The inaugural edition of ‘Global Exhibition on Tourism’ branded as GET-INDIA, on the sidelines of the first ‘Global Exhibition on Services’ kicked off on April 23, 2015 in the national capital amidst massive industry response as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took time out to visit the event later in the day. Over 175 international buyers from about 50 countries across the globe have come to shop for diverse Indian tourism products at the first GET-INDIA.
Speaking at the inaugural function of ‘Global Exhibition on Services’ Modi made a strong pitch for India tourism stating that there is a strong need to grow tourism for the country’s socio-economic development by offering experiential travel experiences. “On my recent visit to Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel had shared her inquisitiveness about making Indian curry. I will be very happy if the hospitality sector takes a cue from this instance and start innovative packages. A foreign tourist will be very happy to do a three day city sightseeing package that also has two days of learning about making delicious Indian food. Every state should introspect and find out the two things that are its USP and create innovative packages built around experiential travel. We have to grow tourism in our country,” he said.
Sarab Jit Singh, chairman, GET-INDIA said, “We had our share of challenges on day one yesterday but it is very heartening to see such broad smiles on our exhibitors’ face. GET-INDIA has gotten off to a great beginning which is a manifestation of the new found enthusiasm and energy that has rubbed the entire country in the last one year. We are confident that the event will lead to massive revenue through the travel deals that our exhibitors are negotiating at the event. We look forward to even bigger and better and more vibrant shows in future editions.”
About 92 Indian companies are exhibiting through 125 stalls, including prominent names like Taj Hotels, Oberoi Group, ITC Hotels, India Tourism Development Corporation, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, The Park Hotels, Somatheeram, IRCTC, Deccan Odyssy and several prominent DNCs were some of the leading names amongst the exhibitors. Several Indian states that included Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Manipur also participated at the three-day exhibition.
Foreign buyers who have come to scout for the Indian tourism products include established as well as emerging markets including Columbia, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, USA and Canada from the Americas; the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland from the Europe; Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait from the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Australia and New Zealand and South Africa among others.