GITB 2026 Exhibition Kicks Off, Focus on Expanding Tourism Opportunities Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari inaugurates event; delegates from over 50 countries participate

Jaipur, April 27:

On the second day of the 15th edition of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB), the exhibition was inaugurated at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Sitapura by Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. She toured the exhibition and visited various stalls set up by state tourism boards, hotel groups, tour operators, and international participants.

Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included Bhubnesh Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Shuchi Tyagi, Secretary, Tourism, Government of Rajasthan; Rukmani Riar, Tourism Commissioner, Rajasthan; and Dr. Jyotsna Suri, CMD, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.

The exhibition showcases a wide range of tourism offerings, including heritage, wellness, spiritual, wildlife, and experience-based tourism products and services.

Addressing the gathering, Diya Kumari said that strong participation from global travel and trade representatives reflects the vast potential of tourism in India and Rajasthan. She emphasized that modern tourists seek immersive experiences encompassing culture, cuisine, traditions, and lifestyle, and the state is actively promoting experience-driven tourism.

The 15th edition of GITB has attracted over 195 foreign tour operators from more than 50 countries as buyers. The event features participation from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Rajasthan Tourism, various state tourism boards, hotels, resorts, and destination management companies (DMCs). More than 10,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings are being conducted, fostering networking and business expansion.

State tourism pavilions from Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab are among the major highlights, presenting their unique tourism products and cultural identities. Luxury hotel chains, adventure and wildlife operators, wellness centers, and travel technology companies are also showcasing their innovations.

Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards आयोजित

The Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards 2026 were also held at JECC, recognizing outstanding contributions in the tourism sector. The event began with an address by former Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh (IAS Retd.), who highlighted the importance of effective policy implementation and improved infrastructure for enhancing tourist experiences.

A total of 40 awards were presented across various categories. Key winners included TBO Tek Limited (Best B2B Travel Portal), MakeMyTrip (Best Online Booking Platform), and Cordelia Cruises (Leading Domestic Cruise Line).

Among hospitality winners, Suryagarh Jaisalmer was awarded Best Luxury Heritage Hotel, The St. Regis Goa as Best Luxury Resort, and The Oberoi Gurgaon as Best Business Hotel. Rambagh Palace Jaipur received the Best Wedding Hotel award.

States were also recognized, with Madhya Pradesh named Leading Tourism Destination, Chhattisgarh as Best Emerging Destination, Odisha for Excellence in Tourism Development, Goa as Best MICE Destination, Gujarat for Best Destination Marketing Campaign, and Tamil Nadu for Best Culture & Heritage Destination.

In the Rajasthan category, The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur was awarded Best 5-Star Hotel (Winner), while Fairmont Jaipur was the runner-up. Several other hotels, tour operators, startups, and individuals were also honored for their contributions to the tourism industry.

The event continues to serve as a vital platform for networking, partnerships, and promoting India’s tourism potential on a global stage.