World Tourism Day 2024: Tourism and Peace in India

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 27, 2024

World Tourism Day 2024 celebrates the theme “Tourism and Peace,” highlighting tourism's role in fostering global harmony and understanding. In India, where tourism plays a significant role in economic growth, the government has implemented various measures to promote the sector while enhancing cultural and social connections.

India’s Ministry of Tourism has introduced several policies to promote tourism under the banner of “Dekho Apna Desh” to encourage domestic travel. The government also launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, focusing on developing theme-based circuits such as eco-tourism, heritage, and spiritual tourism across the country. In 2024, the National Tourism Policy aims to boost infrastructure, create job opportunities, and promote sustainable tourism while maintaining India’s rich cultural diversity.

In addition, the PRASHAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive) focuses on developing and rejuvenating pilgrimage destinations. The Incredible India 2.0 Campaign continues to enhance India's global image as a premier travel destination. These measures align with the theme of “Tourism and Peace,” using tourism to bridge cultural gaps, promote mutual understanding, and foster national integration.

Several tourist places in India receive special support from the government for their development and promotion. Key regions such as Varanasi, Amritsar, Kedarnath, and Ajanta & Ellora Caves have been given focused attention under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes. These sites are not only of historical significance but also hold cultural importance, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

In 2024, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Goa witnessed some of the highest footfalls, driven by religious tourism, cultural festivals, and beach vacations. Religious sites like Varanasi, Tirupati, and Amritsar saw a surge in visitors, reflecting India’s rich spiritual heritage, while Kerala and Meghalaya emerged as popular destinations for eco-tourism and wellness tourism.

What to see?

For those seeking the best monsoon experiences in 2024, India offers a variety of destinations that come alive with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and serene landscapes. Kerala’s backwaters, Meghalaya’s living root bridges, and Goa’s Dudhsagar Falls remain top choices for monsoon travelers. However, for those looking to explore off-beat and lesser-known locations, Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh and Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh offer tranquil escapes surrounded by untouched nature. Coorg in Karnataka and Munnar in Kerala are perfect for misty hill station retreats, while the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, with its blooming alpine meadows, presents a unique monsoon adventure.

Other underexplored gems like Lonar Lake in Maharashtra, formed by a meteor impact, and Chikmagalur in Karnataka, known for its coffee plantations, are also gaining popularity among those who wish to experience India’s natural beauty away from the usual tourist spots. These offbeat destinations provide a peaceful connection to nature, ideal for those seeking solitude amidst scenic landscapes.

As India celebrates World Tourism Day 2024, travelers are encouraged to explore both famous and hidden gems, enriching their experiences while contributing to sustainable and peaceful tourism that benefits local communities. Let’s use tourism to build bridges of understanding and foster peace across cultures.

Dook International: Revolutionizing CIS Travel for Over 15 Years

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 22, 2025

For over 15 years, Dook International has been a trusted name in CIS travel, offering seamless travel experiences across Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and more. What started as a modest venture in Uzbekistan has now grown into a leading travel agency, with an extensive network of 10,000+ travel agents and offices across nine countries.

A Legacy of Trusted Travel Solutions

Dook International has proudly served over 500,000 travelers and 500+ corporate clients through its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service has cemented its reputation as a go-to travel partner for CIS destinations.

"Travel is about more than just visiting new places; it's about creating lifelong memories. For 15 years, we've been dedicated to making CIS travel easy and unforgettable for our clients," said Gopal Kapoor, Director of Dook International.
"As we continue to grow and innovate, our mission remains to provide extraordinary travel experiences that inspire and connect people worldwide."

Strategic Expansion with Ease My Trip

To meet the evolving demands of modern travelers, Dook International has partnered with Ease My Trip, further expanding its market reach and enhancing its service offerings.

Operating from its registered office in Delhi, the company boasts a dedicated team of 250+ employees, working tirelessly to craft unique and personalized travel experiences.

The Road Ahead

As Dook International looks to the future, it remains committed to exploring new destinations, enhancing travel experiences, and strengthening its foothold in the CIS region and beyond. With innovation and customer satisfaction at its core, the company continues to set new benchmarks in the travel industry.

Luxeglamp Unveils Luxe Chateau: India's First Double-Glass Glamp at Kodaikanal

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 18, 2025

Luxeglamp, the pioneers in luxury glamping in India, has introduced a groundbreaking concept with the launch of the Luxe Chateau—India’s first double-glass glamping domes. Nestled at Luxeglamp’s eco-resort in Kodaikanal, these innovative Luxe Chateaus offer guests an immersive 360° view of the surrounding forests and starry skies, providing a truly unique stay.

The glass domes, designed for both luxury and sustainability, offer excellent sun protection, wind resistance, and warmth preservation, ensuring a cozy stay no matter the weather. Whether you're admiring the tranquil landscape or gazing at the stars, the transparent glass structure creates an uninterrupted connection to nature, allowing guests to sleep under the stars and wake up to one of the most breathtaking sunrises in Kodaikanal.

