Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today inaugurated the Travel and Tourism Fair 2024 at Gyan Bhawan, Samrat Ashok Convention Center in Patna. The event, organized by the state’s tourism department, showcases a variety of travel-related products and services aimed at promoting tourism in Bihar. After cutting the ribbon, CM Nitish toured the exhibitions and engaged with participants, gathering detailed information on the various offerings.
State Tourism Minister Nitish Mishra presented the Chief Minister with a memento and shawl to mark the occasion. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, and Bihar’s Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary were also present, along with other senior officials and industry representatives.
Bihar as a Tourism Capital
Speaking at the event, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted Bihar’s potential to become the tourism capital of India. “Bihar, with its rich history of religion, knowledge, and science, has the capacity to lead the country in tourism,” Shekhawat said, adding that the central government is committed to developing key sites in the state, including Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda.
He emphasised the global shift towards experience-based tourism and urged India to follow this trend, with the central government ready to support Bihar through initiatives such as Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi, which aim to boost employment in the sector. Shekhawat predicted that India’s tourism market, currently valued at $250 billion, could double in the next five years, presenting significant growth opportunities for Bihar.
State Initiatives in Tourism
Bihar Tourism Minister Nitish Mishra reiterated the state government’s commitment to enhancing tourism, noting the creation of a comprehensive tourism policy to attract investment. He pointed to the sustainable development of key historical sites like Nalanda, Gaya, Bodh Gaya, and Rajgir as examples of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s visionary leadership.
Mishra also introduced the “Mera Block Mera Gaurav” scheme, aimed at developing tourism infrastructure in rural areas, which he called a milestone for the state’s tourism sector. He acknowledged the central government’s support, enabling the rapid implementation of new tourism initiatives.
Promoting Bihar’s Heritage
Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj praised Bihar’s historical significance, stating that visiting the state is an opportunity to gain self-knowledge. He noted that the legacy of Nalanda and the rich history of Pataliputra make Bihar an ideal tourist destination.
Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh welcomed the dignitaries and described the Travel and Tourism Fair as a vital platform for expanding the state’s tourism industry. He noted that 17 states and the Ministry of Tourism were participating in the two-day event, which aims to raise awareness about tourism’s many facets.
The event was attended by senior tourism officials, including Bihar Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Nandkishore, Tourism Director Vinay Kumar Rai, and Deputy Secretary Indu Kumari, as well as representatives from various organizations and tourism-related companies.
