Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart 2022 began with enthusiasm and euphoria
The second edition of Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) was inaugurated by Dr. BD Kalla, Rajasthan Art and Culture Minister at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur. A two-day event is being jointly organized by Federation of Hospitality and Tourism in Rajasthan (FHTR) and Rajasthan Tourism.
The Minister said, “Tourism in Rajasthan can be promoted through its rich and varied culture. He said except for sea and snow, the state has a number of tourism products related to history and heritage, art and culture, wildlife, fairs and festivals, adventure, wedding, film shoot destinations etc. The tourism-related policies in the state are visionary and will go a long way in promoting Rajasthan as a preferred tourist destination.”
On the occasion, two documents pertaining to Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy 2022 and MoU with UNESCO relating to Intangible Cultural Heritage were also released.
The Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, Ms. Usha Sharma said that the iconic and historic budget that has been announced benefitting the tourism and hospitality sector with much-needed financial support for infrastructural development, promotion and publicity activities. Stressing on the importance for Tourism Development, she said that it is the first time that a budget of INR 1000 crore has been allotted. Of this INR 600 crore has earmarked for infrastructure development and INR 400 crore for marketing and branding.
Throwing light on the Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy 2022, Principal Secretary, Rajasthan Tourism, Ms. Gayatri Rathore said that the main objective of the Policy is to establish Rajasthan as the destination for the most film-friendly State and film shooting. It will also promote film production in Rajasthani language and create employment related to film industry in the state.
President, FHTR, Mr. Apurv Kumar said that public-private partnerships are the way to revive the industry. The entire sector is looking towards the domestic market for business. RDTM 2022 comes at an opportune moment to serve as a common platform for interaction and business generation for the associated travel partners. He profusely thanked the Government for the iconic tourism-friendly budget.
President Emeritus, Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), Mr. Gaj Singh said that post-covid19 one has realized the importance of domestic tourists and how important they are for the tourism sector. Thus, more and more steps should be taken to encourage domestic tourism in the state. He also highlighted the gruesome treatment being meted out to havelis in Shekhawati.
Later a high-energy performance of Rajasthan’s popular folk singer, Mame Khan mesmerized the audience.
Almost all leading hotels, resorts and the Department of Tourism have set up their stalls. Over 4000 pre-structured B2B meetings took place informed the Chairman of the RDTM, Mr Khalid Khan.
Two other sessions were also held under the knowledge hall which evoked tremendous interest among the participants.
In the first session, Shri Amitava Bhattacharya, Founder & Director, Contact Base spoke about Intangible Cultural Heritage in his session.
Later, in the next session, Dr. Abhay Sinha, DG SEPC, talked about Opportunities and Challenges in Inbound Tourism and the role of SEPC (Services Export Promotion Council) and its services in this sector.
"THE GOVERNMENT STANDS COMMITTED TO SAVE THE WANTON DESTRUCTION OF HERITAGE IN SHEKHAWATI"
The Government stands committed to protecting and preserving the rich heritage of the Shekhawati region. The wanton destruction of Havelis and defacement of the famous wall paintings (frescoes) will not be tolerated. This was stated today by Chairman of RTDC, Mr. Dharmendra Rathore while speaking in a session on the resurgence of Shekhawati as the destination of the future at the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart. Mr. Rathore categorically said that the systematic destruction of havelis needs to be stopped. He further said that two fold action will be taken: the first being to implement administratively which can be done without changing the law and the second being where the law needs to be changed. He also informed that the Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot has already been apprised of the situation. He also said that shortly a meeting will be convened for Shekhawati region with the Chief Minister, senior officers as well as stakeholders of tourism of the region. He also said that it is disturbing to observe that people are migrating from villages to cities and also to the fields. As the result the villages are getting empty and need to be protected. Mr Rathore also thanked the Chief Minister for declaring tourism as an industry and earmarking Rs 1000 crores for its development.
Earlier, President Emeritus of Indian Heritage Hotels Association, Mr. Gaj Singh Jodhpur also said in the same session that tourists come to Shekhawati for seeing its heritage. High priority must be given by the Government to protect the heritage of the region and the State. He also urged for infrastructure development to promote tourism in the State. This session was moderated Dr. Shruti Poddar.
