OTM 2024 Asia’s Largest Travel Trade Show starts with a bang

~ showcasing 1600+ exhibitors from 60 countries and 30+ States

The Voice of Chandigarh :

To marks the opening of OTM 2024, Asia’s leading travel show, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The show was inaugurated by H.E. Harin Fernando, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Land, Sports & Youth Affairs, Sri Lanka, H.E. Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister of Marketing, Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy, Indonesia, Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Government of Punjab,and many other dignitaries and diplomats from the global travel and tourism industry.

Widely recognized as the largest and most influential travel exhibition in the country, OTM 2024 sets the stage for an exceptional gathering, establishing new standards in the travel industry. The show’s size has grown by 50 percent compared to its 2023 edition.

At OTM over 35,000 industry professionals and buyers will connect with more than 1600 exhibitors from 60 countries and 30 Indian States & Union Territories. Over three days, from February 8th to 10th, OTM is showcasing a sold-out event, emphasizing a commitment to fostering quality networking and connection. The exhibition spans two separate floors of over 250,000 sq. ft, including 35 country pavilions.

There was a rush right from day one of the exhibition and the show floor was busy with B2B buyers and sellers meeting each other.

The recent geopolitical events have put India in a sweet spot as an economy in general and tourism market in particular. Indian tourists are the most sought after by international and domestic destinations alike. The competition to get their attention is evident at OTM.

Knowledge-sharing and networking events are also being organised on the sides of OTM. The inaugural program included thought provoking sessions and a CEO’s Lunch attended by a thousand senior persons from the travel trade.

The largest international pavilion at OTM 2024 is from Saudi Arabia, with Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Qatar, Bahrain, Morocco, the Maldives, and Azerbaijan following suit. Among the Indian States, Uttarakhand takes the lead in size, closely followed by Kerala, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and others. In the private sector, some of the most substantial pavilions are from Travel Boutique Online, followed by NEOM and Tripjack. (Complete list of participating countries at the end).

The OTM Forum, with its insightful panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses, offers a valuable opportunity to delve into essential trends and strategies shaping the tourism landscape. Over the three days, industry experts will share their insights, fostering meaningful partnerships within India’s thriving $50 billion travel market.

The thought-provoking inaugural session, titled ‘Is the World Ready for the Indian Traveller? – Tourism Boards’ Perspective,’ showcased invaluable insights from esteemed speakers, including H.E. Harin Fernando, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs, Sri Lanka; Philip Dickinson, Vice President of International Markets, Qatar Tourism; Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing, Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy, Indonesia. The session was moderated by Kamiya Jani, Founder of Curly Tales.

The success of OTM is attributed to strong support from industry associations and media partners. OTM 2024 aims to foster connections within the travel industry, offering a platform for exhibitors to engage with a diverse audience, including pre-qualified travel agents, tour operators, MICE & corporate buyers, wedding planners, and film, TV & OTT producers. The event hosts over 300 qualified trade buyers nationwide, showcasing its extensive reach.

Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media Ltd, expressed, “It is a matter of great satisfaction that travel & tourism sectors have come back with a bang in the recent years after a rather tough patch during the pandemic. This is reflected in the growth of OTM.“

Reflecting on OTM’s success, Agarwal noted, “In 2023, 98% of our exhibitors confirmed that OTM effectively connects them with their desired business audience. The event was voted not only as the leading travel trade show in India but also across all of Asia. OTM 2024 further cements this position, experiencing approximately a 50% growth in both area and revenues. The world-class facilities at the recently opened JWCC have significantly contributed to this success.“

OTM also highlights Mumbai’s significance as the gateway to India travel markets, the city itself retaining the position of top source market for domestic as well as outbound travel.