Central India Connect-Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026’ organized on World Tourism Day

Raipur, September 27, 2026. Organized by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board on the occasion of World Tourism Day, the "Central India Connect – Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026" marked a significant initiative towards connecting the state's tourism sector with the national and international tourism markets. The event was attended by tourism businesses, tour operators, hotel and hospitality sector representatives, homestay operators, tourism experts, and other stakeholders from India and abroad. The B2B marketplace organized during the event provided an effective platform for tourism businesses to interact directly, connect with businesses, and forge potential partnerships.

In the program, a special presentation was given by Mr. Saumil Ranjan Choubey, Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, on giving a new direction to tourism through digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It highlighted the increasing role of digital technology, AI, digital content, online promotion and smart tourist services in the tourism sector and the possibilities of improving the tourist experience through these. At the same time, the possibilities of increasing investment and private sector participation in the tourism sector in the state after tourism was given the status of industry by the Chhattisgarh government were also discussed.

Tourism Secretary Dr. S. Bharathidasan

Dr. Bharathidasan said, "Chhattisgarh has immense potential for natural, cultural, historical, and tribal tourism. Through the 'Central India Connect – Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026,' an effective effort has been made to connect the state's tourist destinations, local entrepreneurs, and service providers with national and international markets. Our aim is to expand tourism beyond mere sightseeing, but to connect it with sustainable employment, income, and entrepreneurship opportunities for local communities. The department is continuously working to establish Chhattisgarh as one of the country's leading tourist destinations through digital technology, private sector participation, and local engagement."

During the event, State Tourism Awards were presented to 10 tourism stakeholders who have made outstanding contributions to Chhattisgarh's tourism sector. Winners were honored with a prize money of ₹11,000, a certificate, and a memento.

The winners of the State Tourism Awards are as follows:

Best Tourism District Promotion Award – Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi

Best Eco Tourism Site Award – Takshak Homestay, Bhoramdev

Best Hotel Award – Hotel Ambition, Jagdalpur

Best Tour Operator Award – Mr. D. Ramesh, Camp Once

Best Tourist Startup Award – Mr. Shivam Trivedi, Heritage Wala

Best Adventure Tour Operator Award – Mr. Saurabh Singh, Trippy Hills, Jashpur

Best Homestay Award – Shri Mansingh Dhurwadera, Bastar

Best Influencer Award – Mr. Anupam Singh

Best Star Performer, Tourist Information Centre, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board – Srinivas Rao, Dongargarh

Best Star Performer, Resort, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board – Mr. Subhash Thakur, Hareli Eco Resort, Barnawapara

Release of coffee table book on archaeological sites of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi

At the event, the Honorable Minister of Tourism and Culture also released a coffee table book on the archaeological sites of the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. This publication is an important initiative to broadly showcase the district's rich historical and archaeological heritage and to unlock its tourism potential.

*Initiative to connect tourism business with new opportunities*

The objective of "Central India Connect – Chhattisgarh Marketplace 2026" was to connect Chhattisgarh's tourism businesses with national and international markets, establish new business relationships between various stakeholders in the tourism sector, and provide a wider market for the state's tourism potential. Through B2B meetings, tourism businesses had the opportunity to directly interact with new markets, partnerships, and business opportunities.

Chhattisgarh's natural wealth, wildlife, waterfalls, ancient and archaeological heritage, tribal culture, folk traditions, adventure, and eco-tourism offer the state unique tourism potential. This event sought to connect these potentials with the tourism business and market.

This marketplace, organized on the occasion of World Tourism Day, was also an important step towards connecting tourism with the local economy, employment, entrepreneurship, and global opportunities. Through the collective efforts of the state government, the Tourism and Culture Department, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, the private sector, local communities, and tourism businesses, such events will play a vital role in establishing a stronger identity for Chhattisgarh on the national and international tourism map.