TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - August 2019
Aug 2019
Aug 15, 2026
Gujarat to host Asia's first desert-themed night safari
Asia’s first desert-themed night safari project is set to launch in Gujarat, adding a new dimension to the state's tourism portfolio. The project aims to showcase the desert ecosystem, biodiversity, and cultural heritage after dusk, offering visitors a different wildlife experience while reducing daytime pressures on other habitats. Officials say the night safari will integrate illuminated trails, guided tours, and conservation messaging, with careful management of light and noise to protect nocturnal species. Local communities are expected to gain employment opportunities in hospitality, guiding, and crafts, supporting sustainable livelihoods. Gujarat aims to position itself as a leading destination for innovative, nature-centric tourism and experiential travel in India.
Asia’s first desert-themed night safari to be hosted in Gujarat.
Nighttime experiences highlight desert biodiversity and culture.
Project includes guided tours with focus on conservation.
Local communities expected to benefit through employment and crafts.
Asia’s first desert-themed night safari to debut in Gujarat
Asia's first desert-themed night safari is planned in Gujarat to showcase the state's desert ecosystem and biodiversity after dusk. The project aims to promote desert tourism and offer visitors a distinctive wildlife experience beneath the night sky. It will integrate conservation messaging with cultural heritage, linking landscape interpretation with local communities through training and employment opportunities. Officials say the night safari will feature guided nocturnal safaris, specialized habitats, mindful lighting, and safe viewing zones to minimize disturbance to wildlife. The initiative complements Gujarat's growing portfolio of innovative tourism experiences and seeks to attract both domestic and international visitors while encouraging sustainable practices among operators and residents. Implementation scope and timelines are being finalised with state and central agencies.
Asia's first desert-themed night safari planned in Gujarat
Focus on desert ecosystem, biodiversity and cultural heritage
Nighttime safaris, mindful lighting and viewing zones planned
Local communities to be involved via training and employment
Aims to boost desert tourism and sustainable practices
Coordination with state and central agencies ongoing
Aug 09, 2026
Travel & Trade Fair 2026 Opens in Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar hosted the Travel and Trade Fair (TTF) 2026, inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the Mahatma Mandir complex in August 2026. The three-day event featured more than 900 exhibitors and tourism departments from across India, serving as a major B2B travel trade platform. TTF showcased Gujarat's tourism strategies, including new circuits, eco-tourism initiatives, and investment opportunities in hospitality infrastructure. Attendees discussed policy support, marketing collaborations, and capacity building to boost domestic and inbound tourism. The fair aims to strengthen Gujarat's position as a key tourism destination, aligning with state employment and investment goals for 2026–27.
TTF 2026 opened in Gandhinagar with Bhupendra Patel in August 2026.
Event spanned three days with 900+ exhibitors.
Focus on B2B travel partnerships and tourism marketing.
Highlights include new circuits, eco-tourism, and hospitality investments.
Aims to boost domestic and inbound tourism and meet 2026–27 goals.
Aug 08, 2026
Travel and Trade Fair 2026 inaugurated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Travel and Trade Fair (TTF) 2026 was inaugurated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at Mahatma Mandir. The three‑day event brings together more than 900 exhibitors, including tourism departments, travel operators and destination promoters from across India. TTF is a major business‑to‑business travel exhibition that promotes tourism partnerships, networking opportunities and growth in the travel industry. Gujarat has hosted TTF for more than two decades, highlighting the state’s role in promoting domestic and regional tourism and attracting investment in the travel sector.
TTF 2026 inaugurated in Gandhinagar by CM Bhupendra Patel
Location: Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Over 900 exhibitors from tourism sector
TTF promotes B2B partnerships and growth
Longstanding Gujarat tourism promotion platform
Aug 06, 2026
Ministry of Tourism partners with Netflix India for film tourism via Incredible India portal
The Ministry of Tourism partnered with Netflix India to promote film‑induced tourism through the Incredible India digital portal. A dedicated section called As Seen on Netflix was launched to showcase Indian destinations featured in Netflix films and series. The initiative allows global audiences to explore India's culture, heritage, and travel experiences via streaming‑inspired itineraries. Officials say the initiative aims to boost tourism and support India's growing creative economy by linking media content to on‑the‑ground experiences. The plan aligns with India's digital promotion strategy and cross‑industry collaboration with streaming platforms. Officials noted the partnership would highlight lesser‑known destinations, encouraging regional tourism growth and jobs across states. The collaboration is part of a broader push to integrate media, tourism, and technology sectors.
Partnership: Ministry of Tourism with Netflix India.
Feature: As Seen on Netflix section on Incredible India portal.
Goal: boost film tourism and support the creative economy.
Impact: promote lesser‑known destinations and regional growth.
Jul 08, 2026
AP signs MoU with Explurger to deploy NiVU AI for multilingual tourism support
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with Explurger to deploy an AI-powered multilingual tourist assistance system. Explurger’s NiVU AI will be installed at more than 100 tourist and pilgrimage destinations through QR codes. Tourists can access information in multiple languages without downloading an app or paying any fee. The system aims to enhance visitor experience, reduce language barriers, and support on-site decision-making for travellers. Officials say the initiative aligns with the state's push to leverage digital tools to boost tourism and inclusivity, while generating data-driven insights for destination management and marketing across Andhra Pradesh. The pilot will begin in the current quarter.
MoU between Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and Explurger to deploy NiVU AI.
NiVU AI to be placed at 100+ destinations via QR codes.
No app download or fee required for users; multilingual information access.
Aims to improve visitor experience and data-driven destination insights.