By Chirag Gupta
Patna: Bihar Tourism Minister Nitish Mishra emphasized the expanding opportunities in the state’s tourism sector and encouraged Biharis to invite people from outside to explore the changing landscape of Bihar. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) 2024 at Gyan Bhawan, Mishra highlighted the rising number of domestic and foreign tourists and the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and promotion. He urged citizens to spread the word about the state’s development and to invite visitors to experience it firsthand.
Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, also present at the event, noted that several valuable suggestions were received from the participating states, which would contribute to future planning and policy-making. TTF Patna participants were honored by both the Tourism Minister and Secretary with trophies and tokens of appreciation for their contributions to the event.
During a seminar at the fair, Urban Development and Housing Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh discussed Bihar’s potential for adventure tourism, stressing the need for a state blueprint on the matter. He spoke about the importance of establishing a state board for adventure tourism, creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), and involving schoolchildren in camping activities to foster interest in this sector. Singh emphasized the growing interest among youth in adventure tourism and the need to begin education early to enhance experiences.
Industry leaders also shared their insights. PP Khanna, President of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), underscored the importance of physical and mental fitness in adventure tourism, as well as the need for trained guides and international certifications in Bihar. Daya Shankar Mishra, Director of the National Adventure Foundation, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that while many Biharis engage in adventure tourism outside the state, local interest needs to be cultivated.
Finally, Vidushi Saini of Motorhome Adventures shared insights into motorhome tourism, describing it as a sustainable way to enjoy nature without harming the environment. The seminar concluded with Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Nand Kishore and Tourism Director Vinay Kumar Rai presenting mementos to the participants.
TTF PATNA 2024 – AWARD LIST
BEST PRINT PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL AWARD
1. MAHARASHTRA TOURISM
2. CHHATTISGARH TOURISM
3. TELANGANA TOURISM
4. KERALA TOURISM
MOST EXCLUSIVE LEISURE PRODUCT AWARD
5. GOA TOURISM – REGENERATIVE TOURISM
6. DELHI TOURISM – FOR HERITAGE WALKS IN DELHI
MOST PROMISING NEW DESTINATION AWARD
7. TRIPURA TOURISM – SURMACHERA TUISOI WATERFALL
8. MEGHALAYA TOURISM – WARICHORA
9. ASSAM TOURISM – HAFLONG
10. THE SOALTEE HOTELS & RESORTS – ITAHARI
SPIRITUAL & HERITAGE TOURISM PROMOTION AWARD
11. GUJARAT TOURISM – For promoting Spiritual & Heritage Tourism
12. PUNJAB TOURISM – For promoting Sikh Circuit
13. JAMMU & KASHMIR TOURISM
MOST PROMISING WEDDING DESTINATION AWARD
14. RAJASTHAN TOURISM
MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCT AWARD
15. ODISHA TOURISM – FOR ECO RETREAT
MOST SIGNIFICANT RELIGIOUS TOURISM INITIATIVE AWARD
16. UTTAR PRADESH TOURISM
BEST ECO TOURISM & ADVENTURE DESTINATION
17. BIHAR TOURISM
GROUP PARTICIPATION AWARD
18. MINISTRY OF TOURISM, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
19. VISIT TERAI
BEST DECORATION AWARD
20. AKBAR TRAVELS
BEST VALUE LEISURE PRODUCT AWARD
21. ARK TRAVELS
22. FLY24HRS HOLIDAYS PVT LTD
23. Q.SAINA’S HOTELS PVT.LTD.
PARTNER HOTEL AWARD
24. CHANKYA HOTEL
25. HOTEL AVR
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATIONS
MOTORHOME ADVENTURE
POPULAR TOURS, PATNA
ELEPHANTA PIT RESORT
MEMENTOES TO ASSOCIATIONS
1. NEPAL ASSOCIATION OF TOUR AND TRAVELS AGENTS, NATTA – MR. KUMAR MANI THAPALIYA, PRESIDENT
2. HIMALAYAN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT NETWORK, HHTDN – MR. SAMRAT SANYAL, GENERAL SECRETARY
3. TAHAT – MR SUBHASH CHANDRA BHUNIA, VICE PRESIDENT
4. ABTO
5. TAB
6. IATO
7. ADTOI
