Summary:
- IITM Pune and Hyderabad hosted over 400 exhibitors from more than 15 countries.
- New-age travel experiences took center stage.
- Organizers highlighted strong domestic and outbound travel demand.
THE INDIA INTERNATIONAL Travel Mart conducted its Pune edition from Nov. 27 to 29 and Hyderabad edition from Dec. 4 to 6. The exhibitions brought together more than 400 exhibitors across tourism categories and 5,000 travel agents.
Both events collectively marked 25 years of IITM’s presence in the industry. The exhibitors included representation from over 15 countries including Malaysia, Nepal, Turkey, Kenya, Vietnam, Bhutan, Maldives and Botswana, according to IITM's statement.
Indian states such as Telangana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa also promoted destinations and products. Tourism Malaysia and Nepal Tourism Board participated as Partner Countries.
New-age travel experiences, including adventure, wellness and culinary tourism, took center stage, as reported by IITM. Hosted buyer programs from Nashik, Kolhapur and Aurangabad facilitated more than 10,000 one-on-one business meetings.
According to the statement, both events highlighted India’s rising travel demand, supported by economic expansion, higher disposable incomes and a rapidly growing middle class. Domestic tourism remained a key driver as travelers continued rediscovering destinations across India post-pandemic.
The Pune inauguration featured representatives from Nepal Tourism Board, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism, Pune Hoteliers Association, Skal International Pune, ADTOI, IATO Bihar and Travel Agents Association of Pune. The Hyderabad edition was inaugurated by Telangana Tourism officials along with leaders from Tourism Malaysia, Skal International, TAAI, APFCCI, IATO and TOAT.
"The Pune and Hyderabad editions of India International Travel Mart have reaffirmed our commitment to being the foremost platform for the travel and tourism industry in India,” said Rohit Hangal, Sphere TravelMedia’s director.
The statement also said that the Indian economy is still among the world's fastest-growing major economies. In contrast to a 9.1 percent increase in the previous fiscal year, India's GDP rose by 7.2 percent in the 2022–2023 fiscal year. According to IMF projections referenced in the release, India’s GDP growth is expected at 6.3 percent for FY24 and FY25.
“As we successfully conclude the Pune and Hyderabad editions, we are reminded of the resilience and creativity that define the travel industry,” said Sanjay Hakhu, Sphere TravelMedia’s director. “These events have not only facilitated meaningful business connections but also inspired new ideas in sustainable and experiential tourism.”
Earlier this year, Auro Hotels opened the India Cultural Corner at The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, offering a look into Indian stories for American families.
