200 tour operators from 50 nations attend inbound travel mart

Jaipur: Nearly 200 foreign tour operators from over 50 countries attended the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB), with many highlighting Rajasthan’s culture, heritage and rural landscapes as strong draws for international travellers.

UK buyer Jon Cunningham, on his fifth visit, said Rajasthan’s diversity continues to generate new itineraries and repeat interest. Argentina’s Maria Granero pointed to the desert landscape and traditions as appealing to visitors seeking authenticity.

While enthusiasm was evident, industry insiders acknowledged that global uncertainties and infrastructure hurdles remain concerns for sustained growth.

Over two days, the event facilitated over 10,000 structured B2B meetings, giving buyers and sellers opportunities to explore partnerships. Pavilions from Rajasthan and other states such as Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Punjab showcased cultural riches and tourism offerings.

Luxury hotels, heritage resorts, adventure operators and wellness centres added depth, though some delegates privately questioned whether India’s tourism infrastructure can keep pace with rising expectations.

A highlight of the event was the showcasing of the Palace on Wheels at Jaipur’s Khatipura railway station. Foreign tour operators toured the train’s royal interiors and amenities, with several expressing interest in including it in future packages. While the train’s grandeur impressed, observers noted that luxury tourism remains a niche segment, requiring consistent marketing and upkeep to sustain international appeal.

Tourism Commissioner Rukmani Riar described the edition as “meaningful and investment-oriented,” while FICCI Rajasthan’s co-chair Surendra Singh Shekhawat said delegates reported satisfaction with the meetings.

The Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO) announced familiarisation tours for 90 foreign buyers, covering destinations from Jaipur and Udaipur to Jaisalmer and Bikaner.

Jointly organised by the state tourism department, Union tourism ministry and FICCI, with support from RATO, IHHA and HRAR, the event sought to attract foreign tourists at a time when the geopolitical situation has created hurdles.
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