GRT Hotels & Resorts has launched the inaugural Great Indian Tourism Quiz, a nationwide competition designed to celebrate the country’s history, culture and regional heritage, timed to World Tourism Day on September 27, 2026. The Great Indian Tourism Quiz was announced on September 18, 2026, at a press briefing in Chennai, marking the South Indian hospitality chain’s first major consumer engagement initiative of its kind.
The announcement was made by Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, who will also serve as Quiz Master for the event, alongside Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts. The quiz will run in a hybrid format, live in-person at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai and streaming online nationwide, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST on September 27.
Why Is GRT Betting On Homegrown Tourism?
Cotah framed the quiz as part of a broader push to encourage domestic travel at a time when India’s travel market is scaling rapidly. “With India’s travel market spend rapidly scaling toward $150 billion USD and tourism contributing over Rs 15.73 lakh crore to the national GDP, our domestic travel landscape is growing at an unprecedented pace. Yet, so much of our country’s rich history and diverse culture remains waiting to be explored by our own citizens,” Cotah said, adding that the initiative aims to “showcase India to Indians and encourage a deeper movement toward homegrown travel.”
What Does This Mean For Indian Hospitality Marketing?
The quiz is open to all citizens, including school students, university teams, corporate professionals and general trivia enthusiasts, with free registration and winners receiving cash rewards, trophies and gift experiences. It is being organised in association with a wide roster of industry partners, including India Tourism, Tamil Nadu Tourism, ASSOCHAM, IATO, SICCI, SIHRA, SKAL International India, FHRAI, EEMA and the Sustainable Development Council in association with the United Nations, giving the initiative reach well beyond a single hotel chain’s marketing budget.
Industry Context
GRT Hotels & Resorts, established in 1998 as an offshoot of GRT Jewellers, operates 22 upscale properties across five states under sub-brands including Grand, Regency, Zibe and GReaT Trails, alongside partnerships with Radisson. The quiz launch reflects a wider trend among Indian hospitality brands of using culture- and heritage-led content marketing to build engagement beyond direct bookings, particularly as domestic tourism continues to outpace inbound international travel growth.
What Happens Next?
Registration for the Great Indian Tourism Quiz is open now ahead of the September 27 event, themed around Indian tourism, heritage, arts and culture, history and cuisine. GRT said it intends for the quiz to become an annual fixture on India’s tourism calendar, positioning it as one of the country’s largest tourism and culture quiz initiatives going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Great Indian Tourism Quiz?
The inaugural Great Indian Tourism Quiz will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST, to coincide with World Tourism Day.
Who can participate in the quiz?
The quiz is open to all citizens including school students, university teams, corporate professionals and trivia enthusiasts, with free registration for the hybrid in-person and online event.
Who is organising the Great Indian Tourism Quiz?
GRT Hotels & Resorts is organising the quiz in association with India Tourism, Tamil Nadu Tourism, ASSOCHAM, IATO, SICCI, SIHRA, SKAL International India, FHRAI, EEMA and the Sustainable Development Council.
Leave a comment