TravTalk India Online Magazine
The second edition of the International Buddhist Travel Mart and ABTO Convention will be organised in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, from December 10-12, with an aim to promote India as a Buddhist tourism destination. The mart will be an opportunity for participants to meet with international guests.
Bodh Gaya in Bihar is identified as the ‘Land of Buddha’ and a preferred travel destination for Buddhist pilgrimages across the globe. In a bid to promote and increase awareness about Buddhist tourism destinations in India, the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO) is organising the second edition of the International Buddhist Travel Mart from December 10-12, 2019 in one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment beneath a sacred Bodhi Tree.
The event, supported by Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Government of India, has received support from the travel fraternity around the world, with Lumbini Development Trust, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), Federation of ASEAN Travel Association (FATA), International Buddhist Confederation, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) and Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) coming on board as international cooperative partners.
The event presents a unique opportunity to the Indian travel trade to interact and network with some of the biggest names associated with Buddhist tourism
Sharing more details about the aim, idea and objectives of the convention, Kaulesh Kumar, Secretary General, ABTO said, “The mega Buddhist tourism event presents a unique opportunity to the Indian travel trade for interacting and networking with some of the biggest names associated with promoting Buddhist tourism and spreading awareness about Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The International Buddhist Travel Mart is poised to provide possibilities to buyers, sellers and other delegates to meet with almost 60 international guests from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, China, Malaysia and many other parts of the world. Chief High Priest of Malaysia and Taiwan have also agreed to grace the event with their presence. I am expecting more than 200 people to attend the show, which is a very positive sign in our attempt to make the whole nation a popular destination among Buddhist tourists and identify India as ‘Land of Buddha’ and know more about Lord Buddha. ABTO was earlier represented in seven countries, but has now increased its grasp in 16 countries.”
Kumar further said that this year, the mart and convention will be much bigger and better compared to last year. “The convention hotel is bigger and better, hence the arrangements are also bigger. We have already raised some fund for this mart, which is very encouraging and a very supportive move. We are in talks with gathering support from state governments and tourism departments. I am sure that more and more people will come forward to support us in our cause,” he said.
The organisers have introduced the Lord Buddha International Peace Award where ABTO will give ₹1 lakh to the winner, along with a memento and certificate. They will also launch their magazine, ‘Touch 2 The World’ (Tourism with Buddhism worldwide Magazine). The team is also organising Peace Walk and meditation session in Mahabodhi Temples Complex and around nearby places. During the convention, many well-appointed business sessions are planned, where panellists will share their views on topics like, India – A key destination for Buddhist Tourism & Potential markets, Buddhist Pilgrimage Tourism- Challenges and Opportunities, Government efforts in the promotion of Buddhist Circuits, Public-Private partnership in the development of Buddhist Tourism, Investing in Buddhist Tourism Sector, Enhancing air connectivity for potential Buddhist destinations and many others.
