There’s something quietly exciting about National Tourism Day 2026. Not flashy fireworks exciting. More like overhearing strangers swap travel tips on a train platform, exciting. This day, marked every year on January 25, has been India’s gentle reminder that tourism isn’t just about postcards, it’s about people, livelihoods, sweaty afternoons, early alarms, and stories that stick. So grab your flight tickets, bagpack and wanderlust and get ready to celebrate National Tourism Day 2026.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Little History, Minus the Textbook Yawn
Image Credit: Chee Huey Wong/Pexels
National Tourism Day began as a way to spotlight tourism’s role in India’s economy and cultural identity, officially observed by the Ministry of Tourism since the early 2000s. Over time, National Tourism Day has grown less ceremonial and more experiential. Think local guides are finally getting the spotlight, forgotten neighborhoods hosting walking tours, and food stalls suddenly becoming “heritage cuisine.”
The National Tourism Day 2026 theme has not been announced yet, but it is speculated that the theme will carry the idea of sustainability and travel. Across the country, National Tourism Day 2026 activities range from free museum entries and heritage walks to eco-tourism workshops and folk performances that spill into streets long after schedules end. Compared to International Tourism Day, this one feels more intimate, more local, less corporate-banner-heavy.
The buzz around National Tourism Day 2026 in India feels grounded. Less “visit now” pressure. More “come see why this matters.”
Cities That Stole the Spotlight (And the Awards)
Image Credit: Abhishek Prasad/Unsplash
Mumbai
Mumbai doesn’t wait for applause, it earns it. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ranked among the world’s top 10 airports for the third year running in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, praised for efficiency that actually shows at baggage claim. The Taj Mahal Palace, standing strong since 1903, earned nominations at the World Travel Awards 2025. Time Out’s survey crowned Mumbai India’s most romantic and happiest city, ranking it 49th globally. Cheap flights to Mumbai and high taxi fares still spark arguments. Street food still wins hearts.
Jaipur
Founded in 1727, Jaipur feels curated yet chaotic in the best way. Travel + Leisure placed it #5 worldwide in its 2025 World’s Best Awards, scoring 91.33 for its forts and palaces. Fairmont Jaipur landed a nomination for India’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2025, also making it one of the best hotels in Jaipur. Pink walls glow at sunset. Bargaining stays loud. History hums underfoot.
Agra
Agra’s global pull remains timeless. Ranked #20 worldwide by Travel + Leisure 2025, its heritage appeal is inseparable from the Taj Mahal, completed in 1648. The Oberoi Amarvilas nearby received nods as one of India’s Leading Luxury Resorts. Crowds swell and the best hotels in Agra fill up fast, yet silence still finds a way inside the city.
Varanasi
One of the world’s oldest living cities, dating back over 3,000 years, Varanasi surged in NDTV’s 2025 search trends for spiritual destinations. Uttar Pradesh also claimed the title of India’s most-visited state. Once your cheap flight to Varanasi lands, you’ll hear bells ringing, boatmen shouting prices, and time behaving differently here.
Kerala
Kerala’s calm keeps winning hearts and awards. The Leela Kovalam earned a nomination for India’s Leading Beach Resort at the World Travel Awards 2025, while Kumarakom Lake Resort featured in Leading Family Resort and Resort categories. Backwater boat rides, romantic getaways, Kerala sadhya, and so many more experiences make the city a vibe – one you can fully feel with all-inclusive Kerala tour packages.
Also Read: World Tourism Day: You’ll Wonder Why These Bizarre Places on Earth Exist
Major Festivals, Fairs & State Activities During National Tourism Day 2026
| Festival/Fair / State Activity | Location | Dates / Timing | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rann Utsav | Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat | Through Feb 20, 2026 | Tent city festival, folk music & dance, camel safaris, handicrafts, stargazing |
| Nagaur Fair | Nagaur, Rajasthan | Jan 24–27, 2026 | One of Asia’s largest cattle fairs, livestock trading, folk performances, camel races, local markets |
| Bharat Parv | Red Fort Complex, New Delhi | Jan 26–31, 2026 | Republic Day tableaux, food stalls, cultural performances, military bands |
| Madhya Pradesh Art Festival | Gandhi Hall, Indore | Jan 24–27, 2026 | Art exhibitions, live music, dance, theatre, interactive workshops |
| Pan-India Band Performances | Across India (based in New Delhi) | Jan 19–26, 2026 | Military bands (Army, Navy, Air Force) perform across various venues on the theme “Vande Mataram” |
| Delhi History Walks | New Delhi | National Tourism Day Weekend | Museum-led programs and guided walks highlighting Delhi’s monuments and historical relevance |
| Delhi Cultural Showcases | New Delhi | National Tourism Day Weekend | Cultural performances, local art showcases, heritage exhibitions |
| Andhra Pradesh Activities | Various locations | National Tourism Day Weekend | Morning rallies, heritage walks, photo exhibitions, food festivals |
| Goa Activities | Goa | National Tourism Day Weekend | Tourism awareness programs, heritage site tours |
| Kerala Activities | Kerala | National Tourism Day Weekend | Slow travel promotions, backwater houseboat stays, Ayurvedic wellness |
| Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand Activities | Spiti Valley, Auli | National Tourism Day Weekend | High-altitude conscious travel, winter sports, monastery stays |
| Tamil Nadu & Karnataka Activities | Chettinad, Coorg | National Tourism Day Weekend | Architecture & cuisine promotions, guided plantation/forest walks |
| Assam Activities | Kaziranga National Park | National Tourism Day Weekend | Wildlife safaris, better animal sightings due to shorter grass |
| Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Awards | Uttar Pradesh | National Tourism Day | Awards for Best Tourism Village, Best Rural Homestay, Best Farm Stay |
| Uttar Pradesh Rural Immersion | Gorakhpur, Awadh, Braj | National Tourism Day Weekend | Farm-to-table dining, craft learning, homestays |
| Uttar Pradesh Spiritual Tourism | Varanasi, Ayodhya | National Tourism Day Weekend | Promotion of spiritual and cultural hubs |
Wrapping Up
National Tourism Day 2026 isn’t just a celebration, it’s a nudge to get out there and feel the world again. The awards show these cities matter globally, but the real magic is in the messy, human moments: bargaining in Jaipur, sunrise at the Taj, the chant-filled air of Varanasi, Kerala’s slow backwaters, and Mumbai’s nonstop energy. So pack a bag, pick a place, and let the day remind you why travel still feels like a little miracle.
FAQs – National Tourism Day 2026
What is the National Tourism Day?
Celebrated every January 25, National Tourism Day in India is a special day dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role travel plays in boosting the country’s economy and preserving its diverse cultural heritage.
What is the importance of 27th September 2025?
This date marks World Tourism Day 2025, which was celebrated under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” to highlight how travel can drive positive environmental and social change.
Why was September 27 chosen as World Tourism Day?
This specific date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970, a major milestone that reshaped global tourism governance.
What is the theme of Tourism Day 2026?
The official theme for World Tourism Day 2026 is “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” focusing on how tech and AI will transform future travel experiences.
Who is hosting the World Tourism Day 2025?
The official global celebrations for 2025 were hosted in the historic city of Melaka, Malaysia, which also served as the site for the 7th World Tourism Conference.
Also Explore:
World Tourism Day 2025: Celebrating People, Planet And Places
Celebrating World Tourism Day 2024: Incredible Places To Visit In India
Noctourism: The Travel Term That Took India by Night – Word of the Year 2025
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