Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart: A Grand Showcase of Tourism Potential and Opportunities!
The Voice of Chandigarh :
The fourth edition of the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) kicked off at the Rajasthan International Center (RIC), aimed at promoting domestic and rural tourism while showcasing new hotels and destinations. This three-day event, organized by the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) and the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is being held at the Birla Auditorium.
Inauguration Highlights
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari formally inaugurated the event, emphasizing the critical role of tourism in the state’s economy and its vast potential for growth. Key figures at the inauguration included:
- Ravi Jain, Secretary of Tourism, Art, Literature, Culture, and Archaeology
- Sushma Arora, Managing Director, RTDC
- Rakaseh Sharma, Additional Director, Rajasthan Tourism
- Kuldeep Singh Chandela, FHTR President
- Surendra Singh Shahpura, Senior Vice President
- CA Virendra Singh Shekhawat, General Secretary
The event saw active participation from various tourism stakeholders, including the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO).
Focus on WICE
This year’s RDTM is themed around Wedding, Incentive, Conferences, and Events (WICE), providing a dedicated platform for various tourism sectors. Over 200 stalls showcased more than 600 properties and tourism products, attracting around 1,300 buyers and over 7,000 visitors from across the country. The event features Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Customer (B2C) meetings to foster collaborations and explore opportunities for tourism development.
Remarks from Dignitaries
In her opening remarks, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure, stating, “Rajasthan’s immense tourism potential continues to grow as we focus on new dimensions, including improving facilities and incorporating technologies like AR and VR. Special attention is being given to make travel simpler and safer for senior citizens, and a new state tourism policy will be introduced soon.”
Ravi Jain underscored the significance of RDTM as Rajasthan’s largest interactive tourism forum, noting, “The event provides a platform to market Rajasthan’s diverse tourism offerings, both digitally and through traditional media. Our collective goal is to ensure visitors have memorable and secure experiences while in the state.”
FHTR President Kuldeep Singh Chandela expressed optimism about the event’s impact, mentioning participation from diverse regions, including Hadoti and South Rajasthan, and the inaugural involvement of areas like Kota, Bundi, and Kumbhalgarh. He also highlighted plans for expanded international outreach in collaboration with the tourism department abroad.
Key Attractions and Collaborations
The mart promotes not only heritage, adventure, wildlife, and eco-tourism but also niche segments like weddings and village tourism. Representatives attending RDTM will participate in the ‘Rajasthan Fam Tour’ on September 16, providing them with first-hand exposure to Rajasthan’s attractions in collaboration with RATO.
Event Partners
The event is supported by key partners, including:
- Gold Partners: Truly India Hotels and Resorts, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Jodhana Heritage Resorts, HRH Group of Hotels.
- Silver Partners: Ananta Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont Jaipur.
- Knowledge Partner: Travel Turtle.
The RDTM promises to be a pivotal event in enhancing Rajasthan’s tourism landscape, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and showcasing the state’s rich offerings.
