The vast tourism potential of India and the country’s diverse attractions were highlighted at a major B2B business networking event in Dubai last week.
The Incredible India networking event titled "Fostering Partnerships and Connections" aimed at establishing partnerships and connections within the travel and tourism sector, with a primary focus on driving tourism visitorship to India.
In a collaborative effort supported by The Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Government of India, The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and VFS Global hosted the evening at Taj Dubai, during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) week.
More than 200 buyers from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region engaged with an impres-sive array of 40 Indian stakeholders, including state tourism boards, destination management companies (DMCs), and airline partners. This platform provided invaluable networking opportunities, enabling mean-ingful discussions and offering insights into the diverse offerings that India, as a premier travel destina-tion, has to offer.
Gyan Bhushan, IES - Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, India, said: “As India continues to assert its position as a premier global travel destination, fostering collaborations and partnerships within the tourism sector is imperative for realising its vast potential. By facilitating direct engagement between GCC buyers and Indian tourism stakeholders, this event not only opens new avenues for col-laboration but also lays a robust foundation for sustainable tourism growth.
“The Government of India is dedicated to improving tourism infrastructure and making India a top global travel destination. Such initiatives underscore the significance of concerted efforts in promoting India's rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique experiences to visitors worldwide. Together, we are shaping a vibrant and inclusive tourism ecosystem that showcases the best of India to the world.”
Jyoti Mayal, President of TAAI, stated: "Under the visionary guidance of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the collaboration between TAAI and the Ministry of Tourism exemplifies a dynamic public-private partnership (PPP) model poised to revolutionise India’s tourism landscape. This alliance is not merely about promoting tourism, it’s about actualising it through a tangible increase in visitor numbers.
“This strategic partnership supports TAAI’s members, including travel agents and tour operators, and fosters connections with dedicated stakeholders, paving the way for successful business transactions. Our collective goal is to cultivate a multitude of synergies that will propel the growth of tourism in India, reflecting the government’s commitment to transforming the nation into a premier global destination.”
Highlighting the significance of the event, Jiten Vyas, Chief Operating Officer of VFS Global, said: "The B2B Incredible India Evening serves as a significant platform for industry stakeholders to come together and explore avenues for collaboration. As a truly Made in India company, VFS Global is proud to partner with TAAI to facilitate engagements that further enhance the Indian travel sector."
„With the GCC region being a key source market for Indian tourism, initiatives such as the B2B Incredible India Evening play a crucial role in strengthening business ties and encouraging long-term partnerships. By facilitating direct engagement between GCC buyers and Indian tourism stakeholders, the event opens up new avenues for collaboration and lays the foundation for sustainable tourism growth,“ he said. –TradeArabia News Service