30 tourism stakeholders from Chhattisgarh connect with 148 Gujarat tour operators; Champaran to serve as a gateway for promoting the state’s religious, cultural and natural attractions
TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 31, 2026: Chhattisgarh is looking to strengthen its presence in Gujarat’s tourism market, with a roadshow organised by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board in Ahmedabad bringing together 30 tourism stakeholders from the state and 148 tour and travel operators from Gujarat.
Held at the Hyatt Regency in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the event aimed to promote Chhattisgarh’s religious destinations, natural attractions, historical sites and tribal heritage, while exploring opportunities for tourism investment and business partnerships.
The roadshow was attended by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Nilu Sharma, Tourism and Culture Department Secretary Dr S. Bharathidasan, Board Managing Director Soumil Ranjan Choubey and Gujarat Tourism Corporation representative Ankita Parmar. Deputy General Managers Pushpendra Sharma and Poonam Sharma, along with other tourism sector representatives, also participated.
Champaran to become a gateway for wider tourism
A key focus of the roadshow was the promotion of Champaran, the birthplace of Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, which holds particular religious significance for devotees from Gujarat.
The Tourism Board aims to use the existing flow of pilgrims to Champaran to encourage visitors to explore other destinations across Chhattisgarh. During a presentation, Managing Director Soumil Ranjan Choubey outlined the possibility of developing travel itineraries connecting Champaran with Sirpur’s archaeological heritage, Rajim’s religious sites, Bastar’s tribal culture and the famous Chitrakote Waterfall.
The strategy is intended to encourage tourists from Gujarat to extend their visits beyond a single pilgrimage destination, thereby increasing visitor stays and benefiting local hotels, transport operators, handicraft producers and other tourism-related businesses.
B2B meetings explore joint packages and partnerships
Business-to-business meetings between tourism stakeholders from both states formed a major part of the roadshow. Discussions covered joint tourism packages, travel routes, promotional partnerships, increasing tourist arrivals and expanding tourism services.
Gujarat-based tour operators were introduced to Chhattisgarh’s religious, historical, cultural and natural attractions, along with the tourism facilities and opportunities being developed in the state. Specialised travel packages tailored to the interests of Gujarati tourists were also discussed.
The meetings provided tourism service providers from Chhattisgarh with direct access to Gujarat’s travel market and an opportunity to establish long-term commercial partnerships.
Investors explore opportunities in tourism infrastructure
A separate interaction with potential investors from Gujarat focused on investment prospects in Chhattisgarh’s tourism sector. Discussions covered tourism infrastructure development, private sector participation and opportunities to expand tourism-related businesses.
The Tourism Board highlighted the state’s diverse attractions and the scope for investment in tourism facilities and services. Such partnerships are expected to support infrastructure development, create employment and generate economic opportunities for local communities.
Folk performances showcase Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity
Cultural performances showcasing Chhattisgarh’s folk traditions were another highlight of the Ahmedabad event. The presentations offered tourism professionals and guests a glimpse of the state’s distinctive art forms, customs and cultural diversity, drawing appreciation from attendees.
A media interaction was also organised to discuss Chhattisgarh’s major tourist destinations, new tourism initiatives, religious tourism potential and efforts to attract visitors from Gujarat.
The Ahmedabad roadshow marks an effort by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board to build stronger links with an important tourism market. By combining religious travel around Champaran with wider destination circuits, the state hopes to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays and create fresh opportunities for the hospitality, transport and handicrafts sectors.
