- GITB’s 15th Edition runs until April 28
- Exhibition inauguration at JECC on Monday, April 27 at 11 AM
- 50+ countries’ foreign tour operators to participate as buyers
- India’s Ministry of Tourism, Rajasthan Tourism (host state), State Tourism Boards, Hotels & Resorts, and DMCs from across India to participate
TTT NEWS NETWORK
JAIPUR | 27 APRIL 2026
Through the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB), the state government reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Rajasthan as a world-class tourism destination by fostering investment, employment, and global partnerships. GITB is not merely a tourism event — it is the ideal platform for forging partnerships, expanding horizons, and unlocking global opportunities. With its 15th edition, Rajasthan’s growing leadership in the tourism sector and India’s global engagement have been further strengthened. In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, tourism has today emerged as a key pillar of growth, employment, and cultural confidence — and in Rajasthan, it is driving inclusive economic development by directly impacting the livelihoods of millions. These remarks were made by Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari during her address at the inaugural session of the 15th edition of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar, held at Hotel Jai Mahal Palace.
Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari further stated, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, tourism is being advanced as a ‘Growth Engine,’ with priority given to transparent governance, private investment, and sustainability. With efforts such as the preservation of Udaipur’s lakes, the Thar Desert, the forts of Jaipur and Chittorgarh, major UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife destinations, and over 660 havelis, Rajasthan is rapidly progressing toward experience-based tourism. With improved connectivity, modern infrastructure, and the expansion of MICE, film, and spiritual tourism, the state is being developed as a year-round active tourism destination.”
On this occasion, Chief Secretary of the Government of Rajasthan, Shri V. Srinivas, said, “Rajasthan today is emerging as an attractive, year-round tourism destination — not only because of its historical heritage, but also due to its investor-friendly policies, streamlined processes, time-bound decision-making systems, and robust infrastructure. Vast opportunities for collaboration and investment exist across diverse sectors including heritage tourism, desert circuits, wildlife experiences, wellness, faith-based travel, rural tourism, and eco-tourism. Through improved road, rail, and air connectivity, PPP-based initiatives, and digital systems, tourism management is being made increasingly effective. Our objective is not merely to increase tourist footfall, but to make tourism a strong foundation for job creation, local economic empowerment, and regional development.”
Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Shri Suman Billa, stated in his address, “Under the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India aims to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP from 5.2% to 10% over the next 10 years. He noted that despite global challenges, India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, and infrastructure across the country has expanded rapidly. Since 2014, the number of airports has grown from 75 to 150, and significant improvements have been made to the rail network as well. Between 2014 and 2025, domestic tourist arrivals have grown from 1.5 billion to 4 billion, while international tourist arrivals have doubled from 10 million to 20 million. Emphasizing India’s rich cultural potential, he highlighted the need to double hotel capacity, develop world-class tourism destinations, and attract high-value international tourists. He also noted that GITB plays a crucial role in connecting smaller stakeholders with larger global partners.”
Secretary (Tourism), Government of Rajasthan, Shuchi Tyagi, said, “The Government of Rajasthan has prioritized tourism as a ‘Growth Engine Sector,’ enabling policy, investment, and community participation to advance in unison. In keeping with this vision, the GITB platform is being used to present Rajasthan as an integrated, experience-based, and investment-oriented tourism destination. The aim of GITB is to connect the state’s diverse tourism potential with the global travel market, and to bridge the gap between policy and market — ensuring that tourism policies reach tour operators, investors, and travel industry stakeholders directly and effectively. This event has made special efforts to include local guides, car rental operators, self-help groups, and eco-tourism initiatives, advancing a model that strikes a balance between tourism, conservation, and livelihood.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, Dr. Jyotsna Suri — Former President of FICCI, Mentor of the FICCI Tourism Committee, and CMD of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group — said, “Over the past 15 years, GITB has presented a compelling example of the power of public-private partnership. Its success has been built on strong coordination between the Government of Rajasthan, FICCI, and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, along with the sustained participation of hospitality, travel trade, and other industry stakeholders. Today, GITB is established as a global inbound tourism marketplace, creating significant opportunities between international buyers and Indian sellers, and reinforcing India’s identity as a diverse and richly endowed tourism destination. Going forward, GITB will continue to play a vital role in elevating India on the global tourism map, forging new partnerships, and creating new opportunities.”
Secretary General of FICCI, Shri Anant Swarup, delivered the vote of thanks. On this occasion, he noted that the 15th edition of GITB is seeing participation from over 185 foreign tour operators from more than 50 countries, along with a diverse exhibition featuring 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 over 10,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings, further cementing its position as India’s premier inbound tourism platform since its establishment in 2008.
During the inaugural session, guests also released a FICCI-EY Knowledge Paper on the theme “Reimagining Inbound Tourism in India — Trends, Technology and Transformational Opportunities Towards Incredible India 4.0.” Also present at the event were Rukmani Riyar, Commissioner, Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, and Shri Surendra Singh Shekhawat, Co-Chairman, FICCI Rajasthan State Council.
The Exhibition will be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari at 11 AM on April 27 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura. It is worth noting that GITB is being jointly organized 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 distinguished national and regional associations including the Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO), the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR).
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