Industry awaits 23rd edition of SATTE

NEW DELHI – UBM India will be hosting the 23rd edition of SATTE, South Asia’s leading travel trade show from 29-31 January 2016 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The show which is represented by over 750 exhibitors and participants from around 35+ countries and 27 Indian states will provide a platform to domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the travel, tourism and hospitality industry along with National and State Tourism Boards (NTOs and STOs) to congregate and conduct business, whilst promoting inbound, outbound and domestic tourism in India. The event is well supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
 

SATTE 2016 will see participation from State Tourism Boards including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, Gujarat, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Goa, J&K, Karnataka, Odisha and Rajasthan amongst others. Moreover, the eight North Eastern states will participate under the Incredible India Pavilion of Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.
 

Foreign Tourism Boards such as Brand USA, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Changi Airport (Singapore), Egypt, Mexico, Malaysia, Spain, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Israel, Thailand, Indonesia, Jordan, Turkey, Macau, Fiji, Bhutan, Cambodia, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Romania and Russia amongst others have confirmed their participation too. Representatives of Moscow Convention and Exhibition Centre and DMCs from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will also be present at SATTE.
 

SATTE 2016 has also seen a promising increase in involvement from hospitality players along with the support of international organisations and Indian travel trade associations. Apart from NTOs and State Tourism Boards, travel & hospitality companies, airlines, cruiseliners, DMCs, OTAs and tourism products will also join the event. SATTE works closely with renowned travel associations, organisations and media houses, keeping visitors and buyers at the show well-informed on trends and updates of the industry.
 

“It is needless to say that tourism is contributing to change the region for the good. Tourism means jobs, exports and economic growth. Tourism creates opportunities for small and medium-enterprises in charge of guaranteeing an innovative and diversified economy. Tourism supports the renewal of rural and urban areas and promotes a sense of community and ownership. Finally, tourism, if properly managed, is a central vehicle to preserve our natural and cultural heritage. It is with these ideas in mind that I commend SATTE for providing an indispensable platform for the global tourism and travel sector to network, exchange views and experiences and strengthen their business ties,” said Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in his message to SATTE.
 

Subhash Goyal, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators,  also lauds the support to SATTE. “The expectation of the government from the tour operators has increased and that is why it is important that organizations like SATTE are supported and all our members should participate in the buyers-sellers meet in large numbers, so that we are fully prepared for the boom in inbound tourism. During the last few years SATTE has given the India and global tour operators, hoteliers, state tourism boards, airlines etc. a unique opportunity to showcase their products to foreign and local buyers without having to go to international trade shows. This has resulted in saving a lot of foreign exchange for our members. Also, it has given an opportunity to foreign buyers to visit the destination after SATTE where they are keen to send their tourists and help to open up new destinations in India,” Goyal said.
 

Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM, said, “The present government’s focus reinstates the fact that the tourism is one of the most significant industries to contribute towards employment and revenue generation for our country. Being highlighted as a vital sector and post the announcement of visa on arrival to 113 countries in place and 37 more to be added by March 2016 to drive the inbound traffic, the industry is looking forward to a promising year. The same is being reflected through the huge surge amongst the industry players participating for SATTE 2016 edition.“
 

Like every year, a key feature of SATTE 2016 will be the conference programme on January 29 and 30, 2016 that promises industry discussions and sharing of new insights pertaining to the sector and industry best practices. Moreover, SATTE will host 6 panel discussions that will bring together stakeholders of the industry on a single platform, allowing exchange of ideas that will add value to Indian tourism at large. The panel discussion will include topics such as ‘The Relevance of Thematic Tourism Routes in Fostering Regional Collaboration and Prosperity’, ‘Make in India and Tourism’, ‘Niche Tourism in India: Challenges and Opportunities’, ‘Enhancing Air Connectivity and its Impact on the Growth in the Tourism Industry’, ‘India as a Focus for NTOs’ and ‘Integrated Online Marketing & Distribution Strategy to Enhance Business’ along with presentations by tourism boards.
 

SATTE 2015 recorded a participation of around 700 exhibitors and participants from 35 countries, 26 Indian states, airlines, DMCs, hotels and the entire gamut of travel, tourism and hospitality suppliers showcasing their products. The event received an increase in footfalls by over 42 percent with a record breaking number of 16,000+ visitors. The buyers included were spread across over 50 countries and 74+ Indian cities.