On the second day of the 14th edition of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB), the exhibition was inaugurated at the Novotel Jaipur Convention Center in Sitapura with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Deputy CM of Odisha, Pravati Parida; Additional Secretary & Director General of Tourism, Government of India, Suman Billa and Past President, FICCI and CMD, the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Dr. Jyotsna Suri inaugurated the exhibition. Throughout the day, there were power packed Buyer-Seller prescheduled B2B meetings.
The international mart has been organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). It is supported by leading national and regional associations like the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO).
As many as 270 Foreign Tour Operators (FTOs) from 53 countries and State Tourism Board representatives from 10 states are participating in the event. The participating State Boards include Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu as well as Delhi.
During the Mart, the Rajasthan Pavilion emerged as a captivating attraction of the event. With its grandeur, artistic presentation, and immersive experience, the pavilion showcased the full spectrum of Rajasthan’s tourism offerings. From the intricately painted havelis of Shekhawati and the modern charm of Kota River Front to the wilderness of Ranthambhore National Park, the royal aura of Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace, and the regal experience of the Palace on Wheels—every facet of Rajasthan was brought to life.
The pavilion also featured vibrant TV commercials, the rich folk art and culture of the state, traditional attire, authentic Rajasthani cuisine, and classic beauty rituals.
The exhibition was enlivened by the vibrant sounds of Rajasthani folk music, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the state. Traditional musicians played on instruments like the Ravanhatta, Morchang, Kamaicha, and Dholak, infusing the event with energy and authenticity. The foreign delegates present were visibly captivated and amused by the rhythmic melodies, often pausing to watch, appreciate, and immerse themselves in the cultural spectacle.
Research Report Suggests Ways to Grow Inbound Tourism in India
During the inaugural session of the GITB on day 1, a research report — ‘How to Grow Inbound Tourism in India — unlocking Long Haul Opportunities‘ was released. The report, created by Skift Research specifically for GITB attendees, underlines how India’s travel industry is growing fast in domestic and outbound segments, but foreign tourist arrivals are still lagging. Even though India offers rich culture, diverse landscapes, and iconic attractions, it has not reached its full potential as a global travel destination.
This new report highlights why inbound tourism is struggling. Safety concerns, weak infrastructure, and limited accessibility affect how India is perceived by travelers. At the same time, social media is now a major factor in travel planning, with 40% of travelers relying on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for travel research. yet India’s digital presence is scattered and lacks focus.
To change this, India needs a strong, unified digital campaign using influencers, personalized content, and smart marketing. The report recommends forming a tourism task force, improving booking systems, and partnering with international travel platforms. With the right steps in marketing, policy, and infrastructure, India can become a top global destination and build a more sustainable and welcoming travel industry.
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