and international meetings while focusing on safe and accessible travel for global visitors.

Fred Dixon, President and CEO, Brand USA, emphasised the shift from recovery to growth, leveraging the expertise of the new board members. Brand USA expressed gratitude to departing members Don Moore and Mark Hoplamazian for their significant contributions. The complete list of the 2025 board includes leaders from organisations such as Disney Vacation Club, Delta Air Lines, and Hotels.com, reflecting a collective vision to position the U.S. as a premier global travel destination.

IndiGo has been expanding its network across the length and breadth of India.

IndiGo launches daily flights on Ahmedabad, Guwahati & Dimapur routes

IndiGo has unveiled its new flight schedule for enhancing regional connectivity to East and North-East India. The announcement marks a significant step in the airline’s ongoing winter schedule, which includes the launch of multiple new routes and the resumption of operations to key destinations in the region.

Starting yesterday, IndiGo’s Flight 6E 6441 will operate daily between Ahmedabad and Guwahati. The flight departs Ahmedabad at 8:30 AM and arrives in Guwahati at 11:15 AM. The return flight, 6E 6442, will depart Guwahati at 4:55 PM and land in Ahmedabad at 8:35 PM.

In addition, IndiGo will also introduce a daily service between Guwahati and Dimapur. Flight 6E 6441 will depart Guwahati at 1:00 PM, reaching Dimapur at 2:00 PM. The return flight, 6E 6442, will depart Dimapur at 2:30 PM, arriving in Guwahati at 3:35 PM.

This route is expected to strengthen links between Guwahati, the gateway to North-East India, and Dimapur, the largest city in Nagaland.

These new services are set to cater to the growing demand for air travel between these important cities, offering both business and leisure travellers seamless connectivity. These new flights are expected to bolster economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange, further connecting passengers to the vibrant and diverse landscapes.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce these multiple new routes as a part of our ongoing winter schedule. There’s a surge in demand, and these flights will further strengthen regional connectivity, facilitating economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange. We do remain committed to providing affordable fares, on-time performance, courteous service, and a hassle-free travel experience across an unparalleled network.”