Travel Mart showcases exotic destinations

The event was organised by Sphere Travel Media and Exhibition (STME) in association with Karnataka Tourism and was inaugurated by K Vishwanath Reddy, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Karnataka.

The three-day event had over 250 participants participating in the event and included travel agents, tour operators, destination managment companies, hotels and resorts, cruises, airlines and travel portals.

Rohit Hangal, Director, STME, speaking to reporters said, this year’s attraction includes several international players with several themes and packages being offered. “We have countries like Bhutan and Sri Lanka participating in the event. Packages like Ramayana Tourism by the Sri Lankans are interesting,” he said.

He also pointed out that the event provided right impetus to the Indian domestic tourism industry. Delegates from states like Kerala, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal are participating in the event.

International players from countries like Australia, Egypt, Dubai, Thailand, Bhutan, Indonesia, Switzerland, Greece and Sri lanka are also participating, showcasing variety of destinations having  cruise options, heritage sites, pilgrimage sites, adventures and expedition, culture, beaches and many more packages.

While the Egyptians showcased their week-long Nile cruise and historical monuments,  countries like Thailand, Indonesia focussed on their eco-tourism.

Vishwanath Reddy, Director, Ministry for Tourism, who inaugurated the event described it as the biggest congregation of the tourism industry and hoped that  people will utilise this opportunity in the best possible way.

He also pointed out that the event is focussed on the domestic market, which is growing at a rate of 10-15 percent annually. On the State Government’s role in promoting tourism in the State, he said that considering the growth of the sector, the State in recent days has invested a lot of money in improving  infrastructure.

The Gujarat Tourism Department conducted a road show showcasing their tourist destinations and allied infrastructure in the City.