TTF records 30 pc hike in tourists

KOLKATA: The 32nd International Travel and Tourism Fair hosted by the West Bengal Tourism department at the Maidan grounds recorded a 30 per cent rise in the number of visitors this year. The four-day fair concluded on Sunday, recording over 40,000 general visitors and a further 1500 visits from travel agents and people connected with the tourism industry.
“Despite the make-shift venue at a new location, we are extremely happy about the overwhelming response to the fair.This trend definitely reveals that the travel industry, which had taken a beating after the disturbing events in last two years, has picked up once again and is looking ahead,� said state tourism secretary R K Tripathy at TTF valedictory and awards function.
TTF had over 150 participants from 22 states and five countries with Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir being partner states in the fair. The tourism department of Manipur participated for the first time.
“A higher percentage of on-spot booking, both domestic and outbound, was recorded this year. Another significant feature was the large number of parallel events undertaken by participating stalls to familiarise the potential visitors with their exquisite cultures,� said Sanjiv Agarwal, chairman Fairfest Media limited organising TTF for over a decade in the city.
Rajasthan Tourism won the best decorated pavilion award. Jharkhand Tourism was awarded the most promising destination award for promoting Saranda and Budget Tours received the best value leisure product award for offering six-days Bangkok-Pattaya package tour for Rs 19,999.
“Owing to the overwhelming response last year we decided to introduce this offer again this year and already around 30 bookings have been registered with us only. We are also the first in the eastern region to tie up with Brunei tourism for a package-tour along with Singapore and Malaysia,� said operations manager of Discovery agencies, one of the five host agent at Budget Tours.