The 15th edition of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2026 (GITB) was officially inaugurated on April 26, 2026, at the iconic Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur, marking the beginning of one of India’s most significant inbound tourism events.
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism India in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, and the FICCI, the three-day event brings together global buyers, policymakers, and tourism industry leaders. Following the inauguration, the main exhibition and business-to-business (B2B) meetings are being held at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), a major hub for international trade events.
Driving High-Value, Experience-Based Tourism
The 2026 edition of GITB places strong emphasis on high-value, experience-driven tourism, reflecting a shift in global travel trends toward immersive and meaningful experiences. Organizers say the event aims to promote India not just as a destination, but as a collection of unique experiences, from heritage and culture to wellness, wildlife, rural tourism, and curated travel journeys. The initiative is also expected to generate investment, employment opportunities, and innovation across the tourism sector.
Rajasthan Positions Itself as Year-Round Destination
Addressing the inaugural session, Diya Kumari highlighted Rajasthan’s growing leadership in tourism and its role in fostering global partnerships. She emphasized that tourism is a key driver of economic growth, contributing to employment generation and inclusive development.
She also pointed to ongoing initiatives such as heritage restoration, stepwell conservation, and the development of new tourism circuits like Shekhawati, alongside infrastructure improvements. “We are positioning Rajasthan as a year-round, experience-driven destination,” she said, inviting global stakeholders to invest and collaborate in the state’s tourism growth journey.
Policy Support Strengthens Tourism Ecosystem
Reinforcing the state’s tourism strategy, V Srinivas stated that tourism plays a central role in the vision of a “Viksit Rajasthan.” He highlighted that the Tourism Policy 2025 is designed to encourage investment, improve ease of doing business, and expand into emerging segments such as homestays, film tourism, and eco-tourism.
At the national level, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General at the Ministry of Tourism, outlined India’s broader ambition to double tourism’s contribution to GDP from around 5% to 10% over the next decade. He noted that this goal will be supported by expanding aviation networks, improved infrastructure, and rising global travel demand.
GITB Evolves into Strategic Global Marketplace
According to Shuchi Tyagi, GITB has evolved beyond a traditional trade fair into a strategic marketplace that directly connects Rajasthan’s tourism offerings with international buyers.
She highlighted that strong infrastructure readiness, investment facilitation mechanisms, and a growing focus on experience-based tourism products back the event. This transformation reflects India’s broader strategy to position itself competitively in the global tourism market.
Public-Private Partnership Key to Success
Industry leaders underscored the importance of collaboration in driving tourism growth. Jyotsna Suri, Past President of FICCI, noted that GITB exemplifies the strength of sustained public-private partnerships. She said such collaborations are essential to enhancing India’s global tourism presence and creating meaningful engagement with international markets.
Similarly, Anant Swarup pointed out that the scale and diversity of participation at GITB 2026 reflect growing global confidence in India’s tourism potential. He added that the event is expected to translate into long-term business opportunities and stronger international linkages.
Thousands of B2B Meetings to Drive Business Growth
A major highlight of GITB 2026 is the organization of over 10,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings between Indian tourism sellers and international buyers. These meetings are designed to facilitate direct business interactions, partnerships, and deal-making opportunities across various segments of the tourism industry.
Participants are showcasing a wide range of tourism products, including heritage tours, cultural experiences, wellness retreats, wildlife safaris, and rural tourism initiatives, aligned with evolving global travel preferences.
Strengthening India’s Global Tourism Position
The Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2026 is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s position on the global tourism map. By focusing on innovation, experience-led travel, and international collaboration, the event underscores India’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism growth. As global travel demand continues to rise, platforms like GITB are likely to serve as key drivers in shaping the future of tourism in the region while unlocking new economic opportunities.
