Rakesh Sharma Talks About The Plethora Of New Avenues In Rajasthan For Tourism At WTM London 2024

Travel and Tour World had the privilege of interviewing Rakesh Sharma, the Additional Director of Rajasthan Tourism, at the esteemed World Travel Maret 2024.

Known for its cultural richness, vibrant traditions and architectural marvels, Rajasthan has become a sought-after destination attracting visitors from all corners of the world. In the interview, Sharma highlighted Rajasthan's current tourism initiatives and strategic plans for sustainable growth.

As we wrap up the last day of WTM, how has the experience been for you?

Overall, it has been an incredible experience. We have had productive meetings with travel professionals, business representatives, tour operators' associations and delegations from other countries. We are optimistic that these connections will translate into a substantial increase in tourist numbers for Rajasthan.

With a global audience here at WTM, what would you like to communicate to the international market?

Our message is simple: Rajasthan offers a distinctive blend of heritage, culture, food, art, and beautiful palaces. There is a broader range of places to stay, and Rajasthan has become a premier destination for weddings. Celebrities often visit and experience the incredible quality of life here. We invite the world to visit Rajasthan and experience its charm firsthand. It is a place you will fall in love with.

Could you share some of the top destinations within Rajasthan that you think travellers would particularly enjoy?

Certainly, Jaipur Udaipur, Mount Abu Chittorgarh Jaisalmer and Bandhavgarh are just a few of our top spots. We have a variety of locations that cater to varied interests. For example, Ranthambore is ideal for those interested in tiger reserves, and Bharatpur offers an excellent bird sanctuary. Jaisalmer's Thar Desert provides an authentic desert experience, while Kota provides beautiful riverside views. Rajasthan's diversity means travellers do not need to look beyond the state to experience a variety of landscapes and activities.

Are there any specific industry insights that would help travel media promote Rajasthan Tourism to a broader audience?

We have focussed on facilitating and supporting tourists and tour operators to ensure a seamless travel experience. We are implementing systems that address any challenges travellers or operators may face, such as vehicle subsidies to ease transportation. Business tourism is another critical area where we are working to enhance the infrastructure to make Rajasthan a preferred destination for corporate travel.

What kind of support does Rajasthan Tourism provide to agents and tour operators, particularly those working in corporate travel?

Our support for corporate travel is much the same as for leisure travel. Corporate and business travel is an integral part of tourism. Often, travellers come primarily for work but still want to experience Rajasthan's cultural and natural attractions. It is a double benefit: while they are here for business, they also get a taste of what makes Rajasthan unique. So, business and leisure tourism are equally valuable to us, and we aim to provide the same level of support and hospitality.

It seems that Rajasthan offers a versatile experience for all types of travellers.

Tourism in Rajasthan is about more than just sightseeing. Whether someone is visiting for leisure work or to experience our cultural vibrancy, every visitor is given an authentic experience of Rajasthan's richness. Our approach remains the same across all types of travel, as we aim to make each visitor feel connected to the place and leave with an unforgettable experience.

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