*Tourism and Hospitality experts share their vision; discussions held on the upcoming event roadmap
*RDTM 2025 to be held in Jaipur from 12th to 14th September
TTT NEWS NETWORK
JAIPUR| 3 SEPTEMBER 2025
The fifth edition of the Stakeholders’ Meet of Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) 2025, organized under the joint aegis of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) and the Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, concluded successfully with grandeur at ITC Rajputana, Jaipur.
The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mr. Rajesh Yadav, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, along with Ms. Rukmani Riar, Commissioner, Department of Tourism, Rajasthan. Other dignitaries present included Mr. Apoorv Kumar, Former President, FHTR; Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chandela, President, FHTR; Mr. Surendra S. Shahpura, Senior Vice President, FHTR; and CA Virendra S. Shekhawat, General Secretary, FHTR.
The meet witnessed participation from numerous experts, industry leaders, and institutional representatives from the tourism and hospitality sector. Discussions revolved around the direction, framework, and importance of the upcoming Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart 2025 for the tourism industry.
Mr. Rajesh Yadav, Principal Secretary, Tourism, stated that Rajasthan has always offered a unique tourism experience in India and will continue to do so. According to 2023-24 statistics, Rajasthan ranks fifth among both domestic and foreign tourists, with a 7–8% share in both segments. He highlighted that the state government has rolled out special schemes for the hospitality sector. He emphasized that alongside historical monuments, new opportunities in tourism are also emerging, as today’s tourists seek experience-based travel beyond heritage sites.
He further mentioned that the state government is committed to encouraging innovations and developing infrastructure facilities. Currently, projects worth ₹1,000 crores are underway in the tourism sector, with plans to spend ₹5,000 crores in five years to position Rajasthan as the country’s leading tourism hub.
The Principal Secretary informed that all District Collectors have been directed to identify potential sites in their districts, including historical monuments, unexplored heritage sites, natural attractions (lakes, waterfalls, dunes, forests, hills), culturally significant villages, fairs, festivals, religious/spiritual sites of regional or national importance, and locations suitable for adventure, eco-tourism, or wellness tourism. Local arts, crafts, cuisine, and traditions that can be developed into experiential tourism will also be identified.
Collectors have also been instructed to conduct a comprehensive audit of major tourist destinations based on six criteria:
- Accessibility
- Cleanliness and Hygiene
- Safety and Security
- Tourist Amenities
- Condition of Monuments
- Digital Readiness and Tourist Information
Mr. Yadav also invited suggestions from stakeholders and stressed balancing over-tourism in traditional destinations like Jaisalmer. He highlighted the need to promote rural tourism and involve the younger generation to strengthen Rajasthan’s position further.
On this occasion, CA Virendra S. Shekhawat, General Secretary, FHTR, said:
“FHTR is the apex body of Rajasthan’s tourism industry, supported by the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Rajasthan and the Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators. The federation has always been at the forefront of promoting tourism—advocating policy with the government on one hand and presenting Rajasthan’s diverse tourism products to the hospitality sector on the other.”
Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chandela, President, FHTR, added:
“Tourism is like a family, and collective efforts strengthen it further. We must establish research institutions and create awareness among students. I thank the government for giving FHTR an international platform. Roadshows and international promotions ahead of RDTM have already taken tourism to new heights.”
Ms. Rukmani Riar, Commissioner, Tourism, Rajasthan, noted:
“Between 2019 and 2025, the tourism sector has made remarkable progress—its contribution to India’s GDP has grown by 20%, and expenditure has risen by 9% during this period. FHTR has actively participated in 25 major national and 5–6 international events. Now, the time has come to present Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart effectively on the global stage.”
The fifth edition of RDTM will be held in Jaipur from 12th to 14th September 2025, in collaboration with prestigious tourism and hospitality associations, including:
- Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA)
- Hotels and Restaurants Association of Rajasthan (HRAR)
- Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO)
- Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO)
- Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI)
- Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
- Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals
- Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI)
These bodies will play a key role in ensuring the success of RDTM 2025.
Significance of RDTM:
In the previous edition, over 240 national buyers and 280 Rajasthan-based sellers participated. More than 7,000 B2B meetings were held, generating impactful leads for hotel bookings, curated experiences, and destination weddings. The platform has clearly demonstrated its effectiveness in boosting Rajasthan’s tourism business.
Get Involved:
RDTM 2025 is expected to bring greater participation and business opportunities this year. Stakeholders who wish to showcase their services and products, connect with leading buyers, and be part of Rajasthan’s tourism growth story can register at the FHTR website: https://fhtr.in.
Let’s come together to realize the vision of “Explore, Discover, Experience & Meet in Rajasthan” and position Rajasthan not just as India’s, but also as a leading global tourism destination.
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