STAKEHOLDERS’ MEET HELD IN JODHPUR

*First Marwar Travel Mart to be held in Jodhpur from 20 to 22 September 2026*

*STAKEHOLDERS’ MEET HELD IN JODHPUR AHEAD OF THE FIRST MARWAR TRAVEL MART*

*Jaipur/Jodhpur, 13 August:* A Stakeholders’ Meet was organised on Thursday in preparation for the first edition of the upcoming Marwar Travel Mart (MTM), to be held in Jodhpur by the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR). It was held at Indana Palace in Jodhpur, the meeting brought together key stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality sector. Discussions focused on ways to promote the Marwar region more effectively as a leading tourism destination. Divisional Commissioner, Mr. Kanhaiya Lal Swami attended the programme as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kanhaiya Lal Swami said, “Jodhpur is the gateway to the vast Marwar region. There is a need to promote new tourism experiences and activities to increase the duration of tourists’ stay in Marwar.” He assured that the government was ready to extend all possible support and assistance for the successful organisation of the Marwar Travel Mart. Extending his best wishes for the event, he said that the initiative would play an important role in giving a new direction to tourism in Marwar.

The first Marwar Travel Mart will be held in Jodhpur from 20 to 22 September 2026. The event is expected to witness the participation of around 125 travel agents from across the country and 300 properties. MTM is being organised by the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, on the theme ‘Stories, Journeys, Smiles’.

On the occasion, President of JHARA and Chairman of MTM, Mr. J. M. Boob said that stalls at the Marwar Travel Mart were being booked rapidly. He called upon hotels and establishments associated with the tourism industry in the region to come forward and participate in the event. He added that table spaces were also available at highly reasonable rates, providing tourism businesses in the region with a valuable opportunity to promote their products and services.

FHTR President, Mr. Surendra Singh Shahpura expressed his gratitude to all the associations supporting the preparations for the event. Referring to FHTR’s previous achievements, he said that the organisation had worked on several important issues, including industry status, suggestions for tourism policies and revision of trade licence fees. He said that FHTR functions as an advisory body to the government. He also emphasised the need to work towards preserving and strengthening traditional events such as the Pushkar Fair. He further said that the ongoing efforts to promote the Gangaur festival were encouraging and that the festival alone had the potential to take Rajasthan tourism to new heights.

MTM Co-Chairman, Mr. Raghavendra Pratap Singh Jhalamand, said that MTM held immense potential and could give a new direction to tourism in the region. He said FHTR had worked extensively to make the event successful. He urged all stakeholders to work together and make efforts to establish the Marwar Travel Mart as a major annual tourism event.

JHARA Vice President, Mr. Jugal Kishore Jakhar, stressed the need for unity and collective efforts among all tourism-related associations. Referring to the successful event held in Jaisalmer, he appealed to tourism stakeholders in Jodhpur to participate in the Mart with the same enthusiasm.

Joint Director, Rajasthan Tourism, Mr. Bhanu Pratap, said that it was important to involve the administration from the very beginning in an event of this scale, so that the city and its monuments were fully prepared to welcome tourists. He said that local attire and cuisine should also be given prominence at such events to showcase the identity of the region. He also emphasised the importance of involving schools and IHM colleges in the event.

Earlier, FHTR Secretary, Mr. Tarun Bansal, gave a detailed presentation on the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) and Marwar Travel Mart (MTM). He highlighted the objectives and role of both travel marts and their significance in promoting tourism in Rajasthan.

Mr. Mohan Singh Jodha of the Jodhpur Travel Agents Association and Mr. Narendra Singh Khinchi, representing the Global Tourism Travel Agents Association of India, welcomed the guests and honoured them by presenting traditional safas.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by FHTR Senior Vice President, Mr. Rajendra Singh Pachar.

Also present on the occasion were former FHTR President, Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chandela; RATO President and FHTR Vice President, Mr. Mahendra Singh Rathore; TAAJ President, Mr. Gajraj Singh; FHTR Vice President, Mr. Gyan Prakash; and representatives from the tourism and hospitality sector.