- An initiative to link Chhattisgarh’s tourism sector with national and international markets; tour operators, travel agents, and hospitality sector representatives from across the country and abroad participated.
- Emphasis placed on business partnerships among tourism entrepreneurs during B2B meetings; tourism stakeholders demonstrating excellence honored with state-level awards.
- Government committed to establishing a distinct identity for Chhattisgarh on the national and international tourism map – Shri Rajesh Agrawal.
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the ‘Central India Connect Chhattisgarh Marketplace-2026’ was organized at the Mayfair Lake Resort, Naya Raipur, under the joint aegis of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board and the Chhattisgarh Travel Trade Association. The event aimed to connect Chhattisgarh’s tourist destinations with domestic and international tourism markets, boost tourism business, and bring various stakeholders from the tourism industry onto a single platform to increase tourist footfall in the state. Participants included tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, homestay operators, and representatives of foreign tour agencies from Chhattisgarh and other states—particularly neighboring ones.
Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal attended the event as the chief guest, while Shri Nilu Sharma, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, presided over the proceedings. Also present on the occasion were Dr. S. Bharathidasan, Secretary of the Tourism Department; Shri Saumil Ranjan Chaubey, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board; Shri Jagdeep Bhagat, National President of the Allianz India Association; Shri Jaspreet Bhatia, President of the Chhattisgarh Travel Trade Association; Shri Kapil Jain; Shri Vijay Dayaram K., Collector of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM); Shri Nilesh, GM of Hotel Mayfair; Shri Mukesh Rawte, CEO of Zila Panchayat GPM; along with representatives from the tourism industry, media personnel, and officials and staff of the Tourism Board. Emphasis on Linking Tourism with Employment and the Local Economy
In his address, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal stated that tourism is not merely a means of travel but a vital sector that connects nature, culture, history, heritage, and the local economy. Chhattisgarh possesses diverse tourism assets, including the vibrant tribal culture of Bastar, the natural beauty of Sarguja, waterfalls like Chitrakot and Tirathgarh, the historical and archaeological heritage of Sirpur, the religious significance of Rajim, the architectural splendor of Bhoramdev, and the wildlife of Barnawapara.
He noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government is continuously working to establish a distinct identity for Chhattisgarh on the national and international tourism map. The objective of tourism development is not just to increase tourist numbers but also to create employment for local youth, foster women’s economic empowerment, provide markets for artisans and artists, and generate new livelihood opportunities for rural and tribal communities.
Shri Agrawal described the ‘Central India Connect Chhattisgarh Marketplace’ as a crucial platform for linking tourism entrepreneurs with domestic and international tourism markets. This initiative will help in fostering business partnerships, connecting with new tourism markets, developing new tour packages, and showcasing Chhattisgarh’s tourist destinations to a wider audience. He also highlighted projects such as the Film City under construction in Raipur, the Bhoramdev Corridor, and tourism development in the Mayali region of Jashpur.
- Tourism Board Chairman Explains the Event’s Objective
Shri Nilu Sharma, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, stated that this event is not merely a celebration or a formal function but a significant effort to elevate Chhattisgarh’s tourism sector to new heights. The initiative aims to strengthen business relationships by bringing together tourism entrepreneurs and various stakeholders from across the country and abroad, while also establishing a new identity for Chhattisgarh at both national and international levels.
He emphasized that travel agents and tour operators play a pivotal role in the development of tourism. B2B meetings have provided opportunities to create new tourism packages and forge business partnerships. He urged travel agents to include Chhattisgarh’s tourist destinations in their tour packages and to assist in showcasing the state’s tourism potential to the nation and the world.
- Over 400 Travel Agencies Partner with the Tourism Board
Mr. Nilu Sharma stated that Chhattisgarh’s natural beauty, culture, historical heritage, and tourism facilities have been promoted through roadshows and participation in various national tourism events in major cities such as Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Chennai. As a result of these efforts, more than 400 travel agencies have partnered with the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board. He added that this network would be further expanded in the future.
- Emphasis on Giving a New Direction to Tourism through Digital Technology and AI
In his presentation, Mr. Saumil Ranjan Chaubey, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, highlighted the state’s tourism potential in the context of the World Tourism Day 2026 theme: “Tourism and Green Investments.” He emphasized the need for continuous learning, experimentation, and the exploration of new possibilities within the tourism sector. He also discussed the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence for tourism-related information and promotion