Gujarat Travel Mart 2013

Gujarat Travel Mart

Gujarat Travel Mart (GTM), organised by Gujarat Tourism, has carved a place as a major event in the exhibition space in India, and the third edition of the Mart is slated to be bigger and better this year. The Mart, to be held from March 31 to April 2 at Mahatma Mandir Convention cum Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, will be inaugurated by Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary Tourism, Civil Aviation & Pilgrimage, Government of Gujarat, and Sanjay Kaul (IAS), Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. Over 250 hosted buyers, including 100 international buyers from more than 30 countries, will participate in the Mart, which will witness more than 200 exhibitors showcasing diverse tourism products in categories such as ‘Gujarat Incoming’, ‘Incredible India’ and Medical Tourism.

The Mart is supported by major travel trade associations in India such as Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) and Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions has once again been given the mandate to organise the Mart. Speaking about the major focus at GTM 2013, Mittra said, “Gujarat Travel Mart is aimed at bringing together the trade, hoteliers and other stakeholders from India and abroad. The focus is to attract tourists to all the new destinations of Gujarat. This year GTM is going to be bigger as we expect participation from almost all the states of India, as well as from buyers from around the globe.”

“Gujarat has achieved an annual industrial growth rate of 10.4 per cent over the last five years and is one of the largest contributors to India’s tourist arrivals. GTM is one of the most sought-after B2B trade exhibitions in the country and the perfect platform for industry stakeholders to foster business ties. This year’s edition is expected to be bigger compared to previous years and will witness participation of over 250 hosted buyers, which include 100 international buyers from more than 30 countries,” stated Kaul. He informed that hosted buyers have been invited from the Netherlands, Kingdom of Bahrain, Australia, Canada, France, Greece, Israel, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, UK, USA, South Africa, and Ukraine. 

Commenting on the response for GTM 2013, Kaul said, “This year we have received tremendous response from both domestic and international buyers and witnessed a 40 per cent increase in participation over last year.”

Exhibitors at this year’s edition of GTM will comprise State Tourism Boards, NTOs, travel trade associations, transportation partners, travel agents and tour operators, MICE operators, technology providers, hotels and resorts, specialists in Wellness and Medical, Adventure and Ecotourism. The Gujarat pavilion will showcase the different facets of the state such as its festivals; beaches; heritage, which will include the Gandhi Circuit and Buddhist Circuit; heritage hotels; National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries; Medical Tourism facilities; handicrafts; pilgrimage sites; etc.

“GTM 2013 will act as a platform to foster one-on-one interaction, as well as lay emphasis on destination promotion. Amongst the hosted buyers the main focus internationally is on Europe and domestically the focus is on metros and Tier-II cities of India. This year we are expecting an increase in numbers, with an attendance of 1,200 travel agents. The Mart will see large participation from NTOs, State Tourism Boards, over 100 hotels and resorts, DMCs (Destination Management Companies) like Travel Tours of India, Travel Lite, etc.,” said Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions.

Commenting on the association with GTM 2013, Subhash Verma, President, ADTOI, said, “Gujarat Travel Mart is a professional platform to showcase Gujarat Tourism. We have adopted a strategy to promote the state and in collaboration with our Gujarat Chapter we aim to launch the State Specialist Plan at the Mart, which is a one-week training programme to enhance the knowledge of the travel trade about attractions and destinations of Gujarat thus enabling them sell the state more effectively.” Sharing his views on the Mart, Subhash Goyal, President, IATO, said, “It is a great platform to conduct and enhance one’s business. It is also good networking ground.”

By Leanne Zara Rodrigues | Mumbai
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