By India’s leading travel media company, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions has organised the ‘India International Travel Mart’ (IITM) in Bengaluru from 26 – 28 July 2024 at the Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds.
The travel mart was inaugurated by:Shri. K. Lakshminarayanan – Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Govt. of Puducherry along with Dr. Rajendra KV, IAS, Director – Karnataka Tourism and Managing Director, KSTDC Ltd., Dr. Jayanta Kumar Ray, IAS – Secretary (Tourism), Govt. of Puducherry, Shri K. Muralidharan – Director of Tourism, Government of Puducherry, Mr. S. Syamaraju, President – South India Hotel and Restaurant Association and Karnataka Tourism Society, Mr. S Mahalingaiah – Chairman, IATO (Karnataka Chapter), Mr. Ayappa Somaiah – President, SKAL International Bengaluru, Mr. Mani Manimegalai – Vice President, SKAL International Bengaluru, Mr. Raminder Singh – Chairman, TAFI (Karnataka Chapter), , Mr. Sanjay Hakhu – Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, Mr. Rohit Hangal – Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions in the presence of other travel industry veterans.
IITM is India’s premier trade exhibition that brings travel, tourism, hospitality, leisure and other related industries under one roof. It aims to bring the industry, face-to-face with the travel trade, corporate buyers and the end-customers. The event will see the participation of travel agents and tour operators, DMC, hotels and resorts, national tourism offices, technology platforms, online travel portals, etc.
As IITM celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, the occasion forms an important business platform. Travel agencies, hoteliers, tour companies, and other industry stakeholders can interact and network resulting in collaborations, partnerships, and joint ventures.
IITM features 600+ exhibitors from 20 Indian states and 15 international destinations, showcasing diverse travel options like pilgrimages, adventures, culture, wildlife, and more. From Indian rhinoceros to Rajasthan’s festivals to Karnataka’s heritage sites, the event enriches holiday choices. Emphasizing Karnataka’s tourism, it boosts the upcoming Mysuru Dasara Festival and promotes the state’s archaeology and culture. The ‘India International Travel Mart’ offers networking opportunities for the travel industry to expand portfolios and conduct business. The event will be the perfect platform for Travel Agents looking for partners from across different genres from religious travel, adventure, family holidays and honeymoons or to even those, who are looking for conference destinations for their companies etc.
As the world embraces sustainable practices, IITM takes strides to promote responsible tourism and wellness. The exhibition demonstrates eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism projects, and conservation efforts to protect India’s natural and cultural heritage. It encourages travellers to tread lightly and leave a positive footprint on the destinations they visit.
The tourism stakeholders from over 25 Indian states such as Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and many more along with international participants representing over 15 countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Israel, Thailand, UK, Nepal, Dubai, Turkey, Singapore, Bhutan, Indonesia, Maldives, etc. will be seen aggressively marketing their destinations, products, and services.
India’s economy is still among the world’s fastest-growing major economies. In contrast to a 9.1% increase in the previous fiscal year, India’s GDP rose by 7.2% in the 2022–2023 fiscal year. India’s economic development continues to be robust despite the war-related disruptions in the agricultural and energy sectors, as well as an unprecedented tightening of global monetary conditions aimed at curbing decades-high inflation. Strong domestic demand and a push for governmental capital expenditures have been the main drivers of this. For both FY24 and FY25, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected growth of 6.3%.
Indian tourists view travel as an essential component of their lifestyle rather than just a recreational activity, particularly for the younger generations. The growth of the middle class, higher disposable incomes, and a paradigm shift in cultural views have all contributed to the recent spike in tourism. In addition, the pandemic’s aftermath has spurred a desire for travel as people look for novel experiences and a break from their daily routines, strengthening the travel industry’s adaptability and resilience.
Much of the Indian travel business is derived from domestic travel, which also helped the sector recover from its pre-pandemic lows. Indians progressively discovered the cultural and geographical diversity within the nation’s borders, from the tranquil Himalayan landscape to the vibrant coastal areas, greatly fuelling the domestic travel sector.
Sphere TravelMedia Director, Rohit Hangal, said, “Welcome to the heart of innovation and collaboration in the travel industry. This exhibition is a gateway to shaping the future of travel through new opportunities and partnerships. Let’s explore new horizons, forge lasting connections, and inspire the world of travel. The B2B Tourism Exhibition celebrates collaboration, resilience, and excellence in the industry, bringing together top minds to pioneer sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and new partnerships. Together, we are creating a future where travel is connected, sustainable, and extraordinary, setting the stage for unprecedented growth and advancement in the industry.”
Sphere TravelMedia Director, Sanjay Hakhu, added: “India has emerged as a key player in the travel industry, offering opportunities for leisure and business travel. The IITM Event, with over ten thousand B2B visitors over three days, showcases our commitment to advancing travel. It serves as a hub for idea exchange, partnership building, and innovation. The growing outbound travel market in India presents vast possibilities, with more Indians seeking unique global experiences. The B2B Travel Exhibition aims to connect global destinations with diverse Indian travellers, paving the way for future international travel growth from India.”
