Unveiling the Magnificence of Weddings in India
Along with the cultural aspects of India, the rapid infrastructure development happening across the country, especially improvement in accessibility thanks to several airports getting doubled in the last few years and improvements in digital and physical connectivity is aiding destination weddings across the world, said Ms Manisha Saxena, IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
She spoke during the inaugural of the 1st ‘Wed in India’ expo organised from 5th May to 7th May 2024 at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur.
An initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the ‘Wed in India’ expo is being organised jointly with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) alongside the Great India Travel. It is also supported by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and the Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO).
“With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural traditions which can invoke magic in weddings, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Haryana, Kerala, and Goa are a favourite destination for Wed-in-India. The Northeast is also fast emerging as a preferred destination especially the tea gardens of Assam, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Mizoram, and Manipur,” Ms. Manisha Saxena added.
Citing the experience of one of the G20 Tourism Group meetings held in Goa during India’s G20 Presidency, Ms Saxena said, “We catered to all the ministerial delegates in a 500-year-old house which keeps its 200-year-old cutlery. India has several such kinds of assets. We, in the Ministry of Tourism, are in the process of documenting this repository of assets both tangible and intangible.”
Delivering her address during the inaugural session, Ms Gayatri Rathore, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan said, “Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan is delighted to hold first-ever ‘Wed in Asia’ expo. Rajasthan has long been a preferred destination for celebrity weddings due to its luxurious and opulent settings. The state’s magnificent palaces forts and havelis converted into luxury heritage hotels provide a regal backdrop for extravagant celebrations. Rajasthan’s world-class hospitality, traditional cuisines and vibrant entertainment create unforgettable experiences for the couples and their guests.”
Setting the tone of the expo, Mr Chetan Vohra, Chair, FICCI Wedding Tourism Taskforce & Managing Director, Wedding Line said, “Hospitality runs in the veins of every Indian and we were raised with one belief, to open our hearts and our homes to every guest as if they were God – something we call “Atithi Deva Bhavo”. The Wed in India summit is a testament to our commitment in making this dream a reality.”
Mr Dipak Deva, Chairperson, FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee & Managing Director, Travel Corporation of India said, “This initiative shall act as an inclusive platform for the diverse stakeholders of the wedding tourism industry, including wedding planners, hoteliers, destination management companies, state governments and policymakers.”
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Past President, of FICCI & CMD, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group said, “This expo is going to go a long way towards making it international. Besides Rajasthan, India has a lot of enticing wedding destinations which are equally beautiful and appealing.”
Mr. Sabbas Joesph, Past President, of the Event & Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) spoke at length about India’s charm, opportunities and challenges to make India the world’s wedding destination.
Proposing the Vote of Thanks, Mr. S.K. Pathak, Secretary General, FICCI said, “Indians, both in the country and the diaspora globally, are getting more prosperous. Better to spend more in our own country to benefit our people and economy. That’s why ‘Wed in India’ is a great initiative.”
Captivating India: Your Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings
India has long been hailed as a land of cultural richness and historical grandeur, and now, it’s emerging as a top-tier destination for dream weddings. The inaugural session of the ‘Wed in India’ event set the stage ablaze with its premiere of the film ‘Say I Do In India,’ showcasing the country’s enchanting destinations and architectural marvels that captivate both locals and international visitors alike.
Unveiling Rajasthan: The Epitome of Romance
Rajasthan, with its leading cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, has already carved a niche for itself as a wedding paradise. However, the event took a step further by presenting ‘Romance in Rajasthan,’ highlighting the untapped potential of rural Rajasthan for weddings and honeymoons. This segment not only charmed the attendees but also sparked a new wave of interest in the lesser-explored gems of the state.
Insightful Panel Discussions
A series of enlightening panel discussions were on the agenda, each delving into crucial aspects of India’s wedding landscape. From ‘Evaluating India’s Wedding Ecosystem’ to ‘Analyzing Success Stories and Challenges,’ the panels were a melting pot of insights from industry experts, policymakers, and international wedding planners. These discussions not only shed light on India’s readiness to compete globally but also unveiled the hidden growth opportunities.
Global Participation: A Melting Pot of Ideas
The ‘Wed in India’ expo witnessed a diverse participation of key stakeholders from over 50 countries. This global convergence not only showcased India’s allure as a wedding destination but also fostered invaluable networking opportunities. Representatives from Tourism Boards across various states, including Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, joined hands with industry stalwarts to amplify India’s position on the global wedding tourism map.
The Agenda Unveiled: A Glimpse into the Future
The agenda of the expo was meticulously crafted to cover all facets of the wedding tourism ecosystem. Sessions on India’s readiness, the dynamics of wedding tourism, comparative studies with international destinations, and thought leadership addresses left no stone unturned. The roundtable discussions were a breeding ground for innovative ideas, paving the way for collaborative efforts towards making India the ultimate wedding destination.
A Cultural Extravaganza: Celebrating India’s Diversity
Amidst the insightful discussions and strategic collaborations, the expo also celebrated India’s rich cultural heritage. A networking dinner and cultural evening provided a platform to showcase the vibrant traditions, art, and cuisines that make India a melting pot of experiences. This cultural immersion not only entertained but also educated the global participants about India’s diversity and warmth.
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