With the industry status being given to tourism in Rajasthan as well as the various forward-looking policies and schemes such as Rajasthan Rural Tourism Scheme 2022, Rajasthan Guest House Scheme 2020, Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy etc., the state offers a conducive environment for investment in the State. The domestic tourists are significant to boost the economy and there is a need to segregate the demands of the tourists and cater to all kinds of tourism such as luxury tourism, niche tourism, religious tourism etc. A SWOT analysis of the infrastructure available at these sites also needs to be done to ensure that there is no stagnation in tourism. This was stated by the Principal Secretary, Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Smt. Gayatri Rathore. She was delivering the Keynote Address at the 1st Promotional Road Show for the upcoming Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) 2023. 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 Principal Secretary further said that Rajasthan is also developing as an important MICE and wedding destination. The numerous heritage properties in the state serve as great venues for weddings and MICE events. Golf courses are also being developed to boost golf tourism. Talking about the forthcoming RDTM, she said that it is a perfect example of a great PPP model to synergize efforts of the public and private sector to boost tourism.
On the occasion, a MoU was also signed between the Department of Tourism and FHTR. This MoU is for digital promotion of tourism in Rajasthan in Public Private Partnership. On behalf of the Department, the Director, Dr. Rashmi Sharma and on behalf of FHTR, the President, Mr. Apurv Kumar signed the document.
Director, Rajasthan Tourism, Dr. Rashmi Sharma said that mindfulness is required to achieve a fine balance between how we use the natural resources and what we give back to the environment. The knowledge of ‘Vocal for Local’ and the three Rs of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle should be underlined to reduce the carbon footprint, she added.
While introducing ‘Sustainable Tourism’ as the theme for the RDTM 2023, President FHTR, Shri Apurv Kumar said that Sustainable Tourism is becoming increasingly important as increasingly more people around the world seek to explore popular destinations. With a growing number of tourists visiting these places every year, there is a risk of natural resources being depleted and local communities being negatively impacted. To preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of tourist destinations for future generations, it is essential that all stakeholders in the tourism industry work together to promote sustainable practices. This includes minimizing the environmental impact of tourism, supporting local economies, and ensuring that the local community benefits from the presence of tourists.
In his concluding remarks, Former President FHTR, Shri Randhir Vikram Singh said that domestic tourism has been indispensable in the Covid-19 times to the tourism and hospitality industry. All tourism stakeholders will reap the benefits of the thriving platform that RDTM has become to promote domestic tourism and continue to lend their unwavering support.
On the occasion, while the Welcome Remarks were extended by Secretary General, FHTR, Shri Mohan Singh, the Vote of Thanks was proposed by Senior Vice President, FHTR, Shri Kuldeep Singh Chandela.
It is to be recalled that the second edition of the RDTM last year was a huge success with 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.