GITB 2026 Boosts Rajasthan’s Global Tourism with Palace on Wheels and Key Partnerships

 April 28, 2026

Nature Times Desk,

Jaipur, The 15th edition of The Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2026 concluded on a high and impactful note at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura, firmly establishing Rajasthan as a rising global hub for experiential tourism, strategic investments, and international partnerships. Over the course of three dynamic days, the event showcased how Rajasthan is no longer just a traditional tourist destination but a future-ready, experience-driven global attraction.

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The event was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who emphasized the evolving mindset of modern travellers. She highlighted that today’s tourists seek immersive experiences—culture, cuisine, traditions, and lifestyle—and Rajasthan uniquely offers this complete spectrum, positioning itself as a standout destination on the global stage.
A major highlight of GITB 2026 was the participation of over 195 international tour operators from more than 50 countries, underlining India’s and Rajasthan’s growing prominence in the global tourism ecosystem. The event facilitated more than 10,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings, creating strong business linkages between global buyers and Indian sellers, and paving the way for long-term collaborations and investment opportunities.

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Chief Secretary V Srinivas noted that Rajasthan is rapidly emerging as a year-round tourism destination, driven by improved connectivity, modern infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies. He stressed that tourism today extends beyond visitor numbers, becoming a key driver of employment generation, economic growth, and regional development.
Adding a national perspective, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, stated that India is aiming for a significant rise in tourism’s contribution to GDP in the coming decade. Platforms like GITB, he said, play a crucial role in strengthening global connectivity and positioning India as a preferred international destination.
The event featured vibrant pavilions from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab, showcasing a diverse range of offerings—from heritage and wellness tourism to wildlife, spiritual, and experiential travel. The presence of luxury hotels, resorts, wellness centers, and travel technology companies further reinforced the platform’s role in driving innovation and investment.

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On the second day, the Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards celebrated outstanding achievements across hospitality, sustainable tourism, and digital innovation, reflecting the industry’s commitment to quality and global competitiveness.
The grand finale witnessed an exclusive showcase of the iconic Palace on Wheels luxury train at Khatipura Railway Station, Jaipur. Its regal interiors, world-class amenities, and heritage-inspired experience left international delegates deeply impressed, with several operators expressing interest in incorporating it into premium travel itineraries—significantly boosting Rajasthan’s luxury tourism segment.

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Tourism Commissioner Rukmani Riar remarked that GITB 2026 has successfully positioned Rajasthan as an experience-driven and investment-ready destination, even amid global challenges. Meanwhile, Mahendra Singh Rathore, President of the Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO), announced curated FAM tours for around 90 international delegates across key destinations including Jaipur, Udaipur, Ranthambore, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur, offering firsthand exposure to Rajasthan’s diverse tourism landscape.

In a significant parallel development, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) officially launched its Rajasthan Chapter at The Lalit Jaipur, marking a major step towards strengthening Indo-US trade, investment, and technology partnerships at the state level. The ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari as Chief Guest and Jonathan Heimer as Guest of Honour. Diya Kumari emphasized that the IACC Rajasthan Chapter will act as a vital platform for promoting global investment, startup growth, technology collaboration, and policy dialogue, describing it as a gateway to innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

Jointly organized by the Rajasthan Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and FICCI, GITB 2026 once again reaffirmed its position as India’s premier inbound tourism platform. By fostering global partnerships and accelerating tourism-led economic development, the event has positioned Rajasthan not just as a tourism state, but as an emerging global destination for business, culture, and experiential excellence.