Press Release
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world witnessed a remarkable shift in travel patterns and priorities. As international travel restrictions and uncertainties prevailed, there was a significant realization of the untapped potential and immense value of domestic tourism. People rediscovered the hidden gems within their own countries, fostering a newfound appreciation for local destinations and experiences. Against this backdrop, the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) emerges as a pivotal event that serves as a catalyst for the growth of Rajasthan Tourism. This was stated by MK Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar while delivering the keynote address at the 2nd promotional roadshow of the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart 2023 at the City Palace in Udaipur. The roadshow was hosted by MK Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and jointly organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism in Rajasthan (FHTR).
MK Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar further said that RDTM encourages responsible and sustainable travel practices, inspiring visitors to embrace the cultural and natural heritage of Rajasthan while preserving it for future generations. By creating employment opportunities, and sustaining local businesses, RDTM fosters a resilient and self-sustaining tourism ecosystem.
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 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 organizing the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart, Additional Director, Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Mohd. Salim Khan said that the Mart aims to promote domestic tourism in the state of Rajasthan by providing a platform for travel industry professional to network and showcase their products and services. He also highlighted that the Department of Tourism and FHTR have collaborated together for promoting the state of Rajasthan through digital media in a structured and proactive manner. The collaboration aims to enhance Rajasthan’s digital campaign’s reach and effectiveness by using various digital initiatives to increase Rajasthan’s digital footprint.
President of FHTR and MD, Clarks Group of Hotels, Mr. Apurv Kumar said that it is not the sole responsibility of the Government alone to promote the state of Rajasthan. As members of the travel and tourism industry, each one of us has a significant role to play in this area because public-private partnerships are most definitely the way to forge new paths and revive the industry. In the past edition of RDTM, FHTR had collaborated with the Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP) since Invest Rajasthan Summit was being held in the State. MOUs and LOIs were signed for 381 projects for an investment of a whopping Rs. 14,146 crores. This time FHTR will be collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Government of Rajasthan as the theme of RDTM 2023 is Sustainable Tourism. The President also expressed his gratitude to the Rajasthan Tourism Minister, Vishvendra Singh for his proactive support to tourism, on the occasion.
Also present on the occasion were President HRAR, Mr Kuldeep Singh and President, RATO, Mr. Mahindra Singh. During the event, the Udaipur tourism fraternity applauded the efforts of Rajasthan Government, especially declaring Tourism as Industry.
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.