ANDREA LOPES – New Delhi
The Great Domestic Tourism Bazaar (GDTB) to be held from August 24-25 at The Lalit New Delhi and FICCI House has decided to open its doors to direct consumers as well. The format last year focused on inbound tourism and was a one-day affair. “This year, we have upgraded to to the Great Domestic Tourism Bazaar from the Great Indian Tourist Bazaar (GITB), and it will focus exclusively on domestic tourism. In domestic tourism, the direct consumer is extremely important,”said Rahul Chakravarty, additional director, FICCI.
“The first day of the exhibition will have the inaugural and two dedicated sessions, one on technology and its role in promoting tourism and the second one on state tourism boards and how they are driving tourism. We will also release a FICCI-Yes Bank knowledge report to promote leadership in domestic tourism so that states come up with plans to remodel their domestic tourism strategies,” said Chakravarty.
The B2B exhibition is scheduled to open on Day 2 and about 53-54 stalls and 35 table spaces have been allotted for the various sellers, including the airlines and hotels. “They will meet and interact with domestic tour operators on an exclusive basis. The evening session will for the first time be open to the direct consumer. People will be able to walk in free of charge and interact with hoteliers about domestic tour packages.,” added Chakravarty.