Antony Thomas, the CEO and founder of Luxeglamp, expressed his excitement, saying, "We wanted to elevate our guests’ connection with nature. Our new Glass Glamps offer an all-encompassing experience where guests can sleep under the stars and wake up to one of the most beautiful sunrises in Kodaikanal—all while staying warm and cozy."

For couples seeking a romantic escape, Luxeglamp offers a variety of exclusive experiences, including a floating breakfast in the infinity pool, an afternoon tea experience, a guided scenic horseback ride, and an intimate candlelit dinner under the stars with a specially curated 5-course gourmet meal. Guests can also enjoy a private sauna or unwind by a cozy campfire in the evening, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of their stay.

The interiors of the Luxe Chateaus are minimalist and nature-inspired, reflecting the rustic charm of the Wild West. Private decks provide the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation, while eco-friendly amenities enhance the sustainable luxury experience. This new concept continues Luxeglamp’s mission of combining comfort with sustainability, ensuring an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and travelers seeking something extraordinary.

The Luxe Chateaus are built with double-glazed, insulated glass, which helps maintain the internal temperature, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling. This energy-efficient design contributes to a lower carbon footprint, allowing guests to enjoy their stay while being mindful of environmental impact. The glass domes blend seamlessly into the landscape, ensuring that the beauty of nature is preserved without visual pollution.

Building on the success of the Luxe Chateau, Luxeglamp plans to expand its glamping offerings with more thematic experiences across locations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly luxury glamping.

About Luxeglamp Eco-resorts L.L.P

Luxeglamp Eco-resorts L.L.P is India’s first luxury glamping provider, offering a glamorous yet eco-friendly way to immerse in nature. Located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Luxeglamp combines stunning panoramic views with exceptional amenities that focus on environmental conservation and minimal ecological footprint. With cozy rooms, hot tubs, private patios, and delicious food, each Luxeglamp site ensures a one-of-a-kind experience. The company is dedicated to harmoniously blending nature with hospitality, allowing guests to indulge in luxury while embracing the natural world. For more information, visit www.luxeglamp.com.

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Showcases Unmatched Beauty at IITM Kolkata

By Author

Published on February 17, 2025

In a significant effort to boost tourism through a nationwide promotional campaign, the Department of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir, participated in the India International Travel Mart (IITM) Kolkata.

On the sidelines of IITM Kolkata, a team from J&K Tourism, led by Additional Secretary Owais Mushtaq, engaged extensively with the media fraternity of Kolkata and held meetings with leading travel trade operators from the eastern region. The team showcased the immense tourism potential of Jammu & Kashmir, a region blessed with unparalleled natural beauty—ranging from vast meadows and lush forests to snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and breathtaking valleys.

The delegation included Mr. Owais Mushtaq (Additional Secretary, Tourism), Ms. Savita Chouhan (Deputy Director, Tourism Jammu), Mr. Nasir Mehmood (Deputy Director, Tourism Kashmir), and Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq (Officer-In-Charge, J&K Tourism Office, Kolkata). During IITM, they provided insights into the diverse tourism offerings of the Union Territory, highlighting Pilgrim Tourism for devotees visiting Vaishno Devi and Amarnath, as well as Adventure Tourism, which includes trekking, white-water rafting, skiing, mountaineering, and paragliding. Additionally, they emphasized the rich heritage of Leisure Tourism, which has been a hallmark of J&K for centuries.

During the event, Mr. Owais Mushtaq delivered a detailed presentation outlining the extensive range of tourism products and services available in Jammu & Kashmir. He also highlighted the department’s continuous efforts to enhance visitor experiences and promote responsible tourism.

The delegation extended a warm invitation to media representatives to visit Jammu & Kashmir and experience firsthand its diverse tourism offerings. They assured attendees that J&K is one of the safest destinations for tourists, boasting a zero-crime rate against visitors and being recognized as one of the safest places for women travelers globally.

Furthermore, the team emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir offers distinct scenic beauty across all seasons, with each destination transforming uniquely throughout the year—whether in the vibrant bloom of spring, the golden hues of autumn, or the snow-covered landscapes of winter.

The team also highlighted the remarkable surge in tourist arrivals in recent years, reflecting Jammu & Kashmir’s growing prominence as a premier travel destination. In 2022, the Union Territory welcomed 1.88 crore tourists, followed by 2.11 crore in 2023, and an impressive 2.37 crore in 2024. This consistent increase in footfall underscores the region’s unmatched natural beauty, enhanced tourism infrastructure, and the successful efforts of the J&K Tourism Department in promoting the destination.

With its strong presence and impactful promotional campaigns, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism continues to lead the way in India's tourism sector, emerging as a frontrunner at the IITM Kolkata event.

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