TTF Kolkata came to a close on February 28, after three days of activity at Uttirno in Alipore. Hosted at a brand new venue this year, the show lived up to its expectations of marking an important moment in the restarting of physical travel trade shows and rekindling hope for the travel & tourism industry.
Over 140 exhibitors and 15 states were present at the show this year and saw a footfall of more than 1,633 trade visitors along with over 1,611 general visitors. All three days of TTF Kolkata were abuzz with activity.
The show was inaugurated by Chief Guest Nandini Chakravorty, Principal Secretary, West Bengal Tourism along with stalwarts from the travel trade and state tourism board officials. Speaking at the show, the Principal Secretary said, “TTF Kolkata is a significant step forward, not only for West Bengal but also for the entire country. It sends the right signal for the travel & tourism industry which contributes to economic growth. So, reopening with 15 state representations is phenomenal. The organizers have taken a very courageous and important step, I congratulate them for their efforts.”
Panel Discussion on Domestic Tourism
An extremely insightful and detailed panel discussion on Domestic Tourism: Leading the way in reviving travel and tourism in India followed. The speakers comprised Nandini Chakravorty, Principal Secretary, West Bengal Tourism; Dr Manisha Arora, RAS, Additional Director Tourism, Rajasthan; Debjit Dutta, Chairman, ADTOI & IATO West Bengal; Koushik Banerjee, Chairman, ETAA Eastern Region and Shibojyoti Bhowmick, Vice President, TAAB.
Sanjiv Agarwal, CEO & Founder, Fairfest Media Ltd moderated the panel which concluded that Indian destinations have come into focus, courtesy COVID and will continue to attract tourists from all across the country in the coming day.
ADTOI & IATO Chairman Debjit Dutta said, “India has emerged as the biggest source market for India. Every crisis comes with an opportunity, what we’re going through is a transformation. COVID has given us an opportunity to see domestic tourism in a new light. Now is the time to make the most of it.”
Sukriti Sambyal, General Manager, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation added, “COVID has forced Indians to look at otherwise unexplored destinations. That’s why local tourism has an incredible opportunity to prosper. We have to offer the best of the destination, the best of facilities to domestic tourists and keep the momentum going for domestic tourism.”
The panellists concluded that time has come to make the most of it by leaving behind the memories of 2020.
Rajasthan Tourism Roadshow at TTF Kolkata
Rajasthan Tourism also conducted an informative roadshow exclusively for travel trade and media. Dr Manisha Arora, Additional Director, Rajasthan Tourism made a vibrant presentation on the latest offerings from the colourful state of Rajasthan. She emphasized that Rajasthan has always been very close to the hearts of the Bengalis and Rajasthan is very proud of this fact. She also informed the travel agents and local media about the new tourism policy announced by the State government. Launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, who also happens to hold the charge of tourism, the policy aims at mitigating the adverse impact of COVID on the tourism industry and giving impetus through various incentives and promotional strategies. She said, “It’s been a long time since people have come out of their homes due to the pandemic. So, the Government of West Bengal and the organisers have taken a great initiative by hosting a physical show. Everybody is eagerly waiting for the reopening of domestic tourism.”
Ending note
The three-day show came to a rousing conclusion with the Valedictory and Awards Function where participants were awarded in various categories like booth design, eco-tourism, safe destination, best value product, best leisure product, best innovative product and others. Dr Manisha Arora, RAS, Additional Director, Rajasthan Tourism and Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman and CEO, Fairfest Media, Organisers of TTF Kolkata, gave away the awards. Sukriti Sambyal, General Manager, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, and Kamal Kishore Joshi, PRO, Uttarakhand Tourism, also spoke on the occasion.
It is safe to say that TTF Kolkata has successfully set the wheels of travel & tourism in motion again, not only in Eastern India but all over the country.
(By Pratyusha Mukherjee)
Bengali