ANCHOR STORY: “CENTRAL INDIA CONNECT – CHHATTISGARH MARKETPLACE 2026” ORGANIZED ON WORLD TOURISM DAY
(B2B marketplace provides business platform for tourism businesses; 10 tourism stakeholders honoured with State Tourism Awards)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
RAIPUR | 29 SEPTEMBER 2026
. Organized by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board on the occasion of World Tourism Day, “Central India Connect – Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026” has established itself as a significant initiative towards connecting the state’s tourism sector with the national and international tourism markets. Tourism businesses, tour operators, hotel and hospitality sector representatives, homestay operators, tourism experts, and other stakeholders from India and abroad participated in the event. The B2B marketplace provided an effective platform for tourism businesses to communicate directly, connect with businesses, and forge potential partnerships.
A special presentation was given by Mr. Saumil Ranjan Choubey, Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, on the topic of reorienting tourism through digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). It highlighted the growing role of digital technology, AI, digital content, online promotion, and smart tourist services in the tourism sector, and the potential for enhancing the tourist experience through these. The Chhattisgarh government also discussed the potential for increased investment and private sector participation in the tourism sector after tourism was granted industry status by the state.
Tourism Secretary Dr. S. Bharathidasan:
Dr. Bharathidasan said, “Chhattisgarh has immense potential for natural, cultural, historical, and tribal tourism. Through the “Central India Connect-Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026,” effective efforts have been made to connect the state’s tourist destinations, local entrepreneurs, and service providers with national and international markets. Our aim is to expand tourism beyond just tourism, but to connect it with sustainable employment, income, and entrepreneurship opportunities for local communities. Through digital technology, private sector participation, and local engagement, the department is continuously working to establish Chhattisgarh as one of the country’s leading tourist destinations.”
During the event, State Tourism Awards were presented to 10 tourism stakeholders who have made outstanding contributions to Chhattisgarh’s tourism sector. The winners were honoured with a prize money of ₹11,000, a certificate and a memento.
The winners of the State Tourism Awards are as follows – Best Tourism District Promotion Award – Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi Best Eco Tourism Site Award – Takshak Homestay, Bhoramdev Best Hotel Award – Hotel Ambition, Jagdalpur Best Tour Operator Award – Shri D. Ramesh, Camp Once Best Tourist Startup Award – Shri Shivam Trivedi, Heritage Wala Best Adventure Tour Operator Award – Shri Saurabh Singh, Trippy Hills, Jashpur Best Homestay Award – Shri Mansingh Dhurwadera, Bastar Best Influencer Award – Shri Anupam Singh Best Star Performer, Tourist Information Centre, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board – Srinivas Rao, Dongargarh Best Star Performer, Resort, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board – Shri Subhash Thakur, Hareli Eco Resort, Barnawapara Coffee Table Book Based on Archaeological Sites of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi.
In the release program, the Tourism and Culture Minister also released a coffee table book based on the archaeological sites of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. This publication is an important initiative to broadly showcase the district’s rich historical and archaeological heritage and to redefine its tourism potential.
Initiative to Connect Tourism Businesses to New Opportunities:
The objective of “Central India Connect – Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026” was to connect Chhattisgarh’s tourism business with the national and international markets, establish new business relationships between various stakeholders in the tourism sector, and provide a wider market for the state’s tourism potential.
Through B2B meetings, tourism businesses had the opportunity to directly interact with new markets, partnerships, and business opportunities. Chhattisgarh’s natural wealth, wildlife, waterfalls, ancient and archaeological heritage, tribal culture, folk traditions, adventure, and eco-tourism provide the state with unique tourism potential. This event sought to connect these potentials with the tourism business and market. Held on the occasion of World Tourism Day, this marketplace also served as an important step towards connecting tourism with the local economy, employment, entrepreneurship, and global opportunities.
Through the collective efforts of the State Government, Tourism and Culture Department, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, private sector, local communities and tourism businessmen, such events will play an important role in giving Chhattisgarh a stronger identity on the national and international tourism map.
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