ITB India 2023, held from April 26–28 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, marked a major milestone as the first live, in-person edition of this iconic travel trade show. After a challenging period of virtual events, this year’s show brought a fresh wave of energy and optimism, drawing top international buyers and exhibitors eager to make new connections and drive the travel industry’s revival.
Co-located with MICE Show India, Travel Tech India, and the ITB India Conference, the event provided a dynamic platform for over 5,200 business appointments across three action-packed days. The global travel community came together to exchange ideas, collaborate, and explore opportunities in the vibrant Indian and South Asian markets.
A Strong Reconnection for the Travel World
The buzz at ITB India was palpable, with quality buyers and exhibitors from diverse sectors including MICE, leisure, corporate travel, and technology. This year’s event highlighted the revitalization of the global travel market, with a focus on the emerging travel trends and new markets. David Ruetz, Senior Vice President of Messe Berlin, captured the excitement of the event: “2023 is seeing a strong revitalization of the global travel market, and ITB India is leading the way in showcasing the potential of the Indian and South Asian travel markets to the world.”
National tourism organizations (NTOs) were well-represented, with exhibitors such as Atout France India, the German National Tourist Office, Visit Sarajevo, and many others sharing their unique offerings. Alongside them, international airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators such as Fiji Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and TravelLine displayed their latest products and services.
A Knowledge-Packed Conference
The ITB India Conference was a major highlight, offering an incredible knowledge exchange hub with over 120 industry thought leaders. Attendees were treated to 35 hours of insightful discussions across 80+ sessions. The conference was divided into three key theme tracks, covering MICE, corporate travel, leisure, and travel technology, all united by the motto “Connecting You to the Indian Travel Market.”
Prominent speakers from global brands such as Amadeus, Google, KAYAK, MakeMyTrip, and Thomas Cook (India) shared their expertise and visions for the future of travel. The exchange of ideas was not just educational but actionable, empowering attendees with strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.
Building Partnerships for Global Growth
ITB India’s strategic partnership with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce added further value to the event. Sonia Prashar, Deputy Director General of the Chamber, emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration: “ITB India is a powerful engine that drives the growth of the travel industry, fostering global partnerships and the adoption of best practices that can propel sustainable economic growth and development.”
As the event concluded, it was clear that ITB India 2023 had achieved its goal of not only reconnecting the global travel community but also laying the groundwork for an exciting, sustainable future for the travel industry in India and beyond. With the momentum generated from this live event, the stage is set for even greater success in the years to come.
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