The fifth edition of The Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2012 (GITB) commenced on Sunday with great pomp. The three-day event was co- organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and FICCI.
This event conducted with the objective of reinforcing India as a world-class tourism destination, provided opportunity to foreign buyers to interact with registered Indian sellers, policy makers and members of media and it witnessed participation by 54 countries with over 264 travel agents and tour operators.
The program kicked off on 15 April, in the presence of dignitaries like Ms. Bina Kak, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. R.V. Kanoria, President, FICCI, and Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of India.
A huge influx of visitors was noticed on Monday after the inauguration at Birla Auditorium, Jaipur. The foreign buyers were seen discussing and understanding the attractions of a properties and state.
But one section that drew people to it in phenomenal numbers was the heritage division. The organizing committee had painstakingly selected the tour operators to be invited this year and the result has been satisfying,” said Randhir Vikram Singh Mandawa, general secretary, Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA).
The stalls on display beautifully passed on the message to the on lookers. Gujarat state stall was beautified with handicrafts and bandarwals while Odisha had people in their arena dressed in the same manner as are the tribals in that state! Heritage stalls had royal opulence on display with royal bolsters, elegant couches while the safari organizing stalls had huge posters with images of balloon or animal safaris.
Rajasthan bewitched people to it with just not its forts and monuments but also with medical tourism in form of Ayurvedic spa. Madhya Pradesh wooed the clients with its wildlife theme and Andhra Pradesh interested people not just because of presence of lord “Tirupati “there but also because of the co- existence of beaches and hill station in the state.
During the three day show the visitors also had fun moments with cultural performance in the evenings, a nail biting Polo match and also the light and sound show at Amer fort.
The next edition of the GITB will be held from April 14 to 16, 2013 in Jaipur.
