8 crore more domestic tourists have come to Rajasthan than 2019 — Rajiv Arora
Jaipur, May 13: The Rajasthan Chapter of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, organised the 1st edition of Rajasthan Domestic Tourism Stakeholders Conclave on Friday at the Hotel the Royal Orchid, Jaipur. The conclave brought together all the stakeholders of Rajasthan Tourism at one platform to discuss and deliberate the way forward through various panel discussions, keynote addresses, and interactive sessions.
During the conclave Pride of Rajasthan Awards Ceremony was also held, in which Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred to Padmshri Shrimati Gulabo Sapera in the field of dance with Kala Ratn Nritya Srijan award; the Kala Ratn Shilp Srijan award to Shri Haneef Usta for his contribution in Usta Art and the award of Paryatan Ratn -Utkrisht Netritv to Shri Bhim Singh for his contribution in Tourism.
It is to be recalled that the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), a national body of almost 850 plus domestic tour operators and hospitality partners as its members spread across India, is playing a leading role in all the promotional schemes for the revival of the Tourism in India.
Chief Guest, Honourable Minister of State, Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation Limited and Chairman Rajasthan Export Promotion Council, Mr Rajiv Arora said, “Eight crore more domestic tourists have come to Rajasthan than what were coming in 2019. This reflects that like Goa and Kerala, Rajasthan holds an important place in tourism. Fair and religious tourism have made the state attractive.”
Arora said that Rajasthan Industrial Promotion Scheme (RIPS 2019) has benefited tourism industry and Rajasthan government has given tourism a status of industry.
He said that it is strange that Centre’s budget is only double than Rajasthan whereas it has to allocate budget to other states as well.
Guest of honour, Regional Director (North), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Mr R.K Suman said, “Tourism department of GOI promotes domestic tourism, which has increased after corona. Centre has made several kind of policies to promote domestic tourism. We are supporting ADTOI to organise this conclave and also meet the stakeholders and we will support wherever possible.”
The Chairman of the Rajasthan Chapter, Mr. Syed Wali Khaled pointed out that, “The domestic tourism has brought in the much-needed respite to the industry that suffered immensely during the pandemic. Yet, tourism service providers couldn’t benefit much from the surge in the Domestic travellers owing to their not being well equipped to connect to the demands of the Domestic Travellers’.”
On this occasion, Jaipur Heritage Mayor, Munesh Gurjar was present as guest of honour. President of ADTOI, PP Khanna, Vice President ADTOI, Ashish Sehgal also expressed their views.
Earlier, the conclave commenced with a lamp lighting ceremony by the dignitaries. The conclave concluded with valedictory note by Mr
Ashish Sehgal, VP ADTOI, Conclave Chair and vote of thanks by Mr Mahendra Singh.
Additional Matter for Padding:
Understanding the paramount importance and contribution of Rajasthan in the country’s tourism sector the Rajasthan Chapter of ADTOI was formed on the 10th of December, 2016 at Jaipur. The Chapter being alive to the potential of Domestic tourism has been at the forefront in promoting Rajasthan as a favoured destination amongst the travel fraternity and prospective domestic travellers.
Domestic tourism is witnessing a surge in India. It is believed that by the end of the tourism season of 2023, Rajasthan as a state and India as a country, would witness tourist numbers rising to the pre-Covid levels. As per the India Tourism Statistics 2022, the country saw a whopping 68 crore domestic tourist footfall in 2021. A similar reported growth is expected for the year 2022-23.