TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - October 2024
Oct 2024
Mar 11, 2026
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden Srinagar to Open on March 16
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is set to open to the public from March 16, signaling the start of Kashmir’s spring season. Director Mathoora Masoom confirmed the garden’s readiness, and online ticketing facilities have been introduced for the season. The Chief Minister will inaugurate the garden; 18 lakh tulips across more than 70 varieties have been planted. The facility aims to improve visitor experience with online bookings and better amenities. This annual display draws large crowds and showcases Jammu and Kashmir’s horticultural and tourism appeal during the spring migration.
Tulip Garden to open from March 16 for spring season.
Online ticket booking introduced for the season.
18 lakh tulips across 70+ varieties planted.
Chief Minister to inaugurate the garden.
Online booking enhances planning for visitors.
Gurudongmar Lake Tourism Rebounds After 2023 GLOF
Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim is witnessing a steady revival in tourism after disruptions caused by the October 2023 South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). The Chungthang–Lachen road has been reopened and a newly constructed 400‑foot Taram Chu bridge inaugurated, restoring critical access toward Lachen and the high‑altitude lake. Gurudongmar lies at about 17,000 feet and sits near the India–China border, making it a natural and spiritual landmark that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Travelers typically reach the lake via Lachen, the main transit point. Local authorities say safety upgrades and maintenance along mountain routes are supporting renewed visitor traffic and sustaining regional livelihoods. As of 11 March 2026, access routes are operational.
Chungthang–Lachen road reopened and 400‑foot Taram Chu bridge inaugurated.
Gurudongmar Lake sits at about 17,000 feet near the India–China border.
Access via Lachen is the main transit point for visitors.
Tourism is reviving after the 2023 GLOF disruption and related damage.
As of 11 March 2026, key routes are operational and safety upgrades continue.
Mar 06, 2026
India promotes sustainable tourism vision at ITB Berlin 2026
Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat addressed ITB Berlin 2026, outlining India’s Vision 2047 for sustainable, community-focused tourism. He described Growth with Responsibility, emphasising balanced development, world-class infrastructure, heritage preservation, and environmental protection. The speech highlighted UDAN, Vande Bharat expansion, and community schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. India aims to position itself as a global tourism hub while ensuring local participation and inclusive growth. ITB Berlin runs from 3 to 5 March 2026, with India seeking partnerships to expand sustainable travel and strengthen regional connectivity.
Shekhawat outlines Vision 2047 for sustainable tourism.
Growth with Responsibility anchors policy goals.
UDAN, Vande Bharat and heritage conservation highlighted.
ITB Berlin 2026 runs 3–5 March; India seeks partnerships.
Mar 02, 2026
Mangaluru Airport wins ASQ Arrivals Award 2025; second consecutive year
Mangaluru International Airport has been selected among six airports worldwide for the Airports Council International ASQ Awards 2025 in the Best Airport at Arrivals category. The award recognises passenger satisfaction based on real-time feedback gathered through the ASQ survey. Managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited, the airport’s service quality improvements have sustained this international recognition for two consecutive years, reflecting Karnataka’s growing tourism and regional connectivity. The accolade underscores India’s rising standards in passenger experience and airport operations in a competitive global aviation market.
ASQ Awards 2025: Best Airport at Arrivals
Mangaluru Airport among six global airports recognised
Second consecutive year of ASQ Arrivals award
Managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited
Highlights improvements in service quality and connectivity
Feb 28, 2026
Somanna Launches Book on Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train
Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna released a coffee table book on the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines at Rail Bhawan on 23 February 2026. The publication documents the Bharat Gaurav tourism initiative, a flagship Indian Railways project showcasing Karnataka’s heritage and pilgrimage sites while strengthening rail connectivity. The book credits Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd.), as a key driver. Officials describe the project as a model blending faith, culture and modern rail infrastructure to make pilgrimage travel accessible and affordable for a wider public in the state and beyond.
Launch date: 23 February 2026.
Book title: Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines.
Authored by Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd).
Aims to make pilgrimage travel more accessible and affordable.
Feb 27, 2026
Vice President inaugurates USISPF Tourism Leadership Summit 2026
Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Tourism Leadership Summit 2026 on 24 February 2026 in New Delhi, at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum office. The day‑long event, organised by USISPF in collaboration with the Sankala Foundation, gathered Union Ministers, senior government officials, global hospitality executives, multilateral representatives and conservation experts. Delegates discussed strategies to strengthen India's tourism ecosystem and expand U.S.–India travel and investment ties. The summit highlighted policy initiatives to promote sustainable tourism growth, infrastructure, marketing and cross‑border collaboration to boost job creation and regional development.
Summit held in New Delhi on 24 February 2026.
Participants included Union Ministers, officials and global industry leaders.
Focus on strengthening India’s tourism sector and US‑India travel ties.
Discussions covered sustainable tourism, infrastructure and marketing.
Event supported by USISPF and the Sankala Foundation.