In a recent briefing by Manisha Saxena, Director General of Tourism, Govt of India, attention was drawn to a notable decrease in the budget allocation for overseas tourism promotion, which had sparked concerns within the industry recently. Saxena, however, clarified that while there appears to be a reduction in this specific budgetary segment, the overall financial commitment to tourism promotions has, in fact, increased.
“This reallocation is part of a strategic initiative by the ministry aimed at streamlining our promotional efforts in response to the evolving digital landscape. Our objective is to bridge the gap between domestic and overseas promotion activities effectively. We intend to conduct highly targeted promotional campaigns in both traditional and emerging markets. This approach will enable us to better understand market trends and preferences, ensuring that our promotional efforts resonate with our target audiences,” she explained.
Recently, during the interim budget announcement, the Indian Finance minister highlighted the government’s aim to enhance domestic travel while cultivating new tourist spots within India, improving connectivity and infrastructure enhancements in places like Lakshadweep. However, contrasting this, a mere sum of INR 3 crore was allocated for the promotion of India overseas through its ‘Incredible India’ campaign.
Speaking further, Saxena attributed part of the budget reduction in overseas promotion to the consolidation of overseas offices, emphasising a more streamlined and efficient engagement with diplomatic missions worldwide. This decision, she said, is aligned with the ministry’s broader strategy of maximising outreach through diplomatic missions. Notably, the ministry of tourism last year, had to shut its overseas offices bringing the number down from 20 to 8.
A few industry stakeholders dealing in the inbound tourism business, have noted that this drastic 97 per cent reduction from last year’s INR 100 crore allocation has marginalised the acclaimed Incredible India campaign, especially its overseas promotion and market development efforts. Taking a look at the figures on the other hand, the Ministry of Tourism has increased the FY25 budget estimate to INR 2,080.03 crore, up by 22 per cent from last year’s actual expenditure of INR 1,692 crore. The bulk of this, INR 1,750 crore, is designated for the Swadesh Darshan scheme, aiding state governments in tourism infrastructure development since 2014-15, as per a source. “Over the past five to ten years, significant strides have been made in infrastructure development, as part of initiatives like the Swadesh Darshan scheme. Concurrently, efforts have enhanced spiritual tourism and capacity building for tourism providers under the Prashad Scheme. These initiatives have resulted in the creation of new tourism products, such as adventure and rural tourism experiences. Dhordo’s recognition as the Best Tourism Village by the UNWTO has been a highlight, prompting the initiation of a similar competition by the Ministry of Tourism. Last year, 35 villages were identified as exemplary tourism destinations, with the competition now in its second season, drawing numerous entries,” she added.
At the launch ceremony at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, ITDC Managing Director MR Synrem said that they are actively seeking new business opportunities while enhancing its current verticals to build on the momentum of its record financial performance last fiscal year. “We aim not only to expand but also to elevate our existing services, exploring new avenues for ITDC’s growth as a company,” he said.
150 proposals received for destination development under challenge mode:
Amidst these discussions, Saxena also shared the updates on the domestic tourism front, revealing a surge in proposals from state governments for the development of destinations under challenge mode which was initiated under last year’s budget announcement.“We have received an overwhelming response, with nearly 150 proposals submitted by the states,” she disclosed. “Out of these, we are set to identify and develop 50 destinations, ensuring a comprehensive enhancement across all touchpoints of the tourist experience.”
Adding to that, Saxena underscored the pivotal role of hosting G20 meetings across 60 locations, venues which have helped spotlighting lesser-known facets of the country. “The extensive coverage of G20 events across 60 venues has significantly bolstered India’s global presence,” she affirmed. “Not only have we witnessed the emergence of state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, but also substantial capacity building efforts and the creation of unique tourism experiences, along with more convention centres and accommodation facilities lined up for launch.”
“This progress positions these locales for substantial growth in the tourism sector, especially in MICE. Initiatives such as establishing city-level bureaus for MICE tourism and promoting India as a premier wedding destination further underscore the commitment to expanding tourism opportunities and driving economic growth,” she stated reflecting on PM Modi’s aspiration to position India as a premier wedding destination on the global stage.
Parellely, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with key stakeholders including Convention Centers, hotel chains, IRCTC, and the India Convention Promotion Bureau, recently participated in the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) held in Melbourne, Australia. The aim was to bolster efforts to position India as a leading MICE destination in the Asia Pacific region.
Last mile connectivity, engagement with locals matter:
Beyond infrastructure, the ministry is also focusing on capacity building and promoting experiential tourism which involves active engagement of locals, she added. “For us in government and industry, it’s not just about promoting destinations. I always stress the importance of last mile connectivity. This means more than just having digital or transportation links—it’s about building up the skills and knowledge of the local workforce,” she said.
“Tourism isn’t just about popular spots anymore. Therefore, engaging local communities in delivering authentic and lesser known experiences not only enhances economic opportunities but also preserves intangible heritage. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we’re creating a tourism landscape that is inclusive, sustainable, and rich in diverse experiences,” she added.
Saxena, while addressing the tourism and hospitality industry stakeholders at the recently held PATA Tourism Powerhouse programme, also called for unity in addressing the challenges confronting the tourism sector, emphasising the imperative of collective action in realising India’s tourism potential. “By aligning our efforts and leveraging our collective strengths, both the industry and government can propel India’s tourism industry to greater heights. We have just touched the tip of the iceberg,” she concluded.
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Canada has announced that it is imposing an immediate two-year cap on new international student visas to tackle a housing crisis and target institutional “bad actors”, a move that is likely to impact Indians planning to study in the country. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said as part of the cap there will be a 35 per cent reduction in new study visas in 2024. The cap is expected to result in 364,000 new approved permits in 2024. Nearly 560,000 such visas were issued last year.
