The state government is committed to positioning Rajasthan as a world-class tourism destination by promoting investment, employment, and global partnerships through the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB). GITB is not just a tourism event but a dynamic platform for partnerships, scale, and global opportunities. With its 15th edition, Rajasthan’s growing leadership in the tourism sector and India’s global engagement have been further strengthened. In line with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, tourism has emerged as a key driver of growth, employment, and cultural confidence, and in Rajasthan, it is accelerating inclusive economic growth by supporting the livelihoods of millions. This was stated today by Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari while addressing the inaugural session of the 15th edition of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar held at Hotel Jai Mahal Palace.
The Deputy Chief Minister further said, “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, tourismhas been identified as a true growth engine — driven by transparent governance, private investment, and sustainability. With initiatives such as the conservation of Udaipur’s lakes, the Thar Desert, the forts of Jaipur and Chittorgarh, prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife destinations, and over 660 havelis, Rajasthan is rapidly moving towards experience-based tourism. Enhanced connectivity, modern infrastructure, and the expansion of MICE, film, and spiritual tourism are positioning the state as a year-round tourism destination.”
On this occasion, Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, Shri V. Srinivas said, “Rajasthan is emerging not only for its historical heritage but also as an attractive, year-round tourism destination due to investor-friendly policies, simplified processes, timely decision-making, and robust infrastructure. There are vast opportunities for collaboration and investment across heritage tourism, desert circuits, wildlife experiences, wellness, faith-based travel, rural, and eco-tourism. Improved road, rail, and air connectivity, PPP-based initiatives, and digital systems are making tourism management more effective. Our goal is not just to increase tourist numbers but to establish tourism as a strong driver of employment generation, local economic empowerment, and regional development.”
Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Shri Suman Billa highlighted that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India aims to raise tourism’s contribution to GDP from 5.2% to 10% in 10 years. He noted that despite global geopolitical challenges, India remains the fastest-growing major economy, with rapid infrastructure expansion—airports doubling from 75 to 150 since 2014, and significant advancements in rail networks. Domestic tourist arrivals comparing from 2014 to 2025, have surged from 1.5 Billion to 4 Billion; and foreign tourist arrivals from 10 Million to 20 Million. Emphasising India’s immense cultural potential, he stressed the need to double hotel capacity, develop world-class destinations, and attract high-value global travellers. He aslo said GITB plays a crucial role in connecting smaller stakeholders with major international players.
Secretary – Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Ms. Shuchi Tyagi stated, “The Rajasthan Government has prioritised tourism as a ‘growth engine sector’, ensuring that policy, investment, and local participation move forward together. Through the GITB platform, Rajasthan is being presented as an integrated, experience-driven, and investment-focused tourism destination. The objective of GITB is to connect the state’s diverse tourism potential with the global travel market and bridge the gap between policy and market by effectively reaching tour operators, investors, and industry stakeholders. Local guides, car rental operators, self-help groups, and eco-tourism initiatives have also been actively integrated into this event, promoting a balanced model of tourism, conservation, and livelihood.”
Earlier, Former President, FICCI, Mentor, FICCI Tourism Committee and CMD, The LaLit Suri Hospitality Group, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, in her welcome address said, “Over the past 15 years, GITB has demonstrated the strength of public-private partnership, with strong coordination between the Rajasthan Government, FICCI, and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, along with continuous participation from hospitality, travel trade, and other stakeholders. Today, GITB has established itself as a global inbound tourism marketplace, creating significant opportunities between international buyers and Indian sellers, and strengthening India’s position as a diverse tourism destination. Going forward, GITB will continue to play a vital role in elevating India on the global tourism map, fostering new partnerships, and generating new opportunities.”
Secretary General, FICCI, Shri Anant Swarup, delivered the vote of thanks and stated that the 15th edition of GITB is witnessing participation from over 185 international tour operators from more than 50 countries. The event also features exhibitions by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, host state Rajasthan, various state tourism boards, hotels, resorts, and DMCs from across the country. Over the next two days, the platform will facilitate more than 10,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings, further strengthening its position as one of India’s leading inbound tourism platforms since its inception in 2008.
During the inaugural session, dignitaries also released the FICCI – EY Knowledge Paper on ‘Reimagining Inbound Tourism in India – Trends, Technology & Transformational Opportunities. Towards Incredible India 4.0’. Commissioner – Tourism, Goverment of Rajasthan, Ms. Rukmani Riar and Co-Chair, FICCI Rajasthan State Council, Shri Surendra Singh Shahpura were also present on the occasion.
The exhibition will be inaugurated by Deputy CM Ms. Diya Kumari. The inauguration will be held on 27 April at around 11 AM at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura. It is to be noted, GITB is jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan; the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The event is supported by prominent national and regional associations, including the Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Hotel & Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR).
“EKAM – The Spirit of Oneness” captivates audience at GITB inaugural ceremony
EKAM celebrated the essence of oneness—many expressions, one divine truth. Drawing inspiration from the timeless heritage and royal grandeur of Rajasthan, along with the sacred devotion of Nathdwara, the production brought together India’s rich classical dance traditions, Kathak and Manipuri beautifully interwoven with vibrant folk forms such as Ghoomar, Chari, Dhol Cholom, and Chhau.
The presentation unfolded through a tapestry of diverse movements and energies, gradually building towards a powerful crescendo, where Shri Krishna appeared as the eternal Saarthi—guiding all paths and uniting them into one harmonious essence.
