The Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM), now in its fourth edition, continues to serve as a prominent platform for promoting domestic tourism across Rajasthan. Inaugurated by Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on September 13, 2024, the event focuses on showcasing the state’s strengths in weddings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE), positioning Rajasthan as a leading destination for both leisure and business travellers. Taking place at the Rajasthan International Centre (RIC), this event is a vital cog in driving the tourism sector’s growth, with a strong collaboration between the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) and the Rajasthan Tourism Department, backed by the Central Tourism Department.
Promoting Tourism through Collaboration and Innovation
This year’s RDTM features over 200 stalls and 600+ hotels, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Rajasthan’s diverse offerings, from its heritage and adventure tourism to its rapidly expanding wedding and event planning sectors. The event, which runs from September 14 to 15, 2024, showcases the best that Rajasthan has to offer in terms of tourism infrastructure, including business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C) meetings, with a strong focus on hotels, services, and event venues.
Over the weekend, more than 1,300 buyers and 7,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, solidifying RDTM’s role as a pivotal hub for tourism stakeholders. Tour operators, hoteliers, event planners, and MICE organizers from India will participate in this grand affair, further promoting Rajasthan’s allure as a premier tourism destination. The mart allows for networking, collaborative opportunities, and strategic partnerships that will shape the future of tourism in the region.
Key Highlights of the Inaugural Event
The opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests and stakeholders in the tourism industry, including Mr. Ravi Jain, Secretary of the Tourism, Art, Literature, Culture, and Archaeology Department; Mr. Rakesh Sharma, Additional Director of the Tourism Department; Mrs. Sushma Arora, MD of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC); and Mr. Bheem Singh, President Honor of FHTR. Deputy CM Diya Kumari took centre stage, highlighting Rajasthan’s strategic vision to become a global leader in tourism, emphasizing the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies in boosting the sector.
The inauguration also honoured notable contributors to tourism, with Neeti Kumari Mandawa and Rohini Kumari Mandawa receiving awards in memory of Thakur Randhir Vikram Singh Mandawa, acknowledging their efforts to promote Rajasthan’s cultural and historical heritage. In addition, Sudhir Patil, Dr. Lalit K. Pawar, and Mr. Bheem Singh were recognized for their significant contributions to the tourism industry.
RDTM’s Focus on Weddings and Events
A major focus of RDTM 2024 is the booming wedding and events industry, with Rajasthan being one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury weddings. The state’s stunning palaces, heritage properties, and breathtaking landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for lavish ceremonies. The mart is designed to attract wedding planners, event organizers, and corporate clients seeking unique venues for meetings, conferences, and incentive travel. Over the years, Rajasthan has developed a strong reputation for hosting high-profile events, further adding to its appeal.
Birla Auditorium will serve as the main venue for the exhibition, with stalls dedicated to showcasing hotels, resorts, and service providers that cater to weddings and events. Visitors can meet directly with vendors, learn about the latest offerings, and book venues for their upcoming events.
Economic Impact and the Future of Tourism in Rajasthan
One of the primary goals of RDTM 2024 is to bolster the state’s economy through increased domestic and international tourism. Tourism has long been a critical sector for Rajasthan, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange, and state revenue. Events like RDTM offer a platform for local businesses to expand their reach and tap into new markets, helping to sustain economic growth. The exhibition’s inclusion of village tourism, eco-tourism, and wildlife toursfurther highlights Rajasthan’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism.
During the inaugural ceremony, Deputy CM Diya Kumari emphasized that with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision, tourism in Rajasthan will be promoted on the global stage. She highlighted that under the double-engine government, Rajasthan will set new benchmarks globally. Citing the Prime Minister’s efforts, she mentioned that world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, visited Jaipur, and Rajasthan is frequently highlighted in PM’s programs, like ‘Mann Ki Baat’. She announced the upcoming tourism policy and urged all stakeholders in the tourism sector to collaborate for success, seeking suggestions to boost tourism further.
Mr. Ravi Jain stated that Rajasthan’s numerous attractions draw tourists from all over the world, and emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure tourists feel safe and well-served during their visit. Deputy CM also encouraged participation in the Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit scheduled from December 9 to 11.
International Representation and Promotion
The Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) is committed to further enhancing Rajasthan’s visibility on the global stage. FHTR President Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chandela announced plans to promote Rajasthan at international events such as the IFTM Top Resa in Paris. The Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO) will also collaborate on roadshows in multiple countries, aimed at increasing foreign tourist inflow and promoting Rajasthan as a must-visit destination.
Key Partners and Sponsors of RDTM 2024
RDTM 2024 has garnered strong support from leading organizations within the hospitality sector. Notable partners include the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), and RATO. Gold sponsors such as Truly India Hotels & Resorts, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Jodhana Heritage Resorts, and HRH Group of Hotels play a key role in ensuring the success of the event, while silver sponsors include Ananta Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Jaipur.
The event’s media partners include Simply Jaipur, Fabien Media, Musafir Media Hub, Shubh Wedding Magazine, Safari Plus, Metro Expedition, and Rajasthan Chaukh, with Unseen Royalty serving as the digital partner.
RDTM 2024 is poised to make a lasting impact on the state’s tourism industry, driving growth and fostering collaboration among industry players. With the support of government initiatives and private-sector partnerships, Rajasthan is on track to further elevate its standing as a premier destination for domestic and international tourists alike.
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