ITB India 2024 is set to be a landmark event for the travel industry, offering a platform for innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity. Scheduled from September 11-13, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the event will gather over 400 international exhibitors and 600 pre-qualified Indian and South Asian buyers. With more than 150 expert speakers and knowledge leaders, ITB India promises to be a comprehensive B2B tradeshow, showcasing the latest trends and technologies in the travel industry.
The event’s theme, “Future-Ready Travel: Embracing Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Connectivity,” is especially relevant in the context of the rapidly evolving South Asian travel market. As India’s travel expenditure is projected to reach $410 billion by 2030, ITB India 2024 aims to support and leverage this growth by highlighting innovative solutions and sustainable practices.
This year’s show promises a rich experience with a diverse lineup of top global exhibitors, including Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Visit Berlin, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, and Spain Tourism Board and so much more. Attendees will benefit from extensive networking opportunities through the Buyer Elite Programme and daily events, fostering meaningful interactions and business collaborations. The event’s comprehensive conference sessions will cover critical topics such as digital transformation, smart technology, and sustainable tourism. A strong emphasis on sustainability will be evident, as ITB India showcases sustainable travel solutions and promotes eco-friendly practices.
ArabiaTravelNews.com spoke to Joyce Wang, Executive Director of Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, who shared detailed insights about the upcoming event and its significance and what to expect at ITB India 2024.
Give us an overview on what visitors and exhibitors can expect to see at ITB India 2024?
Visitors and exhibitors at ITB India 2024 can look forward to a comprehensive B2B tradeshow featuring over 400 international exhibitors, more than 150 expert speakers and knowledge leaders presenting on the Knowledge Theatre and Travel Technology Showcase. The event is also expected to welcome over 600 pre-qualified Indian and South Asian outbound and domestic buyers.
ITB India, taking place from September 11-13 , 2024 at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, promises unparalleled business opportunities to the Indian and South Asian market. Participants will represent the MICE, Corporate, Leisure, and Travel Technology sectors, ensuring a diverse and dynamic environment for networking, learning, and forging strategic partnerships. ITB India is crucial in introducing the thriving Indian travel market to the world by providing a platform for businesses to engage with key decision-makers and influencers in the industry.
What is the objective behind the theme “Future-Ready Travel: Embracing Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Connectivity”? How relevant is it for the South Asian market?
The theme aims to address the evolving travel landscape by focusing on three critical aspects: innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.
This theme is highly relevant for the South Asian and India market, which is experiencing rapid growth and facing unique challenges related to environmental sustainability and technological advancements. By emphasizing these elements, ITB India 2024 aims to prepare the travel industry for future demands, promote sustainable practices, and enhance global connectivity. The theme underscores the importance of adapting to changing consumer expectations and leveraging new technologies to drive the industry forward.
What types of exhibitors can we expect to see this year?
Attendees at ITB India 2024 can expect to see a diverse range of exhibitors from various sectors including travel technology, MICE, leisure travel, and corporate travel. The event features top exhibitors such as Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Visit Berlin, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Spain Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Prince Hotels & Resorts, Uzbekistan Airways and more.
This diversity will provide attendees with a broad perspective on the latest trends, products, and services in the travel industry. The presence of new exhibitors and international counties representation highlights the event’s growing international reach and its importance as a global platform for the travel industry.
Can you describe some of the networking opportunities available for attendees and exhibitors?
This year ITB India 2024 will offer extensive networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful interactions and business collaborations. One of the key highlights is the Buyer Elite Programme, which includes over 20 top associations from the MICE, Corporate, and Leisure sectors having their meet-ups and meetings at ITB India. This program also ensures a 1:1 ratio of business matching between elite buyers and exhibitors, facilitating high-quality meetings and discussions.
Additionally, the event will host various daily networking luncheons, gala dinner, industry meetups, and social events where attendees can connect with peers, exchange ideas, and establish strategic partnerships. These opportunities are invaluable for building relationships and driving business growth in the dynamic Indian and South Asian travel markets.
Tell us more about the conference sessions, workshops, and seminars scheduled this year?
ITB India Conference 2024 will feature a comprehensive agenda of conference sessions, workshops, and seminars designed to provide attendees with valuable insights into the travel industry. Topics will include digital transformation in corporate travel, the impact of smart technology on hospitality, and emerging trends in leisure and adventure travel.
The conference will be divided into three main tracks: the Knowledge Theatre, MICE Show India, and Travel Tech India. Each track will host sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders who will share their perspectives on current challenges, future trends, and innovative solutions. These sessions will offer attendees actionable insights and practical strategies to navigate the evolving travel landscape.
Who are some of the keynote speakers that attendees should look forward to?
