The 3-day long travel trade fair provided a lifeline to the travel & tourism industry in eastern India and across the country.
TTF Kolkata came to a close on February 28, after three days of activity at Uttirno in
Alipore. Hosted at a brand new venue this year, the show lived up to its expectations of
marking an important moment in the restarting of physical travel trade shows and
rekindling hope for the travel & tourism industry.
Over 140 exhibitors and 15 states were present at the show this year and saw a footfall of
more than 1,633 trade visitors along with over 1,611 general visitors. All three days of TTF
Kolkata were abuzz with activity.
The show was inaugurated by Chief Guest Nandini Chakravorty, Principal Secretary, West
Bengal Tourism along with stalwarts from the travel trade and state tourism board officials.
Speaking at the show, the Principal Secretary said, “TTF Kolkata is a significant step
forward, not only for West Bengal but also for the entire country. It sends the right signal
for the travel & tourism industry which contributes to economic growth. So, reopening
with 15 state representations is phenomenal. The organizers have taken a very courageous
and important step, I congratulate them for their efforts.”
Panel Discussion on Domestic Tourism
An extremely insightful and detailed panel discussion on Domestic Tourism: Leading the
way in reviving travel and tourism in India followed. The speakers comprised Nandini
Chakravorty, Principal Secretary, West Bengal Tourism; Dr Manisha Arora, RAS, Additional
Director Tourism, Rajasthan; Debjit Dutta, Chairman, ADTOI & IATO West Bengal; Koushik
Banerjee, Chairman, ETAA Eastern Region and Shibojyoti Bhowmick, Vice President, TAAB.
Sanjiv Agarwal, CEO & Founder, Fairfest Media Ltd moderated the panel which concluded
that Indian destinations have come into focus, courtesy COVID and will continue to attract
tourists from all across the country in the coming day.
ADTOI & IATO Chairman Debjit Dutta said, “India has emerged as the biggest source
market for India. Every crisis comes with an opportunity, what we’re going through is a
transformation. COVID has given us an opportunity to see domestic tourism in a new light.
Now is the time to make the most of it.”
Sukriti Sambyal, General Manager, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation
added, “COVID has forced Indians to look at otherwise unexplored destinations. That’s why
local tourism has an incredible opportunity to prosper. We have to offer the best of the
destination, the best of facilities to domestic tourists and keep the momentum going for
domestic tourism.”
The panellists concluded that time has come to make the most of it by leaving behind the
memories of 2020.
Rajasthan Tourism Roadshow at TTF Kolkata
Rajasthan Tourism also conducted an informative roadshow exclusively for travel trade and
media. Dr Manisha Arora, Additional Director, Rajasthan Tourism made a vibrant
presentation on the latest offerings from the colourful state of Rajasthan. She emphasized
that Rajasthan has always been very close to the hearts of the Bengalis and Rajasthan is very proud of this fact. She also informed the travel agents and local media about the new
tourism policy announced by the State government. Launched by the Hon’ble Chief
Minister, who also happens to hold the charge of tourism, the policy aims at mitigating the
adverse impact of COVID on the tourism industry and giving impetus through various
incentives and promotional strategies. She said, “It’s been a long time since people have
come out of their homes due to the pandemic. So, the Government of West Bengal and the
organisers have taken a great initiative by hosting a physical show. Everybody is eagerly
waiting for the reopening of domestic tourism.”