By Rajasthan, the land of vibrant cultures, majestic palaces, and rich heritage, stands as a beacon for the wedding industry in India. In a recent talk organized by the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), experts convened to shed light on the immense opportunities that weddings present for the state’s economy and employment landscape.
President of FHTR & HRAR, Kuldeep Singh Chandela, underscored the pivotal role weddings play in stimulating employment across various sectors. From luxury hotels to local artisans, the wedding industry in Rajasthan acts as a catalyst for economic growth, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s endorsement of destination weddings within India.
The esteemed panelists, comprised of industry veterans and visionaries, shared insights aimed at leveraging Rajasthan’s potential as a premier wedding destination. Ashok S Rathore, Area Director of Rajasthan and General Manager of Rambagh Palace, emphasized the economic significance of weddings, advocating for the exploration of lesser-known destinations and the diversification of wedding seasons to maximize resource utilization.
Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Owner & Founder of Swishin Events, highlighted Rajasthan’s unique selling proposition, showcasing its blend of historical grandeur and cultural richness. He stressed the need for collaborative growth across tourism sectors to fully harness the state’s wedding tourism potential.
Manuj Ralhan, General Manager of Novotel Jaipur Convention Center, brought attention to evolving wedding dynamics, where modern couples actively contribute to wedding expenditures, thus expanding the scope for destination weddings beyond traditional hubs.
Rahul Bhagat, General Manager of Hotel Hilton, emphasized the allure of Rajasthan’s authenticity, citing the enduring tradition of ‘manuhaar’ as a testament to its cultural richness. With Rajasthan witnessing approximately 60 Lakh weddings in the year 2022-23, Bhagat highlighted the industry’s remarkable growth trajectory.
Arshad Hussain, Event Guru & Founder of Nexzen Events, stressed the pivotal role of event managers in marketing Rajasthan as a premier wedding destination, thereby enhancing the state’s brand value.
The session culminated in an engaging Q&A session, fostering dialogue and exchange of ideas amongst participants. Secretary General Virendra Singh Shekhawat extended a warm welcome to guests, while the General Manager of ITC Rajputana, Deependra Rana, conveyed gratitude through a vote of thanks.
The event witnessed the presence of prominent figures including Sr Vice President of FHTR, Surendra Singh Shahpura, Treasurer Rishipal Singh, President of Rajasthan Association of Your Operators (RATO), Mahendra Singh, and Secretary of RATO, Mohan Singh.
As Rajasthan continues to dazzle with its unparalleled beauty and cultural richness, the wedding industry stands poised to unlock new vistas of economic prosperity, ensuring a brighter future for the state and its people.
