TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - August 2025
Aug 2025
May 03, 2026
Texas marks National Travel and Tourism Week 2026
Texas is observing National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) 2026 with a series of events coordinated by Travel Texas, spanning May 3 to May 9, 2026. Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed the week to recognise travel’s vital role in supporting jobs, businesses, and communities across the state. Themed as Postmarked: Essential, the celebration highlights the industry’s contributions to local economies and culture. Since the program’s inception in 1983, NTTW has emphasised how travel connects people and drives growth. The 2026 events aim to showcase Texas destinations and the broader economic impact of tourism on the state.
NTTW 2026 runs May 3–9, organized by Travel Texas.
Governor Abbott proclaimed the week, emphasising travel’s economic role.
Theme: Postmarked: Essential.
NTTW highlights travel’s impact on jobs, businesses, and communities.
Apr 15, 2026
Hanoi tourism hub grows as VITM 2026 showcases transformation and innovation
The Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2026 is underway in central Hanoi, marking a milestone for Vietnam's tourism sector. The fair marks a milestone for Vietnam’s tourism sector, with thousands of visitors each day seeking consultations, on-site bookings, and industry networking. Now in its 15th edition, VITM 2026 is bigger and more dynamic, drawing participants from 31 Vietnamese provinces and cities and 20 foreign countries and territories. About 400 booths host more than 600 organizations and businesses. International exhibitors make up around 15 percent of participants, reflecting growing global engagement with Vietnam's travel market. The event highlights industry transformation and innovation shaping Vietnam’s evolving tourism landscape.
VITM 2026 held in Hanoi, Vietnam
15th edition; 31 Vietnamese provinces; 20 countries
~400 booths; ~600 organizations
International exhibitors ~15%
Aurangabad in Gorakhpur to be developed as a Special Tourist Village
Gorakhpur’s Aurangabad village, renowned for its terracotta craft, is slated to become a Special Tourist Village under a state government initiative. Officials say the project, valued at about Rs 1 crore, is being implemented by Construction and Design Services (C&DS). The first instalment of Rs 67 lakh has already been released. Plans include a gate complex, electrical infrastructure and updated signage to improve the visitor experience. The initiative links with the One District One Product scheme promoted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to showcase terracotta craft to tourists and integrate traditional artistry with broader tourism.
Aurangabad village in Gorakhpur district to be developed as Special Tourist Village.
Project worth approximately Rs 1 crore; first instalment Rs 67 lakh released.
Implementation by Construction and Design Services (C&DS).
Development includes gate complex, infrastructure upgrades and signage.
Part of One District One Product scheme to promote terracotta crafts.
Apr 06, 2026
Telangana to launch heli-tourism on Hyderabad–Somasila–Srisailam circuit from April 9
Telangana Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao announced that helicopter tourism will commence on the Hyderabad–Somasila–Srisailam circuit from 9 April 2026. The service is being developed in partnership with private aviation agencies and will offer tourists panoramic views of the Krishna river and the Nallamala forests while linking major pilgrimage sites with eco-tourism destinations. Two packages are available: a one-day tour and a two-day itinerary, with departures centered around Hyderabad and Somasila/Srisailam corridors. Officials say the project will strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve connectivity to key attractions, and generate employment in the sector. The initiative aligns with Telangana’s broader strategy to diversify and enhance immersive travel experiences for visitors.
Launch date: 9 April 2026
Route: Hyderabad–Somasila–Srisailam
Packages: 1-day and 2-day
Partner: private aviation agencies
Aim: boost tourism infrastructure and connectivity
Mar 18, 2026
Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden inaugurated in Srinagar
Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, was inaugurated for visitors on 16 March 2026. The ceremony was led by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, marking the official start of Kashmir’s spring tourism season. Located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking Dal Lake, the garden features a wide range of tulips, attracting visitors from across India and abroad. The opening coincides with festivals and rising interest in regional tourism. Local officials expect the garden to boost employment, hospitality, and seasonal tourism. The garden will add to the region’s horticultural significance and landscape.
Inauguration date: 16 March 2026 by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Location: Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar, on the Dal Lake foothills.
Market impact: expected boost to Kashmir’s spring tourism and local economy.
Significance: Asia’s largest tulip garden enhances regional horticultural profile.
Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden In Srinagar Inaugurated
Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, opened to visitors on 16 March 2026. Built on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking Dal Lake, the site marks the official start of Kashmir’s spring tourism season. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the garden, which annually showcases thousands of tulips in a vibrant display. The 2026 bloom season is expected to attract visitors from across India and abroad, boosting local hospitality and related services. Authorities view the garden as a pivotal seasonal attraction in the region’s tourism calendar.
Inauguration date: 16 March 2026 by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Location: foothills of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking Dal Lake.
Status: Asia’s largest tulip garden and a major spring tourism draw.
Impact: expected boost to Kashmir’s tourism, hospitality and employment.
Significance: annual bloom season strengthens the region’s visitor economy.
ITDC launches tribal homestay capacity building programme
The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), under the Ministry of Tourism, launched a Capacity Building Programme for Tribal Homestay Owners in New Delhi. The initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, focuses on developing community-based tourism. The program aims to raise service standards, enrich visitor experiences, and create sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities across India. Training is provided through IHM Ashok, the hospitality education arm of ITDC, to equip participants with essential hospitality skills. The project seeks to integrate tribal regions into India’s growing tourism ecosystem and promote responsible, culture-led tourism with local participation and empowerment nationwide.
Collaborating ministries: Tourism and Tribal Affairs.
Training partner: IHM Ashok.
Focus: community-based tourism and capacity building.
Outcome: improved services and livelihoods for tribal homestay operators.
Mar 12, 2026
AAHAR 2026 Food and Hospitality Fair Inaugurated in New Delhi
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 40th AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair in New Delhi, running from 10 to 14 March 2026. The event is organized jointly by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). It showcases products, technologies, and trade opportunities across the food processing, hospitality, and agriculture sectors. Public access begins on the evenings of 13 and 14 March. AAHAR draws domestic and international exhibitors, buyers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to foster business‑to‑business engagements and collaborations that support growth in India’s food and hospitality ecosystem.
AAHAR 2026 held in New Delhi from 10–14 March.
40th edition; organized by MoFPI and ITPO.
Showcases food processing, hospitality, and agriculture sectors.
Public access on 13–14 March evenings.
Participants include domestic and international exhibitors.
Aims to boost trade, technology exchange, and policy dialogue.