India's Tourism Triumph: Over 7.24 Million Foreign Visitors in 2023

India's Tourism Triumph: Over 7.24 Million Foreign Visitors in 2023

By Author

Published on December 22, 2023

India's appeal as a global tourist destination continues to rebound post-pandemic, with the country witnessing a significant uptick in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs). According to the latest government data, India welcomed over 7.24 million foreign tourists till October 2023. This figure marks a notable rise from the previous years, showcasing the country's growing allure among international travelers.

Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy shared these statistics in a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha. The data, sourced from the Bureau of Immigration, reflects a steady recovery in the tourism sector. In comparison, foreign tourist arrivals were at 10.56 million in 2018, 10.93 million in 2019, but saw a sharp decline to 2.74 million in 2020 and 1.52 million in 2021 due to the pandemic. The numbers improved to 6.44 million in 2022, with 2023 already surpassing this figure by October.

In addition to these encouraging numbers, Reddy also mentioned government initiatives to further boost tourism. A notable project is the development of infrastructure and facilities at the erstwhile Bharat Gold Mines Limited (Kolar Gold Fields) into a tourist destination, undertaken by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism.

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The government's focus isn't solely on new developments. Despite the non-approval of the 'Development of Iconic Tourism Destinations' scheme proposed in the Union Budget for 2019-20, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 76 projects across the country, amounting to Rs 5,294.11 crore. This includes two projects in Maharashtra and one in Odisha.

This surge in foreign tourists is a positive sign for India's tourism sector, indicating a strong recovery and renewed interest in the country's diverse cultural and natural offerings. With continuous efforts to develop and enhance tourist destinations, India is poised to reclaim its status as a leading global tourism hotspot.


The Job Plus Elevates Divya Krishan to Chief Growth Officer

The Job Plus Elevates Divya Krishan to Chief Growth Officer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

The Job Plus has announced the elevation of Divya Krishan to Chief Growth Officer (CGO), marking a strategic move in the company’s mission to create a skilled and sustainable workforce for India’s service and hospitality sectors.

In her expanded role, Krishan will lead the platform’s strategic growth efforts across its nationwide skilling engine, deepen collaborations with industry leaders, and accelerate efforts to skill and place thousands of young Indians into meaningful employment.

Natwar Nagar, Founder of The Job Plus, remarked, “Divya has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of strategic vision, passion for inclusive growth, and the ability to turn ideas into impact. Her elevation to Chief Growth Officer reflects our belief in her leadership and our shared commitment to transforming the lives of young Indians across the country.”

Over the past three years, Krishan has played a pivotal role in shaping key initiatives such as women-focused skilling programmes, CSR-driven partnerships, and digital literacy outreach for underserved communities. Her leadership underlines the brand’s focus on bridging the gap between potential and opportunity—while fostering sustainable employment and service excellence both in India and internationally.

This move signals a stronger push by The Job Plus to enhance workforce readiness and deepen its engagement with the evolving needs of the hospitality and service industry.


Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

Emirates has unveiled 'Emirates First', a new premium check-in zone at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, offering a private and elevated experience exclusively for its First Class travellers and Skywards Platinum members.

Just steps from the dedicated Emirates entrance, the new facility is designed to mirror the airline’s First Class luxury—with interiors featuring marble finishes, gold and bronze accents, and plush seating areas. The space is intentionally free of digital signage to maintain a calm, lounge-like atmosphere. Instead, the check-in process is handled via iPads or at elegantly crafted counters, providing a personalised, tech-enhanced experience.

The zone also includes family-friendly seating, allowing one member to complete formalities while others relax. Luggage is seamlessly routed through dedicated First Class belts for smoother transfers.

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“Emirates First reflects our continued investment in luxury travel,” said Adel al Redha, Deputy President & COO, Emirates. “It offers privacy, efficiency, and comfort at every step of the journey.”

Post check-in, passengers can proceed directly to the First Class lounges for à la carte dining, spa treatments, shopping concierge services, and more.

This initiative is part of Emirates’ broader First Class upgrades, which include Robert Welch caviar bowls, curated wine pairings, and a more refined onboard service. With over 26,800 First Class seats available weekly, Emirates continues to set the standard for top-tier travel experiences.


EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2025

Foreign travellers heading to Europe may soon have to pay nearly three times more for the region’s new digital travel permit. The European Union has proposed increasing the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee to 20 euros (approx. USD 23), a steep rise from the originally planned 7 euros.

This change, unveiled by the European Commission, comes as the EU aims to adjust for inflation, operational demands, and to better align the permit cost with global equivalents. For instance, the U.S. charges USD 21 for its ESTA, while the UK’s ETA costs 16 pounds (around USD 21).

Expected to roll out in the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS will be mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, entering any of the 27 EU member states (excluding Ireland) as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The permit will be valid for three years.

While travellers aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee, others will need to apply online before their trip. The system is intended to enhance border safety by identifying security risks, irregular migration, and other concerns in advance, making travel both safer and smoother for eligible visitors.

The European Parliament and member states now have two months to review this fee adjustment. Once approved, it will go into effect with the launch of the ETIAS system, which has already seen multiple delays, largely due to its link with a yet-to-be-implemented automated border control system.

This proposal comes amid the EU’s broader financial plan, including a two-trillion-euro long-term budget (2028–2034), which aims to fund priorities like defence and agriculture. Brussels hopes to raise funds through new revenue tools such as a carbon border tax and an e-waste levy, targeting 58 billion euros annually.

As the EU moves to strengthen both financial sustainability and border security, the updated ETIAS fee stands as a key piece of its evolving travel and economic framework.

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