Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is supporting one of India’s leading inbound tourism events next month as the exclusive airline partner of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar.

The airline will fly leading tour operators and travel buyers from around the world and also participate in the annual travel event taking place in the city of Jaipur between April 17 and 19.

The three-day showcase is organised by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, Department of Tourism at the Government of Rajasthan, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Support for the Great Indian Travel Bazaar is a key part of Etihad Airways’ commitment to promote India as a leading tourism destination worldwide.

Around 300 international travel industry buyers will converge on the ‘Pink City’ for three days of business meetings and product updates from around 250 Indian tourism entities keen to promote their latest wares. Etihad Airways will be flying visitors from destinations in North and South America, Europe and the Middle East.

Partnering with Jet Airways in the trade exhibition, Etihad Airways will promote the ease of travelling to India through the UAE carrier’s Abu Dhabi hub with their combined network of over 250 flights each week across 15 Indian cities. Together, the two carriers have the largest share of the international air travel market to and from India carrying one in every five travellers.

“We are delighted to bring some of our most valued travel partners from around the world to India to attend the Great Indian Travel Bazaar and experience a diverse nation under one roof in Jaipur, together with wonderful Rajasthani hospitality,” said Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways senior vice president marketing.

“Etihad Airways is committed to further developing India’s tourism economy and investing in jobs. The Indian and Rajasthan governments have set an example by attracting key players from the international travel trade community for three days of intensive business discussions in a region that has successfully promoted tourism to the world for many years, and benefited from considerable spin-offs for the local economy.”

Through B2B meetings, the Great Indian Travel Bazaar is expected to generate significant leads and opportunities for buyers and sellers looking to develop new business for this year and beyond. The event will feature exhibitors covering a broad spectrum of travel segments, including heritage, adventure, wildlife, healthcare, leisure, eco-rural, pilgrimage, and the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition sector (Mice).

Now in its eighth edition, the bazaar attracts regional tourist boards from across India, as well as hotel chains and destination management companies. - TradeArabia News Service