Forthcoming Buddhist Convention to be crucial, timely act in restoration of touristic activities & businesses

At a time when India has entered into the Unlock 5.0 and tourism events are allowed with limited number of guests by following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for COVID-19 issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the scheduled Convention-cum-Exhibition – International Buddhist Travel Mart (IBTM) would be a hybrid event – a trade show or seminar that combines a ‘live in-person event with a virtual online components.

Third edition of ABTO’s calendar event will take place from December 10-12, 2020 at Hotel Marasa Sarovar Premiere, Bodhgaya, Bihar. Union Minister of State (I/C) Tourism & Culture, Prahlad Singh Patel will be the Chief Guest of the event.

ABTO’s Founder & Secretary General, Dr. Kaulesh Kumar says that due to the COVID-19 guidelines and SOPs there will be around 200 delegates from national and international fronts. “It is expected that almost 50-60% delegates would come from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan,  Malaysia, Singapore, the U.S. and U.K  etc. while rest of the delegates would be from India.”

He feels, despite the fact that the whole world is struggling to minimize the after effects of COVID-19 pandemic; the upcoming convention will be a milestone in re-establishing the touristic activities in India. I believe IBTM will give a much needed push to the tourism businesses, and would be very significant in revival of tourism post pandemic era.”

While highlighting the key points of the convention, he further says: “Needless to say that tourism and hospitality sector is the first and foremost affected by the pandemic. Therefore, the upcoming convention will have deep discussions and exchange of ideas around the Revival of Tourism, Promoting Cross Border Tourism and further growth of the Buddhist segment.”

Stressing upon the importance of Cross Border Tourism, he further says that though India is the ‘Land of Buddha’ but it does not attract the deserving number of travellers from neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka
and Vietnam etc.

“ABTO is committed and endeavoring to promote all Buddhist trails in India and neighbouring countries as a ‘Tourism Hub’ for Buddhist travellers, and India being the Land of Buddha will be the most benefited of this initiative.”

Unfolding his plans, Dr Kaulesh informed: “The Head of Travel Trade Associations’ from ten neighbouring countries have confirmed their participation at the convention. This event will play a very crucial role in bringing all foreign stakeholders under one roof and discus the further growth of Cross Border Tourism as well as the Buddhist segment across Asia.”

Lord Buddha International Peace Awards 2020 will be announced after the inauguration of IBTM.  The Awardees have been recognized in three categories i.e. Lord Buddha Asia Pacific Peace Award, Lord Buddha South Asia Peace Award and Lord Buddha National Peace Award.

Programme Schedule

December 10, 2020
a) Opening Ceremony: 02:00 PM
b) International Conference on Revival of Tourism ‘Promoting Cross Border Tourism/ Buddhist Tourism/MICE Tourism/Domestic Tourism’ 02:00 PM
c) Inauguration of IBTM 2020 by Chief Guest and the Guest of Honor: 05:30 PM
d) Announcement of Lord Buddha International Peace Awards 2020: 05:45 PM

December 11, 2020
a) Meditation Under Sri Mahabodhi Tree/Temple: 06:00 AM – 08:00 AM
b) Panel Discussion I: Asian Markets Tourism Growth Potential 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
c) Panel Discussion II: Importance of The Light of Asia Route for Modern World Tourism 03:30PM
d) Oath Taking of New President of ABTO with New Team: 04:30 PM
e) Oath Taking of Senior Vice President in ABTO (Honorary Post): 05:00 PM

December 12, 2020
a) Heritage Peace Walk from Mahakala Cave to Sri Mahabodhi Temple: 06:00  – 08:00 AM
b) Business Sessions: (B2B, B2C, B2G) 09:30 – 11:00 AM
c) Panel Discussion III: Contribution of Asian Associations to the Growth of World Tourism at
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM