RDTM 2023 endeavours to revitalise Domestic Tourism in a Sustainable Way

Rajasthan’s rich heritage and cultural treasures are invaluable assets that attract tourists from around the world. It is our collective responsibility to protect and promote our heritage sites, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Moreover, as we focus on revitalising tourism, we must embrace sustainable practices that minimise our ecological footprint and foster long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By integrating sustainability into our tourism initiatives, we can ensure the long-term prosperity and well-being of our communities and the natural beauty that surrounds us. It in this context, it is only apt that the theme of the upcoming Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart this year is Sustainable Tourism. This was stated by HH Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur today at the 3rd promotional roadshow held in the Blue City of Jodhpur for the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart 2023. The roadshow was hosted by HH Maharaja Gaj Singh and jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism in Rajasthan (FHTR) at the Umaid Bhawan.

HH Maharaja Gaj Singh further said while international tourism is gradually recovering, it will take time for the number of international tourists to return to pre-pandemic levels. Therefore, we must continue to value and prioritise domestic tourists. Through RDTM, the exhibiting hotels, resorts, and tour operators can raise awareness among potential buyers about their unique strengths and offerings.

To be held from 14 July to 16 July in Jaipur, the Mart is being jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism in Rajasthan (FHTR). It is also to be supported by the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO). The theme for the Mart this year is Sustainable Tourism.

Shedding light on the prime objective behind organising the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Gayatri Rathore said that the Mart aims to promote domestic tourism in the state of Rajasthan by providing a platform for travel industry professionals to network and showcase their products and services.

Rathore further said that the State Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Shri Ashok Gehlot has given great importance to the development of the tourism sector and has raised the tourism development fund from 1000 crores to 1500 crores in this year’s budget. The ‘industry’ status given to the tourism and hospitality sector also reflects the state’s robust focus towards tourism.

Talking about the initiatives of the Tourism Department, she highlighted various policies such as Film Tourism Promotion Policy, Rural Tourism Policy as well as the collaboration of the Department of Tourism and FHTR for promoting the state of Rajasthan through digital media in a proactive manner.

President of FHTR and MD, Clarks Group of Hotels, Apurv Kumar said that the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Ashok Gehlot gave iconic budgets in 2022 and 2023 which proved to be milestones in the economic development of Rajasthan. These budgets have provided for employment, ease of doing business and sustainable inclusive growth of the economy of Rajasthan. He also expressed his gratitude to the Rajasthan Tourism Minister, Vishvendra Singh for his efforts in making Rajasthan the most fertile state for investment in India. Kumar further highlighted that since the theme of the Mart this year is ‘Sustainable Tourism’, RDTM will also be collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Government of Rajasthan.

Also present on the occasion were President, IHHA, Randhir Vikram Singh, President, RATO, Mahendra Singh, President, JHARA, JM Boob and Secretary General, FHTR, Mohan Singh Mertia.

It is to be recalled that RDTM will provide a platform for all the hoteliers, travel agents/tour operators of Rajasthan to showcase their products to travel agents from all across India and facilitate structured B2B meetings. The first two editions of RDTM have been a major success inspiring the department to plan its third edition. The second edition of the RDTM last year witnessed over 5000 B2B meetings across 2 days. Almost 200 sellers exhibited over 800 properties, agencies and experiences. Apart from the knowledge sharing sessions, the mart was followed by 4 FAM trips for over 60 travel agents. The event gave a major fillip to domestic tourism.