Jaipur: “Domestic tourism continues to be one of the strongest pillars of India’s tourism growth, and Rajasthan remains one of the country’s most preferred destinations. The state has been witnessing consistent positive growth in domestic tourism. The government is introducing new policies to attract investment, strengthen the tourism ecosystem, promote local participation, and enhance value creation across the tourism value chain.” This was stated by Secretary Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Shuchi Tyagi while addressing as the Chief Guest at the grand inauguration of the sixth edition of the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) at Amer Fort. This year’s mart is being organised on the theme ‘Stories, Journeys, Smiles: One State, Two Marts, Endless Opportunities’.
She further said that today’s tourists are no longer looking to limit themselves to visits to conventional tourist destinations, but are increasingly prioritising authentic and experiential travel. Rajasthan has significant potential in wedding tourism, rural tourism, wildlife tourism, eco-tourism, wellness, adventure, spiritual tourism, monsoon tourism, and MICE tourism. “Our endeavour is to develop Rajasthan as a year-round tourism destination while promoting lesser-known destinations, new tourism circuits and local experiences. This will encourage longer stays and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach different regions, local communities, artisans, entrepreneurs, homestays, guides, and other tourism stakeholders.” she added.
Commissioner, Rajasthan Tourism, Rukmani Riar said, “There is a need to develop new, region-specific and experience-based tourism products in Rajasthan. RDTM provides an opportunity to build on this momentum by developing new tourism products, reaching emerging domestic markets and encouraging visitors to explore destinations beyond the established tourist circuits. Rajasthan aims to double its GDP through tourism.” She further said, “Continuous coordination between the government, the tourism industry and local communities is essential for the development of tourism. Platforms such as RDTM play an important role in gathering suggestions from the industry, understanding practical challenges, and developing new tourism products and circuits.”
President, FHTR, Surendra Singh Shahpura said that domestic tourism footfall in the state has increased significantly after COVID-19. He also highlighted the large number of visitors to the renowned Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Sikar district. He urged tourism stakeholders to include Rajasthan’s unexplored destinations in their itineraries so that future generations can also remain connected with the state’s rich culture and history.
Secretary General, FHTR, Tarun Bansal delivered the Welcome Address. He said that RDTM is a powerful platform for attracting tourism. It not only contributes to the country’s GDP but also creates employment opportunities across the country. He added that the mart also helps build value and goodwill.
Former President of FHTR and RATO, Kuldeep Singh Chandela, highlighted the two-day exhibition and the theme of the mart. He said that over the two days, more than 700 hoteliers will showcase their tourism products.
Earlier, during the ceremony, President of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), Tejbir Singh Anand; Caroline Moorey of Horse India; and Consulting CEO of FAITH, Aashish Gupta, highlighted the changing trends in Rajasthan tourism, the transformations taking place in the tourism sector, and future opportunities.
During the programme, a film prepared by FHTR was screened, showcasing little known destinations across Rajasthan. A film prepared by Rajasthan's Department of Tourism was also screened on the occasion.
During the ceremony, dignitaries unveiled the FHTR Magazine, HRAR Magazine and Stepwell Project Report. As part of the Kamaicha Project aimed at preserving cultural heritage, traditional 'Kamaichas' were presented to artistes Sandeep Ratnu and Niyaz Khan. The 'Kamaicha' is an important traditional musical instrument associated with Rajasthan’s folk music heritage.
At the conclusion of the programme, Senior Vice President, FHTR, Rajendra Singh Pachar delivered the Vote of Thanks. The programme was conducted by Radhika Pachar. President, RATO, Mahendra Singh Rathore; Vice President, FHTR, Gyan Prakash; and Treasurer, FHTR, Rajendra Singh Jodha were also present on the occasion.
Exhibition and B2B Meetings on 18 and 19 September
The two-day exhibition will be inaugurated by ribbon-cutting at 10 AM on Friday, 18 September, at B.M. Birla Convention Centre in Jaipur. Senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, representatives of FHTR and the hospitality sector, and other key stakeholders from the tourism industry will be present on the occasion. This will be followed by pre-scheduled B2B meetings between registered buyers and sellers over the two days. The meetings will be held at the booths of registered sellers, where buyers will learn about various tourism and hospitality products and services in Rajasthan and discuss business opportunities. Compared to previous years, this year’s mart will see the participation of around 300 travel agents from across the country and more than 700 properties and tour companies from Rajasthan, with over 21,000 meetings expected to be held. Through these interactions, Rajasthan’s tourist destinations, hospitality services and experiential tourism products will be presented to leading buyers from across the country.
In addition, for the first time, RDTM 2026 will also bring the events and wedding industry onto its platform, showcasing Rajasthan’s lesser-known art, culture, heritage and cuisine to audiences across India and the world. Both travel marts will also introduce responsible tourism initiatives, including the restoration of stepwells and preservation of the heritage and cultural identity of the 'Kamaicha', a traditional music instrument used primarily by the Manganiyar community.
Exhibition will Open to Public on 19 September
On the final day of the mart, 19 September, B2B meetings will continue, while the exhibition will also open to the public from 2 PM.
It is to be noted, the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart 2026 is being organised by the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), with the support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, and will continue until 19 September 2026. RDTM has received support from several tourism and hospitality associations, including the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), and Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), along with several other prominent national tourism organisations. This year, the CREDAI Tourism Wing is also participating in the event as part of its initiative to support the development of tourism. The mart aims to showcase the diversity of Rajasthan’s tourism and hospitality sector to audiences across the country while creating new business opportunities for industry stakeholders.
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FHTR magazine being launched by Secretary Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Shuchi Tyagi and President, FHTR, Surendra Singh Shahpura.
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"DOMESTIC TOURISM IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST PILLARS FOR INDIA’S TOURISM GROWTH, RAJASTHAN AMONG THE COUNTRY’S LEADING PREFERRED DESTINATIONS"
— Shuchi Tyagi, Secretary Tourism, Government of Rajasthan