Attendees can look forward to an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and special guests. Keynote speakers are Vishal Suri, Managing Director of SOTC Travel Limited who will be covering the topic of Unravelling the India Travel Landscape of 2025 and Beyond; Sabina Chopra, Co-Founder & COO of Yatra, she will be providing insights on Reimagining Corporate Travel & MICE in South Asia. Confirmed speakers include Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director – India Subcontinent & Maldives at Agoda; Harshad Donde, Country Director, India at BCD Meetings & Events; and Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head – Global Business Travel at Thomas Cook India Limited. These industry leaders, along with others from companies like Booking.com, Cleartrip, and Expedia Group, will share their expertise on various travel and tourism topics. Their presentations will provide deep insights into industry trends, innovative practices, and strategies for growth and sustainability.
With India’s travel expenditure projected to reach $410 billion by 2030, how can ITB India plan to support and leverage this growth within the travel and tourism industry?
ITB India 2024 is strategically positioned to support and leverage this growth. The event will highlight innovative solutions and sustainable practices that can drive the industry forward. By bringing together key stakeholders from across the travel sector, ITB India will facilitate discussions on how to harness this growth for fostering innovation and sustainability.
Sessions will focus on the latest technologies, sustainable tourism practices, and strategies for tapping into the promising Indian travel market. The event aims to provide attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to capitalize on this significant growth opportunity.
What key travel and tourism trends are you highlighting at this year’s event?
This year we expect to see a rise in digital transformation, with a focus on how AI and smart technology are enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency. Another major trend is the increasing importance of sustainability, with more travelers seeking eco-friendly and socially responsible travel options.
ITB India Conference will also explore the growing demand for domestic travel, and personalized travel experiences, as consumers look for unique and tailored itineraries. By addressing these trends, ITB India aims to equip industry professionals with the insights and strategies needed to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
With the rapid advancements in travel technology, how will ITB India 2024 facilitate tech enhancements for the industry?
ITB India 2024 will delve into the rapid advancements in travel technology, focusing on innovations like AI integration, smart technology, and digital transformation tools that can significantly improve customer experience and operational efficiency. The Travel Tech India track will host sessions with leading experts who will discuss various aspects of the future of travel technology. Topics will include the influence of AI on travel planning and booking, the use of smart technology in hospitality, and the transformative potential of emerging technologies in the industry.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with the latest innovations through hands-on experiences. These showcases will feature presentations on AI-powered travel tools, smart technology applications in hospitality, and advancements in travel booking platforms. The event will serve as a platform for tech companies to exhibit their innovations and for participants to explore how these technologies can be integrated into their businesses, enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations, and driving growth.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the travel industry in India today, and how does ITB India address them?
The Indian travel industry faces several significant challenges, including infrastructure development, sustainability, and adapting to changing consumer expectations. ITB India 2024 addresses these challenges by bringing together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to share insights and solutions.
Sessions will focus on overcoming infrastructure barriers, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and leveraging technology to meet evolving consumer demands. By fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing, ITB India aims to provide the tools and strategies needed to tackle these challenges and drive the industry forward.
How do you see ITB India evolving over the next few years?
ITB India aims to grow by expanding its scope, attracting a wider range of international exhibitors, and hosting innovative discussions at its conference. The event plans to keep pace with the rapidly evolving travel market in India and South Asia by enhancing its offerings. This includes incorporating more interactive sessions, increasing the diversity of exhibitors, and placing a stronger emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
Our long-term vision for he show is to establish it as the leading travel trade show in the region. The event seeks to promote sustainable practices and encourage innovation within the industry. To achieve these objectives, ITB India will continuously adapt to market trends, integrating sustainable initiatives, broadening its international appeal, and showcasing advanced travel technologies. By offering a platform for industry leaders to exchange insights and collaborate, ITB India aspires to foster the growth and evolution of the travel industry in India and South Asia, ensuring it remains competitive and prepared for future challenges.
What specific strategies will the conference employ to address the pressing challenges of energy access and sustainability in the travel sector?
The conference will employ several strategies to address the pressing challenges of energy access and sustainability in the travel sector. These include showcasing sustainable travel solutions, hosting discussions on energy-efficient practices, and promoting eco-friendly technologies. Sessions will focus on practical steps that businesses can take to reduce their environmental footprint, such as adopting renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and promoting sustainable travel practices. By highlighting successful case studies and providing actionable insights, ITB India aims to inspire and empower attendees to make sustainable choices that benefit both the environment and their businesses.
How are you encouraging exhibitors and attendees to adopt more sustainable practices?
ITB India encourages exhibitors and attendees to adopt more sustainable practices by providing platforms for sharing best practices, offering incentives for sustainable innovations, and integrating sustainability into conference discussions. The event will feature sessions dedicated to sustainable tourism, where industry leaders will share their experiences and strategies for reducing environmental impact.
Additionally, ITB India may highlight exhibitors who have implemented successful sustainability initiatives, providing inspiration and practical examples for others to follow. By fostering a culture of sustainability, ITB India aims to drive the travel industry towards a more environmentally responsible future.
