The Association of Buddhist Tour Operators with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, The government of India, successfully organized the 5th International Convention on Buddhist Circuit (ICBC) and International Buddhist Travel Mart (IBTM) 2022 concluded in Kolkata on 12th December in the august presence of the venerable monks, scholars, researchers, travel journalists, Buddhist tour operators and travel practitioners from 10 countries. There were participants from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Korea, Bhutan, the United States, Indonesia, and France.
President of NATTA, Mr. Ramesh Thapa participated in the events as a Special Guest and presented a Special Presentation about the significance of Buddhist Tourism at large and how the concept of the Buddhist circuit binds the entire larger region of Asia and beyond. And also the mutual relationship between ABTO and NATTA.
Likewise, various untapped opportunities were discussed and how country-to-country relations can be enhanced through Buddhist tourist exchange was highlighted. About 25 top exhibitors including governments, states, the private sector, and associations participated in the exclusive IBTM show and exchanged Buddhist travel-related information. The networking also included B2B sessions among the agents and operators to exchange up-to-date information for taking forward the business of Buddhist tourism.
There were various Speaking Sessions on two important topics – Contribution of India to world tourism as India is now a major source market of outbound tourists and Importance of Visit Asia 2025 and bringing into light new destinations. Also, awards were distributed to different personalities on the occasion. NATTA Senior Vice President Mr. Pramod Dahal, Vice President Mr. Varun Mehta and Executive Member Mr. Bishnu Pandey also participated in the event.