The virtual edition of the inaugural ITB India has kicked off successfully. The annual B2B trade show and conference will build the bridge to the Indian and South Asian travel markets over three days of networking, travel news and business opportunities. Over 400 Indian and South Asian buyers from MICE, Corporate Leisure and Travel Technology sectors, as well as 150 international sponsors and exhibitors are presenting their innovative products and services at ITB India 2021 Virtual.

Katrina Leung, Managing Director Messe Berlin (Singapore)

ITB India 2021 is an entirely virtual event hosted on ITB Community in Asia (ITB Community). “Staying in touch, sharing best practice ideas and negotiating business – in these difficult times the travel industry needs exchange more than ever” says Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of ITB India. “The virtual inaugural ITB India provides the ideal platform, giving key travel industry leaders and international exhibitors the opportunity to connect.” The online platform concentrates business, networking, content and news in one place. With its virtual show floor, video streaming and intelligent matchmaking tools, the platform offers the best opportunities for successful trade show results.

Saudi Tourism Authority is the Official Partner Country of ITB India and will showcase an array of current tourism offerings and destination highlights. Tourism is a strategic industry for the future of Saudi Arabia. The country is the world’s largest investor in sustainable tourism infrastructure and offerings. Projects such as the Red Sea and Amaala are setting new global standards in the development and management of tourism in harmony with the natural world.

Apart from the extensive and well curated conference programme, 150 international sponsors and exhibitors present their products and services on the virtual show floor. This includes National Tourism Organisations such as Belarus National Tourism Agency, Business Events Perth, German National Tourism Organisation, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Italian National Tourist Board, Korea Tourism Organization, Sarawak Tourism Board, Visit Finland, Visit Levi, Visit Portugal and Zagreb Tourist Board. Hospitality & Travel groups such as Avis India, NH Hotel Group, Royal Cliff Hotel Group and more are also exhibiting.

In addition to digital exhibition booths, ITB India’s state of art online platform also offers business matchmaking including chat and call functions for 1-to-1 business meetings. A supplier directory provides a comprehensive view of all suppliers, such as company profiles, product resources and downloadable articles.

The theme of this year’s ITB India Conference is “Rebuilding Travel”. The over 60-session themed agenda of the conference programme has been specially developed to help the travel industry reboot the Indian and South Asian travel industry through effective strategies for business sustainability. Industry experts will cover topics ranging from Travel Recovery across MICE, Corporate, Leisure and Travel Technology.

National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) across South Asia and worldwide will offer thoughts and insights on how the travel industry in their destinations and South Asia will change and grow in the wake of the pandemic. Participating destinations for NTOs’ and CVBs’ Talks include Abu Dhabi, AlUla, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Oman, Portugal, Ras Al Khaimah, Saudi Arabia, Sharjah, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Top speakers from the private sector include hotels like BWH Hotel Group, Hilton, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), IntelliStay Hotels, Lemon Tree Hotels, The Ashok, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as well as airlines like Air India Express.

Corporate travel experts from Amadeus, CWT, SAP Concur, SOTC Travel and Thomas Cook India share their insights and innovative ideas to get corporate people ready to travel again.

In order to rebuild travellers’ confidence, tech innovation will play a crucial role. ITB India 2021 Virtual will explore what innovations we will see next to bring even more changes and transformation to the Indian and South Asian markets including enhanced online experiences, seamless trip planning and more. Speakers from companies like Airbnb, GRNconnect.com and Yatra.com will share their insights.