Tag Archives: WTM

Goa Showcases rich heritage at WTM

 

Goa Tourism showcased the state’s cultural richness, sustainable tourism, and unique travel experiences at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, held from November 5th to 7th. Led by Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte and senior officials, Goa’s delegation engaged with global tourism leaders to highlight Goa’s diverse attractions and commitment to regenerative tourism. Emphasising Goa’s “Beyond Beaches” initiative, the pavilion offered immersive experiences in heritage, adventure, wellness, and hinterland tourism, attracting a global audience.

Key figures, including His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, and Indian Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, visited the Goa Pavilion, facilitating discussions on collaborative tourism efforts. The presence of notable Goan diaspora members, such as opera singer Oscar Castellino, further strengthened the international connections.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed pride in Goa’s portrayal, stating, “WTM London provided an ideal platform to showcase our state’s authentic and enriching tourism offerings. Our goal is to invite travellers to explore beyond beaches, experiencing Goa’s heritage and sustainable initiatives.” Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, Secretary of Tourism, echoed this, adding, “We aimed to reach conscious travellers who value meaningful and responsible travel.”

Goa’s participation at WTM London has sparked increased global interest, positioning the state as a premier destination for cultural and sustainable tourism. The event successfully showcased Goa’s commitment to preserving its natural assets while fostering global partnerships in tourism.

India launches an ambitious campaign at WTM to increase inbound

 

India has launched an ambitious campaign at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London to boost inbound tourism and strengthen its position as a global travel destination. Represented by a 50-member delegation of industry stakeholders, including state tourism boards, tour operators, airlines, and hoteliers, India aims to showcase its diverse cultural heritage and tourism offerings, from immersive experiences to unique regional attractions. The event, held from November 5-7, 2024, includes a dedicated pavilion that highlights segments like wedding tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel, and pilgrimage tourism, particularly the Mahakumbh.

In alignment with its “Chalo India” initiative, India seeks to engage its significant diaspora in the UK, encouraging them to invite non-Indian friends to explore India’s rich cultural tapestry. The initiative, backed by a dedicated portal, also offers incentives like free e-tourist visas for foreign friends. With a diaspora of approximately 1.9 million in the UK, this initiative underscores the country’s commitment to expanding tourism and fostering cultural connections.

The India Pavilion at WTM 2024 has a special mock wedding setup to showcase the grandeur of Indian weddings, along with displays of India’s cultural, linguistic, and traditional heritage. The pavilion presents a variety of niche tourism experiences, including wellness, adventure, ecotourism, and culinary tourism. Participants from several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and Daman and Diu, are actively promoting local attractions and experiences.

The Ministry of Tourism emphasised that, as one of the fastest-growing major economies, India is committed to sustainable tourism development, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070. India’s recent G20 presidency provided an ideal platform to highlight its vast tourism potential, reinforcing its reputation as a prime global destination and positioning it to attract millions more international visitors.

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board bags ‘One to Watch’ award at WTM

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has been recognized internationally for its efforts and contribution in the field of Responsible Tourism by the global forum World Travel Market (WTM), London. UTDB bagged the ‘One to Watch’ award.

WTM has been driving the responsible tourism agenda forward in Europe, Africa, Americas, Australia and Asia, since 2004. The WTM Responsible Tourism Awards cover the globe – India and rest of the World. The awards committee expects leaders in Responsible Tourism to have established practices which are Evidence-based, Replicable, Innovative, Sustainable and Committed to Responsible Tourism.

Out of the six categories of the awards, Uttarakhand Tourism submitted its entry in the ‘Sustaining Employees and Communities through the Pandemic’ category. The Tourism Department and the cohesive efforts of all the district tourist officers were appreciated for safely evacuating stranded tourists in the state during the lockdown, when offices all around the world were physically closed.

Additional Director, Uttarakhand Tourism, Poonam Chand received the award virtually on  behalf of the department.

Minister Tourism Uttarakhand, Satpal Maharaj said, “I am thankful to WTM for choosing Uttarakhand Tourism as the ‘One to Watch’ award winner and congratulate the department for its efforts in making this happen. As we move forward and take the tourism industry to new heights, post the pandemic,Uttarakhand Tourism is ensuring that the Hon’ble PM’s motto ‘Sab ka Saath sab ka Vikas’ is followed. Through the development of various tourism circuits – village, rural wildlife, eco, religious, adventure and several other tourist sectors are being promoted along with schemes like Vir Chandra Singh Garhwali and Deen Dayal Upadhyay to enable self-employment.”

Dilip Jawalkar, Secretary Tourism said, “Uttarakhand tourism is committed to promoting responsible and eco-friendly tourism in the region, towards sustaining the growth and development of its employees and local communities and to realizing the vision of placing Uttarakhand on the World Tourism map. We have stood by our people and been gracious hosts to national and international tourists, even in tough times when the world was hard hit by the pandemic. We are truly honoured to receive this recognition for our efforts.”

Madhya Pradesh to showcase its diverse tourism experiences at WTM 2021 edition

RARE India to display wildlife lodges and camps

Madhya Pradesh Tourism will showcase its diverse tourism experiences at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2021 that will be held in London from 1st to 3rd November. At the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Stand, RARE India, a community of some of the conscious luxury hotels and experiences in the Indian subcontinent, will also showcase its collection of wildlife lodges and camps in the state.

Madhya Pradesh, affably called the heart of India, lies relatively unexplored. Its architectural marvels, intangible heritage, cultural diversity and outstanding natural beauty offer a myriad of experiences for every kind of traveller.

Speaking about the travel trade show, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said, “Madhya Pradesh Tourism is uniquely positioned to welcome international travellers back in the post-Covid scenario with various new initiatives including rural and agri-tourism which we will launch at the World Travel Market. The friendly people of Madhya Pradesh are eagerly looking forward to showcasing their extensive wildlife offering, exquisite traditional culture, rich heritage, cuisine, and Indian hospitality,”

Speaking about RARE India’s participation in the upcoming event,  Sejal Gopuikar said, “After a two year hiatus, it is absolutely great to participate in the World Travel Market London 2021. I’m excited to have the opportunity to reconnect and talk to the trade and press about RARE, a collection of some very special places to stay in the Indian subcontinent, centred around Conscious Luxury Travel and the RARE Touchstones – a path towards Sustainable Tourism.”