General Awareness

TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - October 2019

Oct 2019

Sep 28, 2026

World Tourism Day 2026 highlights AI and digital tools

World Tourism Day was celebrated on 27 September 2026, emphasizing tourism’s social, cultural, economic and environmental importance. The theme for 2026 is 'Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,' highlighting the growing role of digital technologies and AI in the sector. Governments, industry bodies and communities organised webinars, exhibitions and campaigns to promote sustainable travel, inclusive growth and better connectivity. The observance underscored the need for responsible practices, accessible information and innovative digital solutions to enhance visitor experiences while protecting cultural heritage and natural resources.

World Tourism Day was observed on 27 September 2026.
Theme: Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.
Focus on sustainable travel, inclusive growth and digital solutions in tourism.

Sep 27, 2026

Mizoram hosts first Pluck & Pay festival to promote rural tourism

Mizoram launched its first Pluck & Pay festival in Khawzawl district, held from 23 to 25 September 2026 in the villages of Tualte and Chawngtlai. The three-day event, organized by the state Tourism Department and the Khawzawl Deputy Commissioner’s office, allows visitors to harvest farm produce and pay farmers directly. The festival features agriculture, horticulture, local cuisine, handicrafts, Mizo music and dance, and traditional games. It supports farmers, homestays, guides and local businesses, and aims to promote rural tourism and strengthen community livelihoods by connecting visitors with producers and local services.

Dates: 23–25 September 2026.
Locations: Tualte and Chawngtlai, Khawzawl district.
Activities: farming, local cuisine, handicrafts, culture.
Impact: supports farmers and rural livelihoods.

Sep 23, 2026

WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 held in New Delhi

The WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Iconic Awards 2026 were held in New Delhi, gathering leaders from India's tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors. The event focused on recognizing achievements in the sector and discussing opportunities for growth in the travel economy. Ministers, ambassadors, aviation experts, hospitality leaders, and technology innovators participated in plenary sessions and panel discussions. Participants explored strategies to attract more international visitors, improve air connectivity, and use digital tools to enhance customer experiences. The summit highlighted resilience in India's tourism industry, the role of public‑private partnerships, and sustainable practices for long-term growth across destinations.

Event held in New Delhi; tourism, travel, and hospitality leaders attended.
Aimed to recognize achievements and discuss growth opportunities.
Participants included ministers, ambassadors, and industry experts.
Discussions covered connectivity, technology, and customer experience.
Emphasis on public-private partnerships and sustainability.

Sep 14, 2026

Kerala launches Green Marshal initiative for tourism

The Kerala government announced the Green Marshal initiative to enhance environmental protection and visitor safety at major tourist destinations. Official rollout is scheduled for 9 October 2026, with marshals monitoring locations, managing waste, protecting natural resources, and assisting visitors, especially solo travelers and women. In the first phase, Green Marshals will be deployed at Munnar, Wayanad, Kovalam, and Alappuzha. The program aims to align tourism growth with sustainable practices, reduce litter, and improve safety standards while promoting responsible travel and eco-friendly experiences across the state.

Kerala launches Green Marshal initiative to protect environment and improve visitor safety.
Rollout scheduled for 9 October 2026; marshals will monitor major tourist sites.
First phase sites: Munnar, Wayanad, Kovalam, Alappuzha.
Focus on waste management, resource protection, and support for solo and women travelers.

Sep 09, 2026

Shekhawati Havelis Enter UNESCO Tentative List

Historic Shekhawati Havelis in Rajasthan have been placed on UNESCO's World Heritage Centre's List of Tentative Sites, a formal step toward possible inscription on the World Heritage List. The Shekhawati region covers districts such as Churu, Fatehpur, Jhunjhunu, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Sikar, and Alsisar, and is famed for its colorful fresco paintings, ornate facades, and distinctive architecture. Experts say inclusion could boost conservation funding, raise international awareness, and attract more heritage-driven tourism while highlighting Rajasthan's architectural diversity. The process is lengthy and future nominations would require comprehensive conservation plans and local community involvement. Officials emphasize that tentative status is not a guarantee of inscription, but a significant recognition for regional heritage governance.

UNESCO placed Shekhawati Havelis on the Tentative List, spanning several districts in Rajasthan.
The region is renowned for frescoes, colorful facades, and distinctive architectural features.
Tentative listing can help attract conservation funding and heritage tourism.
A formal nomination to the World Heritage List would require strong conservation plans.
The move signals attention to regional heritage governance and preservation.

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