In a strategic move to draw more domestic and international travelers to Bodh Gaya during the lean travel season, the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO) has announced plans to organize a roadshow in Varanasi later this month. The decision was finalized during a meeting of hoteliers affiliated with the Bodh Gaya Hotel Association, held in Bodh Gaya on Sunday evening. Discussions centered on innovative strategies to increase tourist footfall during the off-season and position Bodh Gaya as a destination for extended stays.
Roadshow Objectives and Key Participants
Manish Kumar Mishra, president of the ABTO Bihar chapter, emphasized that the initiative aims to showcase the tourism potential of Bodh Gaya and neighboring destinations such as Rajgir and Nalanda. “Due to the UNESCO World Heritage shrine Mahabodhi Mahavihara, Bodh Gaya remains one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations globally, attracting visitors from numerous countries each year. However, the majority of tourists visit only during the winter season, while summer is considered a lean period,” Mishra explained.
Engaging Tour Operators from Varanasi
Sudama Kumar, spokesperson for the ABTO Bihar chapter, stated, “Tour operators from Varanasi will be invited to the roadshow and briefed about the accommodation facilities and tourism infrastructure available in Bodh Gaya.” He noted that tourist footfall in Varanasi has increased significantly following the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. “The ABTO is making efforts to ensure that tourists visiting Varanasi also include Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda in their travel plans,” Kumar added.
Kumar further elaborated, “The ABTO is also working on a strategy to encourage tourists to stay in Bodh Gaya and undertake visits to Rajgir and Nalanda from here.” Currently, many tourists visit Bodh Gaya but do not stay for extended periods. The roadshow will provide a direct communication platform with tour operators in Varanasi, highlighting the facilities and tourism experiences available in Bodh Gaya.
