Press Release
Rajasthan Art and Culture Minister, Dr. BD Kalla today said that Rajasthan is one state in which tourism can be promoted through its rich and varied culture. He said except for sea and snow, the state has a number of tourism products related to history and heritage, art and culture, wildlife, fairs and festivals, adventure, wedding, film shoot destinations etc. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the second edition of Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) 2022 at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur. RDTM is being jointly organized by Federation of Hospitality and Tourism in Rajasthan (FHTR) and Rajasthan Tourism.
The Minister further said that with the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is alive to the fact that tourism sector needs high priority which is why a sector friendly budget was declared in March. Furthermore, its tourism-related policies are visionary and will go a long way in promoting Rajasthan as a preferred tourist destination.
On the occasion, two documents pertaining to Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy 2022 and MoU with UNESCO relating to Intangible Cultural Heritage were also released.
The Chairman of Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation (RSIC), Mr. Rajiv Arora said that the Tourism sector, post pandemic needed handholding which the Government is providing. He said that new trends in tourism have now emerged which are relating to wellness and nature. What is more the tourists are now concerned about hygiene.
The Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, Ms. Usha Sharma said that the revival of tourism sector has been great after going through the difficult time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even in months of April, May and June, increasingly more and more domestic tourists are travelling to different parts of the country . She also talked about the iconic and historic budget that has been announced benefitting the tourism and hospitality sector with much-needed financial support for infrastructural development, promotion and publicity activities. Stressing on the importance for Tourism Development, she said that it is the first time that a budget of INR 1000 crore has been allotted. Of this INR 600 crore has earmarked for infrastructure development and INR 400 crore for marketing and branding.
Throwing light on the Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy 2022, Principal Secretary, Rajasthan Tourism, Ms. Gayatri Rathore said that the main objective of the Policy is to establish Rajasthan as the destination for the most film-friendly State and film shooting. It will also promote film production in Rajasthani language and create employment related to film industry in the state.
President, FHTR, Mr. Apurv Kumar said that public-private partnerships are the way to revive the industry. The entire sector is looking towards the domestic market for business. RDTM 2022 comes at an opportune moment to serve as a common platform for interaction and business generation for the associated travel partners. He profusely thanked the Government for the iconic tourism-friendly budget.
President Emeritus, Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), Mr. Gaj Singh said that post-covid19 one has realized the importance of domestic tourists and how important they are for the tourism sector. Thus, more and more steps should be taken to encourage domestic tourism in the state. He also highlighted the gruesome treatment being meted out to havelis in Shekhawati.
Later a high-energy performance of Rajasthan’s popular folk singer, Mame Khan mesmerized the audience.
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