‘Domestic tourism backbone,’ say stakeholders; Chennai, Bengaluru Host Revival Editions of IITM

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | November 2, 2021 | News

Sphere Travelmedia and Exhibitions India International Travel Mart ITC Grand Chola, Chennai

Sphere Travelmedia and Exhibitions organised special tourism revival editions of India International Travel Mart at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai on 18 and 19 October 2021 and Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru on 22 and 23 October 2021.

Both the events were supported by India Tourism, which showcased diverse tourism segments such as pilgrimage travel, adventure, cultural pursuits and shopping tours.

The Chennai edition of IITM drew 100 participants from 10 Indian states while the Bengaluru edition saw 150 participants from 20 Indian states besides representation from Italy and Nepal.

The event showcased glimpses from the travel, tourism and hospitality industries covering a variety of destinations. Exhibitors included travel agents and tour operators, destination managers, hotels and resorts, national tourist organisations, cruises, airlines and online travel portals.

The Chennai edition was inaugurated by Minister for Tourism, Tamil Nadu, Dr M Mathiventhan while the Bengaluru edition was inaugurated by Anand Singh, Minister for Tourism, Ecology and Environment. Karnataka.

Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere TravelMedia, said, “India in spite of the present business environment is fast emerging as one of the most interesting and productive countries for the travel trade industry both for leisure and business travel. A combination of factors is responsible for the growth and demand of travel trends from India.”

Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia, observed that domestic travel is the backbone of India’s tourism portfolio, with an estimated 561 million visits. “This segment is probably only second to China in terms of sheer size. With the rapid economic development taking place in the country and availability of greater disposable income combined with affordable holiday packages, tourism in India is increasing steadily and acts as a catalyst for furthering the economic growth in view of its wide-ranging linkage effects and multiple impacts,” he said.