Press Release
Budget announcement for 2022-23 providing industry sector benefits to tourism and hospitality sector will prove to be a game-changer and will accelerate more investment and employment in this sector. This declaration of giving full industry status reflects the State’s robust focus on tourism. This was stated by Minister of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Mr Vishvendra Singh. He was addressing the tourism and hospitality fraternity at the 4th pre-event roadshow at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur today. This promotional roadshow was held for the scheduled Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) 2022. It was jointly organized by the Department of Tourism and the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism in Rajasthan (FHTR). Also, present on the occasion were – Principal Secretary Tourism, Ms Gayatri Rathore; Director Tourism, Ms Rashmi Sharma; Collector, Bharatpur, Mr Alok Ranjan and President of FHTR, Mr Apurv Kumar, among others. Several potential buyers and sellers for RDTM also attended the roadshow.
The Minister further said that it is the domestic tourism that will revive the tourism sector. This is a fact known by all in the travel trade. It is not sure when the international tourists will start coming in the numbers they were doing earlier. It is in this context that the RDTM will play a major role in pro-actively giving a fillip to domestic tourism in the state. He also appealed to the media that they have a critical role to play in passing the message to the readers. The revival of tourism industry will again generate massive employment for this sector is employment-oriented.
Principal Secretary Tourism, Ms Gayatri Rathore said that Rajasthan is a huge destination in arenas of wildlife, eco-rural, wellness, leisure, pilgrimage, and weddings, along with its cultural and royal heritage. The State Government has made many initiatives like Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy 2015, Rajasthan Home Stay (Paying Guest Scheme) 2021, Rajasthan Tourism Guest House Scheme 2021, Mukhyamantri Laghu Udhyog Protsahan Yojana (MLUPY), Rajasthan Eco Tourism Policy 2021, etc. which will all go a long way in accelerating investment in the tourism sector. Similarly, the largest number of MoUs and LoIs were signed in the tourism sector for the ‘Invest Rajasthan Roadshows’ amounting to Rs 11,906 crores for 363 projects which will generate employment of 57,138 persons.
District Collector, Bharatpur, Mr Alok Ranjan highlighted the immense tourism potential in the city of Bharatpur. He said that Bharatpur is an important tourist destination with natural tourism and historic tourism at the helm. The city is also in close vicinity of the domestic circuit of Golden Triangle. He also threw light on new initiatives like a sound and light show as well as a museum in the city.
President of FHTR, Mr Apurv Kumar said that it is not the sole responsibility of the Government alone to promote the State. As members of the travel and tourism industry, each one has a significant role to play in this area because public-private partnerships are the way to revive the industry. The entire sector is looking towards the domestic market for business. Hence, the ‘Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart 2022’ comes at an opportune moment to serve as a common platform for interaction, understanding, and business generation for the associated travel partners. It will bring tour operators and influencers of tourism from India through B2B meetings under one roof.
Earlier, the Welcome Address was given by Vice President, FHTR, Mr Khalid Khan. The concluding address was given by the President, IHHA, Mr Randhir Vikram Singh.