One of the most important Indian states for tourism, both domestic and inbound, Gujarat is set to host the fourth edition of Gujarat Travel Mart (GTM) from March 27 to 29, 2014. Like previous editions, this year GTM will take place at the Mahatma Mandir Convention cum Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar. Since its inception, GTM has witnessed 25 per cent and 40 per cent increase in buyers and exhibitors respectively, every year. Gujarat Tourism is expecting to continue the growth momentum this year too. As of now, over 285 buyers from over 30 countries, 200 exhibitors from India from over 20 diverse tourism segments have confirmed their presence at the Mart. It is also expected to be visited by over 1,000 travel agents from across the country. Fifteen states from India will be attending GTM 2014. Like the 2012/13 editions, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd has been given the mandate to organise GTM 2014.
Talking about the main focus of this year’s edition, Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Civil Aviation, Pilgrimage & Devasthan (Industries & Mines Department) Government of Gujarat, said that ‘GTM 2014’ is aimed at bringing about a face–to–face encounter with the travel trade, hoteliers, and other stakeholders from India and abroad. It is an endeavour to stimulate travel, tourism, hospitality, leisure and other related industries, both from within the country and outside. This is the fourth year since its inception, and there has been an average increase of about of 25 per cent buyers and 40 per cent more exhibitors every year. The event will showcase the best of India has to offer, with participants of over 15 Indian states, he added.
Further, explaining the main focus of Gujarat Tourism, he said that Gujarat is poised to be India’s biggest tourist attractions with its wide arena of attractions which cater to the myriad taste of tourists. Gujarat Tourism will mainly focus to promote festivals, beaches, Mahatma Gandhi-oriented tours, heritage hotels, Buddhist trails, wildlife resorts and national parks, Medical Tourism, Religious Tourism, handicrafts, cultural vistas, etc.
In 2011-12, the total number of tourists that visited Gujarat was 223.64 lakh, out of which 171.76 lakh were from within the state, 47.28 lakh were from other states, 2.85 lakh were NRIs and 1.75 lakh were foreigners. In 2012-13, the total number of tourists visiting Gujarat was 254.09 lakh, out of which 195.36 were from Gujarat, 53.56 lakh were from other states, 3.16 lakh were NRIs, and 2.01 lakh were foreigners, informed Mittra. “We expect a similar growth trend of around 15-16 per cent this year too,” Mittra stated.
Updating about the new initiatives, Mittra said, “We have come out with a Film Tourism Policy for Gujarat, in which various benefits have been outlined for people who want to shoot films in Gujarat. We are hopeful that we will see a good increase in the number of people who want to shoot films, advertisements, TV commercials, etc. Apart from that we are focusing on improving and strengthening our infrastructure at various tourist locations. Few niche products like Adventure Tourism, Caravan Tourism and Beach Tourism are also our focus areas.”
The profile of exhibitors at GTM 2014 includes state tourism boards & trade associations; transportation segments such as airlines, charters, railways, ground transporters, car rentals, shipping and cruise liners; travel agents, tour operators, MICE operators; technology providers such as online travel portals, hotel reservation networks and property management systems; hotels, resorts; Health Tourism segments such as multi-specialty hospitals, Ayurveda, holistic medicine centres and health spas and Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism providers.
The third edition of GTM, which was held at the same venue in 2013, was attended over 250 buyers from over 30 countries and 200 exhibitors from India from over 20 diverse segments. Eight-hundred travel agents participated at the event along with countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Thailand, UAE, UK, USA, etc.
Gujarat Tourism expects 15-16% growth in tourist arrivals this year
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