Kumar Bahukhandi
In Short
- Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh has achieved yet another significant milestone in the tourism sector, establishing a strong presence on the national stage.
- At the 15th Great Indian International Travel Bazaar (GITB), held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on April 27, 2026, Chhattisgarh was honored with the prestigious ‘Best Emerging Tourism Destination’ award.
Raipur / Jaipur ( Chhattisgah / Rajasthan ) : This accolade is a direct result of the planned development, innovation, and effective promotion being undertaken in the tourism sector under the guidance of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Expressing his delight at this achievement, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the state government is making continuous efforts to position Chhattisgarh on the national and global tourism map. He remarked that his government’s objective is not merely to develop tourist sites, but to cultivate a holistic and sustainable tourism model that prioritizes local culture, environmental conservation, and community-based development.
He added that this honor marks a significant step toward garnering global recognition for the state’s cultural heritage, natural wealth, and the participation of local communities. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this achievement would boost investment in the tourism sector, generate new employment opportunities, and strengthen the local economy.
Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agarwal, attributing this achievement to the vision of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, stated that the state government is committed to establishing tourism as a robust vehicle for economic growth. He noted that this honor would not only open doors to new opportunities for Chhattisgarh but also play a pivotal role in positioning the state among the country’s premier tourism destinations.
Nilu Sharma, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, remarked that receiving such an honor on an international platform like GITB is a matter of immense pride for Chhattisgarh and will infuse new energy into the tourism sector.
Vivek Acharya, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, received the award in Jaipur. He highlighted that, on this occasion, the tourism departments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa expressed interest in collaborating and signing MoUs with Chhattisgarh—a development poised to establish new dimensions for tourism growth in the future.
Notably, this international tourism event—held from April 26 to 28 under the joint aegis of the Ministry of Tourism (Government of India), the Government of Rajasthan, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)—witnessed the participation of tourism experts, tour operators, and investors from both India and abroad.
The captivating pavilion set up by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board emerged as a focal point of attraction, drawing everyone’s attention through its thematic presentation, traditional architectural style, and eco-friendly décor.
During this period, tour operators from both within the country and abroad showed keen interest in Chhattisgarh’s tourism potential, and several representatives also expressed their desire to send tourist groups to the state.
Despite the competitive environment prevailing among various states, Chhattisgarh’s strong presentation and strategic partnerships earned it a distinct identity.
