Following a successful inaugural event, the second World Travel India (WTI) has been officially announced by organisers Kinex Log….
Following a successful inaugural event, the second World Travel India (WTI) has been officially announced by organisers Kinex Log. Scheduled to take place in New Delhi between 14 – 16 January 2005, the event will focus on India’s key markets, with special emphasis on European, Middle Eastern and African markets. This year the MICE sector will get special attention through a designated pavilion and focussed business sessions. The hosted visitor programme once again promises to bring selected representatives from state tourism boards, tour operators and other vendors together with overseas buyers in a pre- arranged appointment schedule.
The announcement was made to the travel industry at last month`s Arabian Travel Market to an audience of over 30 journalists and as many travel industry experts. The lively reception preceded the Indian tourism offices` own press briefing with both events confirming India as the world’s most dynamic travel market. Government statistics indicate that India will attract nearly 3 million visitors this year and over twice that number of outbound travellers.
Following the announcement in Dubai, WTI`s presence at INDABA, Southern Africa`s major inbound travel show, stimulated great interest. According to Richard Gayle, WTI`s project manager, “South African Tourism have stated that India is a target Market for 2005 and are considering a national presence at WTI2005: the show was particularly well received by provinces such as KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape.”
Following on from the success of the first show earlier this year in Mumbai, the organisers say that WTI 2005 will repeat the winning formula of a major exhibition together with networking opportunities and a series of business sessions. Dina MacDonald, Kinex Log`s Managing Director said that “the CEO`s conclave featuring a white paper from Dr Harsh Varma of the WTO proved very popular amongst delegates. We aim to arrange a similar event where senior members of the industry can discuss issues with government officials and regulators.”
An ongoing theme of the forum will be the issue of India`s acceptance of an open skies policy. “This debate may well be affected by recent Indian government elections so any opportunity to get close to the country`s regulators at an event like WTI becomes even more important.”
Ms MacDonald continued to explain “we chose to move the event to New Delhi as the city remains the capital of India’s tourism market with all main government ministries and tourism offices located there.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
