TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS - January 2026
Jan 2026
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
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