Tourism Ministry-Google India MoU for digital promotion of destinations
In June 2026, the Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU with Google India to bolster digital promotion of India's tourism destinations. Google will provide travel insights, engagement data, training, content creation, and artificial intelligence support. The partnership aims to showcase lesser-known locales, improve visitor experiences, and boost domestic and international tourism. The agreement was exchanged in New Delhi in the presence of Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Officials describe the collaboration as a key element of a digital-first strategy to market India’s diverse tourism offerings and enhance tourism competitiveness globally.
MoU with Google India signed in June 2026
Digital promotion of Indian destinations
Includes travel insights, AI support, content creation
Aims to boost domestic and international tourism
Part of a digital-first tourism strategy
Jun 30, 2026
First Tripura Global Pineapple Festival 2026 in New Delhi
The First Tripura Global Pineapple Festival 2026 was held in New Delhi from 27 to 29 June at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The event showcased Tripura’s GI-tagged Queen Pineapple and promoted export potential. Organisers highlighted organic farming, value-added pineapple products and investment opportunities in the horticulture sector. The festival connected farmers with buyers, supported by government initiatives to enhance supply chains. International and domestic participants learned about pineapple varieties and market opportunities, with implications for rural livelihoods and regional trade in fruits.
Dates and venue: 27–29 June 2026, New Delhi
Featured produce: Tripura’s GI-tagged Queen Pineapple
The Assam Cabinet approved the Assam Tourism Accommodation (Development and Registration) Rules, 2026 to streamline operations in the state’s hospitality sector. The rules introduce a single-window registration system for hotels, resorts, guest houses, homestays, serviced apartments, tented accommodations, and heritage hotels. Registration renewals will occur automatically every three years, reducing compliance burdens for operators and improving regulatory oversight. The rules cover registration of inland hotels alongside lodges, homestays, tented camps, and heritage sites to encourage investment in tourism. Officials say the reforms will improve ease of doing business while preserving safety and hospitality standards. The rules come into effect on notification date.
Single-window registration for diverse accommodations.
Automatic renewal every three years.
Incentives for investment in tourism; broad sector coverage.
Emphasis on safety and regulatory oversight.
Jun 17, 2026
World’s most beautiful airports 2026 honours two Indian terminals
Prix Versailles recognised two Indian airport terminals in 2026's World’s Most Beautiful Airports list. Navi Mumbai International Airport, Terminal 1, and Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Terminal 2, were applauded for their design, cultural identity, sustainability, and passenger experience. The awards reflect India’s growing aviation gateway status and emphasis on customer-centric infrastructure. Airport authorities highlighted architectural innovation and integration with local heritage as key strengths. The recognition contributes to tourism momentum and the global branding of Indian airport facilities as modern, functional, and aesthetically distinctive.
Awards: World’s Most Beautiful Airports 2026 (Prix Versailles)
Context: Supports tourism and regional accessibility
Jun 10, 2026
Varanasi joins Easy Connect flights model
Varanasi became the first city to be integrated into the Easy Connect flights model. The initiative enables international passengers to complete immigration and baggage formalities before reaching Delhi, ensuring smoother onward international travel. The programme is expected to reduce turnaround times and strengthen India's aviation connectivity. Officials say the move supports tourism growth and improves passenger convenience across the national network. Varanasi's inclusion aligns with broader efforts to improve airport services, expand international routes, and provide faster, more seamless travel experiences for visitors to India.
City added: Varanasi to Easy Connect flights model.
Pre-clearance for immigration and baggage before Delhi stopover.
Aims to shorten travel times and enhance connectivity.
Supports tourism growth and passenger convenience.
Fits into broader aviation connectivity improvement plans.