The cap will be in place for two years; the number of permits to be issued in 2025 will be reassessed at the end of this year, he said.
“To maintain a sustainable level of temporary residence in Canada, as well to ensure that there is no further growth in the number of international students in Canada for 2024, we are setting a national application intake cap for two years from 2024,” Global News quoted Miller as saying.
The move comes amid pressure on the federal government from provinces on the increasing numbers of non-permanent residents entering Canada while the country struggles with a housing crisis, CBC News said.
Miller earlier this month said that a cap on international students would not be a “one-size-fits-all solution” to housing shortages across Canada.
More than 800,000 international students were issued temporary study visas in 2022. Miller said last fall that 2023’s numbers were on track to be more than triple the number accepted 10 years ago.
The move is expected to impact students from India who see Canada as a preferred destination for higher studies.
India was the first among the top ten origin countries of study permit holders in 2022 in Canada, with a total of 319,000 students.
Miller said that by imposing the cap, the federal government is taking action against some small private colleges.
The move will help the government to target institutional “bad actors”, he said.
“It’s unacceptable that some private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking supports for students and charging high tuition fees all the while significantly increasing their intake of international students,” Miller said.
In some provinces, Miller said, the total reduction in permits will be approximately 50 per cent.
Provinces and territories will be left to decide how permits are distributed among universities and colleges in their jurisdictions. The cap will be in place for two years; the number of permits to be issued in 2025 will be reassessed at the end of this year.
In an interview with CBC News on Monday, Miller spoke of “degree-granting institutions that are giving fake business degrees” to students who hope to stay in Canada. The minister said there could be “hundreds” of such schools operating in Canada and that the number has “exploded in the last couple of years.”
In addition to the cap, the federal government will also require international students applying for a permit to provide an attestation letter from a province or territory.
“These measures are not against individual international students,” Miller said.
“They are to ensure that as future students arrive in Canada, they receive the quality of education that they signed up for and the hope that they were provided in their home countries.”
Miller also announced changes to the post-graduation work permit programme.
Starting in September, international students who begin a programme that’s part of a curriculum licensing arrangement (one where a private college has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college) will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
Canada’s issuance of study permits to Indian students saw a significant drop in the latter part of the previous year, primarily due to diplomatic tensions following the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Immigration Minister Marc Miller indicated that the permit numbers are unlikely to recover soon, citing the strained diplomatic relations with India. The tensions led to an 86 per cent decrease in study permits issued to Indian students in the last quarter compared to the previous one.
Graduates of master’s and other “short graduate-level programmes” will “soon” be able to apply for a three-year work permit, the government says. Open work permits will also be made available to the spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs.
The changes announced Monday come a little over a month after Miller first announced measures intended to target what the minister described as “the diploma equivalent of puppy mills.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said the blame lies entirely with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and called the prime minister “incompetent.”
“He is the one that granted the study permits. That is a federal responsibility,” Poilievre said.
Jenny Kwan, the New Democratic Party leader, also blamed Trudeau‘s “mismanagement.”
She also warned that the new cap “might punish talented students who seek to build a better life.”
In a media statement, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop said her government recognises that “some bad actors are taking advantage of these students with false promises of guaranteed employment, residency and Canadian citizenship.”
The minister said Ontario has been engaging with the federal government on “ways to crack down on these practices, like predatory recruitment.”
A statement issued by Nova Scotia’s department of advanced education said the province “will need to assess the impacts of the changes made by the federal government once we have more details, including provincial allocations.”
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Global hospitality giant, BWH Hotels, takes a major stride towards consolidating its position in South Asia through a strategic partnership with Sorrel Hospitality. The move aims to fortify the presence of World Hotels, BWH’s luxury brand, in the vibrant markets of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
BWH Hotels said it is set to write a new chapter in its journey. Leveraging the expertise of Sorrel Hospitality as its master franchisee in the region, BWH Hotels is poised to expand its footprint in the dynamic South Asian market with a specific focus on elevating World Hotels in key destinations.
The strategic move follows BWH Hotels’ landmark acquisition of World Hotels in 2019, emphasising the company’s dedication to delivering luxury accommodation and elevated guest satisfaction across diverse landscapes in South Asia.
Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer, BWH Hotels, expressed his commitment to the initiative, “With a dedicated focus on enhancing the presence of World Hotels in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, we are committed to elevating the standards of luxury accommodation and guest satisfaction. This move, fueled by the landmark acquisition of World Hotels in 2019, underscores BWH Hotels’ unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service and creating unparalleled guest experiences throughout the diverse landscapes of South Asia.”
The 320-room hotel integrates Colombo’s spirit and cultural richness into its ambience, making it the perfect for both locals and tourists to work, meet and relax. Within a 2 km distance are renowned landmarks such as Gengaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park, while the historic Independence Memorial Hall lies just a 10-minute drive away.
Ron Pohl, President of International Operations and of World Hotels, added, “I am delighted to announce a strategic leap that signifies a remarkable chapter in our journey. Partnering with Sorrel Hospitality, our esteemed master franchisee, we are poised to extend our influence in the dynamic South Asian market.”Atul Jain, COO- India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, BWH Hotels, shared his enthusiasm about the expansion, “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey of expansion of World Hotels in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka. These countries hold immense potential in the luxury hospitality sector, and this strategic move is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the presence of World Hotels in this region.”
As BWH Hotels takes this significant step, it invites guests, partners, and stakeholders to anticipate a transformative era in hospitality.
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