Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Modi urges Indians to visit 15 domestic tourism sites over three years to support economy

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (15) came up with one idea to get India's stuttering economy humming again - get every Indian to visit 15 domestic tourist destinations over the next three years.

The proposal might help to pump up domestic travel, which has struggled as many Indians cut back on consumer spending, and it could also create badly-needed jobs.


But it left some in the travel industry scratching their heads over how India's far from fully developed transport and tourism infrastructure could cope if many of its 1.25 billion people took Modi up on his challenge.

"By 2022, before India celebrates its 75th year of independence, I would like to request that all of you should travel to at least 15 local tourist destinations," Modi said in his Independence Day speech.

If everyone did it there would be 18.75 billion trips, or 6.25 billion a year. That compared to 1.8 billion domestic tourism trips by Indians last year, according to an April report by Google and consultancy firm Bain.

Local trips by domestic travellers have grown at a compounded annual growth rate of around eight per cent in the last four years, the report said.

"The main issue is beyond that of infrastructure at trains stations and airports," said Imtiaz Qureshi, of the Travel Agents Association of India, who runs his own travel agency in the southern city of Hyderabad.

"It is the last mile connectivity to remote tourist destinations."

Although Modi's government has made great efforts to build new roads to link towns and villages, and improve railway services, as well as expand existing airports and construct new ones, it still has a long way to go.

Qureshi said the incremental costs of travel to remote areas without sufficient infrastructure can soon add up and make foreign travel to places such as Malaysia seem cheaper and easier.

Modi, to be sure, did not promise the travel would be easy, saying people should pledge to visit these destinations even if they lack good hotels and other amenities.

It would be "for the sake of employment of the local youth," he said, adding that once people started travelling, basic amenities would spring up.

Modi himself has been an avid traveller, visiting many remote parts of the country as a young ascetic after he left home, books about him say.

(Reuters)

More For You

indian-rupee-iStock

The RBI has been intervening in the forex market to manage volatility in the rupee. (Representational image: iStock)

India's forex reserves dip to eight-month low amid rupee weakness

INDIA's foreign exchange reserves have dropped for the fourth consecutive week, reaching an eight-month low of £516.26 billion as of December 27, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released on Friday.

The reserves fell by £3.31 bn during the reported week, following a cumulative decline of £11.05 bn over the preceding three weeks.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK EV sales hit record but miss targets

The battery of an electric car is recharged at a roadside charging station in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

UK EV sales hit record but miss targets

THE UK car industry sold a record number of all-electric vehicles in 2024 but still fell short of the government's mandated targets, an industry trade body said Saturday (4).

Battery electric vehicles made up 19.6 per cent of new cars sold last year, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which was below the government's 22-per cent target for carmakers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shein and Temu questioned over labour practices

Olivia Hawkins attends the launch of the SHEIN pop-up store at Liverpool (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for SHEIN)

Shein and Temu questioned over labour practices

FAST-FASHION online retailer Shein, which is hoping to list in London, faces a UK hearing on Jan. 7 where a British parliamentary committee plans to question the firm, founded in China in 2008, about the rights of workers in its supply chain.

The cross-party Business and Trade Committee will also question Temu, the global online marketplace owned by Chinese e-commerce firm PDD Holdings, as part of an inquiry into employment rights opened in October.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India launches non-stop flight between Delhi and Newark

Air India cabin crew recreate Lunch atop a skyscraper photo

Air India launches non-stop flight between Delhi and Newark

AIR INDIA on Thursday (2) started operating its advanced A350-900 aircraft on non-stop flights between Delhi and Newark Liberty International Airport, following the recent launch of A350 services to New York. This move upgrades all flights between Delhi and the New York area with the airline's modern interiors, featuring private business class suites, premium economy seating, and an enhanced inflight entertainment system, a statement said.

To celebrate the occasion, Air India’s cabin crew explored New York city, revisiting famous landmarks immortalised in both hollywood and bollywood films. Dressed in their new uniforms designed by Manish Malhotra, the crew recreated scenes from iconic movies, connecting the airline's journey with the city’s cinematic heritage.

Keep ReadingShow less
Godawan

Priced at £65, the whisky is now available across London.

Indian single malt whisky Godawan debuts in London

INDIAN single malt whisky Godawan, crafted in Rajasthan by Diageo India, has launched in London.

The whisky is named after the Great Indian Bustard.

Keep ReadingShow less