General Awareness

TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - May 2024

May 2024

Jan 18, 2026

India promotes tourism at Riyadh megEvent; cultural showcase planned

India’s embassy in Riyadh hosted a major tourism promotion event titled India Unveiled: culture, heritage and beyond. The gathering aimed to connect Saudi partners with India’s diverse travel experiences, featuring operators Indigo and Air India. Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan delivered the keynote on the long‑standing bilateral ties and people‑to‑people links. The event highlighted visa facilitation and a range of destinations across Maharashtra, Rajasthan and other states. Organisers stressed collaborative opportunities in culture, wildlife, history and wellness tourism as part of broader bilateral engagement.

Event: Tourism promotion in Riyadh
Theme: India Unveiled: culture, heritage and beyond
Participants: Indian embassies, tour operators, carriers
Key focus: visa ease, travel destinations, cultural exchange
Impact: stronger tourism ties with Saudi Arabia

Hyderabad hosts three‑day Hot‑Air Balloon Festival at Golconda Fort

Hyderabad began a three‑day Hot‑Air Balloon Festival near Golconda Fort, inaugurated by State Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao. About 40 passengers rode in 18 balloons, covering roughly 13 kilometres during the event’s opening. The festival features aerial views of Hyderabad and surrounding landscapes, and complements Telangana’s heritage and innovation focus, including kite and drone festivals. Organisers say such events aim to boost tourism, create new experiences for visitors and showcase modern technology alongside cultural heritage.

Event: Hot‑Air Balloon Festival
Location: near Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Duration: three days
Participants: ~40 passengers, 18 balloons
Distance: ~13 km per ride
Impact: tourism growth and tech‑driven attractions

Jan 14, 2026

UP to award rural tourism champions

The Uttar Pradesh tourism department announced the State Tourism Awards 2026 to recognise rural tourism champions. Categories include best tourism village, best rural homestay, and best farm stay, with gold, silver, and bronze awards. Registrations are open until 20 January. Tourism minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted UP’s progress in agri and rural tourism, noting more villages, families, and farm stays joining the program. The awards aim to encourage sustainable, community-led tourism and to showcase authentic rural experiences to visitors seeking cultural and ecological authenticity.

State Tourism Awards 2026 for rural tourism
Categories: best village, best homestay, best farm stay
Registrations open until 20 January
Officials emphasise community-led and sustainable tourism
Aims to promote authentic rural experiences

DHR to start 34 km Jungle Safari in Darjeeling area

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) announced a 34-kilometer Jungle Safari from Siliguri to Gayabari and back. The trial run took place recently, with formal operations planned to start on 17 January, operating on weekends. The service, priced at ₹500, will feature three coaches and be hauled by a diesel engine. Passengers will travel through forested scenery and notable viewpoints, including the Agony Point Loop. DHR director Rishav Choudhary described the route as an affordable, immersive way to experience the region’s natural beauty while supporting heritage rail tourism.

DHR announces 34 km Jungle Safari
Trial run completed; formal start on 17 January
Weekend operation with three coaches
Ticket price set at ₹500
Promotes heritage rail tourism and forest experiences

Dec 22, 2025

Nepal Pavilion Wins Best Booth Award at CITM 2025 in Haikou

Nepal participated in the China International Travel Market (CITM) 2025 in Haikou from December 19–21, where the Nepal Pavilion won the Best Booth Award. Led by the Nepal Tourism Board with support from airlines and private partners, the Nepal booth showcased the Himalayas, a Buddhist stupa façade, and cultural and adventure offerings. The fair facilitated B2B networking and market insights, helping Nepal promote destination experiences to Chinese travel trade professionals. The award underscores Nepal’s growing presence in international tourism markets during 2025.

Nepal won Best Booth at CITM 2025 Haikou
Event took place December 19–21, 2025
Nepal showcased Himalayan and cultural experiences
B2B networking and market insights highlighted

Dec 20, 2025

Singapore’s Changi Airport Named World’s Best in 2025

Singapore’s Changi Airport was voted the world’s best international airport in 2025 at Travel + Leisure’s India’s Best Awards. Readers praised overall travel experience, comfort, and facilities, including sky-lit interiors, indoor gardens and attractions like the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and butterfly gardens. The award, part of the 14th edition of India’s Best Awards, recognises excellence in airport design and passenger experience. Changi’s consistently strong performance in transit efficiency, amenities, and service levels contributed to its top ranking, reinforcing Singapore as a global hub for air travel and tourism.

Changi Airport named world’s best international airport for 2025.
Awarded by Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards.
Praise for transit experience, interiors, gardens, and attractions.
Reinforces Singapore as a leading air travel hub.

Dec 18, 2025

MoU to develop Vasudev Kutumbakam International Township in Tirupati

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to develop the Vasudev Kutumbakam International Township in Tirupati, a cultural and tourism-led development project. The venture is a public-private effort with Della Townships in partnership with the State government, announced during the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam. The project envisions a global-scale township integrating housing, culture, commerce, and tourism, potentially boosting regional growth and attracting international attention. Officials emphasize infrastructure, green spaces, and heritage conservation as key pillars. The agreement reflects India’s strategy to leverage culture and tourism for economic development.

MoU signed for Vasudev Kutumbakam International Township in Tirupati.
Della Townships partners with State Government; announced at CII Summit.
Aims at cultural and tourism-led, global-scale development.
Plans include infrastructure and heritage conservation components.

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