About 91% of Indians, the highest among all countries surveyed, plan to book a dream vacation in 2022. International travel is gaining momentum again, and better than before – according to survey reports, Indians want to spend on foreign trips comparatively more in 2022 than in previous years.
According to reports, the Indian outbound tourism market is estimated to exceed US$42 billion by 2024 and US$45 billion by 2025. With a growing economy, a young population and a growing middle class, India is poised to become one of the most lucrative outbound tourism markets in the world. It is among the fastest growing markets globally, with around 80 million pass spending power levels, particularly in the middle class.
OTM Mumbai, the international mega travel fair that usually takes place in February, kicked off at the brand new premier venue, Jio World Convention Centre, BKC. Announced as a “booster” edition, this OTM is taking place for the second time in the same year to promote destinations that are now ready to host tourists in the rapidly normalizing post-pandemic phase. The first edition took place in March of this year and then there was a need for the second booster edition, particularly to accommodate those who were unable to attend at the time due to the aftermath of the pandemic.
This edition has an amazing turnout from countries like Saudi (Premium Partner Country), Russia, Qatar and Korea (Partner Countries), Mauritius (Focus Country) and Indonesia (Feature Country), who have set up colorful pavilions. Russia has separate pavilions from Moscow (partner destination), St. Petersburg (focus destination), Kaliningrad and Murmansk. Indian Pavilions of the Ministry of Tourism and the states of Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not far behind. There are more than 500 exhibitors from over 20 countries and as many Indian states on the exhibition floor.
During the three days of the fair, in addition to buying, selling and interacting on the exhibition floor, there will be interesting panel discussions and fireside chats, e.g. about the new world order of international tourism, new trends, destination weddings, hospitality industry, responsible tourism and many other interesting topics.
“The large participation from Saudi, Russia and Qatar is a testament to the possibility of innovation and diversification. Likewise, participation from Korea and Indonesia further adds to the quality as the other great destinations add to the diversity of the experience at the show floor,” noted Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman and CEO of Fairfest Media Ltd. (Organizer of the OTM).
The OTM’22 Special Booster Edition sets a new standard for Travel Shows in India in terms of quality of exhibitors, visitors, buyers and world-class infrastructure and services at the only world-class venue in India, comparable to any 5-star International venue! The 3-day event brings together international and domestic destinations including international tourism associations, national and state tourism associations, hotels and resorts, airlines, destination management companies, MICE, wedding planners and film producers under one roof with interesting ideas and strategies and the vision, travel and tourism to revive around the world.
The regular edition of OTM – the grand finale and India’s premier international travel fair – will return to Mumbai again in February 2023, directly to the Jio World Convention Centre. OTM Mumbai is the epicenter of quality exhibitions, sellers and buyers with never-before-seen pavilions showcasing destinations bringing together their travel suppliers, airlines and hospitality partners to network with the Indian travel industry.
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