Nepal Inspires India Market at TTF 2017 Ahmedabad with Fresh Update & Customized PackagesMonday, September 18th, 2017
AHMEDABAD, India, Sept. 3, 2017 – Nepal’s participation at the three-day Travel Trade Fair (TTF) – Ahmedabad 2017 at Gujarat University Convention and Exhibition Center successfully concluded on Sept. 3, 2017. The fair provided ideal platform for fresh promotions, visibility of Nepal as an exotic holiday getaway next door, and in providing latest information.
Earlier, on Sept. 1, the fair was inaugurated by Ms. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism of Uttar Pradesh, who also visited Nepal stall and met with exhibitors including NTB representatives. The participation ended on a high note with Nepal receiving Best Stall Decoration Award from TTF organizers, the Fairfest Media. The award was handed to NTB representatives by Ms. Sunita Sethi, Director of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism.
Nepal pavilion was near the entrance and was highlighted by pictures popular in the India market. The center of the stall was flanked by pagoda design to create typical Nepali architecture aura. A variety of videos were played at the stall promoting nature, culture and adventure products offered by Nepal. Five thousand Nepal bags were distributed to visitors from the registration desk of TTF to all trade visitors, thus increasing visibility and creating awareness in the market.
Interactions with trade and public visitors during the three days re-establish that the Gujarat market is mainly leisure and pilgrimage. Nepal stall was thronged by visitors on all the three days. While the private sector participants gave information about tours, tailor-made packages, and costing for the tours, Nepal Tourism Board officials gave information about the destination, attractions, activities, access, entry procedures etc.
Private sector participants of Nepal stall were very optimistic about the outcome of the fair. “Was positive… but more than that met with B2B agents, so happy,” said Ms. Sharmila Kafle, one of the participants of the private sector.
As per TTF officials more than 11,000 people visited the fair during the three days, of which the first two days were open to the trade while the last day was open for general public. Official sources also quoted that trade visitors increased by 15 percent on the first day and by 28 percent on the second day, as compared to the participation in 2016. Similarly, with 615 total number of stalls, there was a 20 percent increase among the exhibitors as compared to 2016.
The fair was led by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in coordination with five private sector tourism companies from Nepal: Satyam Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., Apoorva Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., BCN Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd., Fishtail Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. and Summit Air. Ms. Ranu Shah, Manager - Tourism Marketing and Promotion, and Ms. Archana K.C. Rana, Sr. Officer - PR & Publicity, represented NTB at the fair.
India is a prime value and volume market for Nepal. Approximately 200,000 Indian tourists visit Nepal every year, by air and land. Most Indian tourists visit Nepal for holiday/ pleasure, pilgrimage and official purposes. With the change in dynamics of India’s economy and its outbound market, Nepal has also started tapping to get the younger Indian tourists venturing into trekking and mountaineering.
In terms of promotion in India, NTB is focused on effective online and offline promotions for best target marketing. For 2017 NTB , in coordination with the private sector, has planned participation at trade fairs at major Indian cities, destinations promotional programs at strategic times, sales missions, road shows, interactions and engagement with trade and media.