World Tourism Day Follow-up: National Digital Tourism Stack – 29 September 2026

What happened

Around World Tourism Day (27 September), India highlighted a National Digital Tourism Stack — an open digital public infrastructure approach to make tourism services discoverable and trustworthy — alongside Dekho Apna Desh 2.0 and continued Incredible India partnerships. The 2026 global theme emphasised digital agendas and AI in tourism redesign.

Key digital layers already in use include e-Visa expansion (reported to 172 countries), NIDHI+ hospitality database listings, tourist helpline 1363, and AI-assisted trip tools on the Incredible India platform. Scheme revision points for exams remain Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD and SASCI.

Numbers often asked

• Tourism share of GDP (TSA estimates around ~5%)
• Foreign exchange earnings and foreign tourist visits (latest ministry figures)
• UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) HQ: Madrid

Practice MCQs

1. World Tourism Day is observed on:

   (A) 27 September
   (B) 29 September
   (C) 5 June
   (D) 10 December

   Answer: (A) – 27 September every year.

2. UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) is headquartered in:

   (A) Geneva
   (B) Madrid
   (C) Nairobi
   (D) Rome

   Answer: (B) – Madrid, Spain.

3. PRASHAD scheme in India primarily focuses on:

   (A) Defence exports
   (B) Pilgrimage and heritage destination rejuvenation
   (C) Only SEZ tax holidays
   (D) Crop insurance

   Answer: (B) – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive.

Source: PIB / Ministry of Tourism World Tourism Day briefings, late September 2026.