The maiden edition of BITB focussed on Indian buying; the event will host some 800 Indian buyers – among the highest ever by any Indian B2B event. The event was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (IC), Shri Mahesh Sharma while the Lt. Governor of Delhi, Mr. Najeeb Jung presided. Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister of J&K was invited as the Chief Guest of the inauguration.
Speaking at the occasion, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Ms. Mehbooba Mufti said “Industry has always supported the state in difficult times. I remember my father whose singular vision was to make the state no. 1 in tourism. I believe tourism can help restore normalcy back in the valley.”
Adding that the state needed the support of people in the country, she said “if people come to J&K, it will bridge the existing gap. I think BITB is a great initiative for that purpose.”
Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (IC), Shri Mahesh Sharma said that “BITB is an icon of tourism and will make the city a centre for global tourism.”
Sharing that tourism was a top priority for the government, he re-iterated his commitment of “taking India’s tourism to the next level. “BITB is an important step in that direction,” he noted.
Lt. Govenor Najeeb Jung highlighted India’s rich heritage and culture, stressing that “if we are not able to attract tourists then there is seriously something wrong.”
Adding that BITB was aimed at positioning Delhi as centre for global tourist market, he commended the organizers for the event and wished it all success.
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra shared that Delhi was unveiling its new advertisement campaign, he noted “Delhi tourism has everything going for it. We are proud to be the host city for the event and partnering with BITB to bring you this important platform.”
BITB also honoured a few iconic Indians – individuals who have impacted global travel and tourism, through their enterprise and innovative work. These included some veterans like Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways and P.R.S Oberoi, Executive Chairman, EIH Limited, along with some of the younger minds in the industry.
Bharat International Tourism Bazaar signals the arrival of Delhi as one of the great cities in the world, which hosts world-class tourism events. With the signing of BITB with ITB Berlin, as powering the show, it has given an instant recognition to the city, as a growing centre for travel and tourism.
BITB 2016 is built around selective products and is expected to provide a most lucrative buyer to seller ratio. Buyers have been chosen and invited by leading exhibitors, important for both domestic and outbound tourism. The show features the marketplace that brings buyers and sellers on the virtual bazaar, and also 6 Power Conclaves, each driven by an industry leader. These are traditional and also trending, in that aviation and hospitality are concerns for a long time, but technology, Incentives and Make in India are the current flavour in the industry and also in the Indian economy. PhocusWright is a world leader in technology and is assisting an event for the first time in India. Technology is the new driver of world tourism and India has come catching up to do. Make in India, supported by DIPP, is another innovation for the tourism sector, as we pose the question how Indian industry can become world class and provide a world class experience.
The show has the endorsement of both Incredible India and also Make in India. Air India is the official carrier; Indigo is the domestic airline partner. Delhi is the host city partner, recognizing the importance this event will provide to the city in the years ahead. 15 states and some 20 international products are exhibiting. The most comprehensive platform for the big chains operating in India, will be present at BITB. Between them they represent some 500 hotels within the country, apart from those overseas.
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