MUMBAI, 12 OCTOBER, 2023 (GPN):
Sphere Travel Media & Exhibitions, India’s leading travel media company, is delighted to announce the return of the India International Travel Mart (IITM) to the city of Mumbai. The event is currently underway from October 12th to October 14th, 2023, at the prestigious Nehru Centre in Worli.

Following successful editions in Bengaluru, Chennai, and New Delhi earlier in 2023, IITM has garnered considerable interest from the travel industry. With over 150 exhibitors representing various travel-trade organizations and tourism boards, IITM offers a remarkable experience, marking 23 years of connecting the travel industry and discerning consumers.

IITM is known for its diverse range of experiences, including pilgrimages, cultural heritage, pristine beaches, wildlife, and charming hill towns. With participants from 20 Indian states and more than ten overseas countries, the event showcases the potential of travel and tourism.

One significant focus of IITM is the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department. As the winter season approaches, J&K Tourism aims to showcase its offerings. In 2022, J&K Tourism welcomed 1.88 crore visitors, and this year, they’ve already hosted 1.33 crore visitors in just seven months. Travel trade groups in Maharashtra are actively supporting the promotion of MICE, GOLF, and FILM TOURISM in J&K, acknowledging the government’s support. This event is expected to boost tourism, the economy, and employment in the region.

IITM extends its significance by playing a pivotal role in marketing various destinations, shedding light on topics like archaeology, culture, heritage, wellness, and adventure. As the winter holidays approach, IITM offers a timely boost to the travel industry. It remains India’s most productive travel marketplace, providing networking opportunities for professionals in the travel and hospitality sectors.

IITM is committed to promoting responsible tourism and well-being, aligning with the global shift towards sustainability. The exhibition highlights environmentally friendly initiatives, community-based tourism ventures, and conservation activities aimed at preserving India’s natural and cultural heritage.

Rohit Hangal, Director of Sphere Travel Media, emphasized, “With the ongoing recovery of tourism and slower growth in International Arrivals in India, the ‘India International Travel Mart’ is the ideal event to provide impetus to the Indian domestic tourism industry. Tourism stakeholders from various states are actively marketing their products, making it the perfect platform for those seeking packages across different genres.”

Sanjay Hakhu, Director of Sphere Travel Media, added, “We are one of the most intriguing and productive countries for the travel industry, catering to both leisure and business travel. The event is expected to host over ten thousand visitors, with travel companies offering enticing packages to holiday hotspots around the world.”

 Highlights of the Event

– IITM returns to Mumbai, following successful editions in other Indian cities in 2023.

– Over 150 exhibitors from various travel-trade organizations and tourism boards participate.

– IITM showcases diverse travel experiences, including pilgrimages, cultural heritage, pristine beaches, wildlife, and hill towns.

– Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is a special focus, aiming to boost tourism in the region.

– The event highlights themes like archaeology, culture, heritage, wellness, and adventure.

– IITM promotes responsible tourism and sustainability.

– Over ten thousand visitors are expected to attend, with travel companies offering enticing packages to global destinations.

– Entry to the event is free for all visitors.

Karnataka Tourism proudly marked its presence at the IITM Mumbai 2023 from October 12th to 14th, 2023, with an impressive 150 -sq. mts exhibit at Nehru Centre, Worli Annie Besant Road. The prestigious event provided an ideal platform for the state to showcase its abundant heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse tourism potential to an enthusiastic and diverse audience.

The three-day event garnered an exceptional response from visitors, travel professionals, and industry experts; all enthralled by the abundance of Karnataka’s tourism offerings. The stand beautifully showcased the heritage architecture of Hoysaleswara Temple. Additionally, the branding prominently featured the heritage temples of Karnataka, all of which highlighted Karnataka’s temple heritage. The Karnataka Tourism stand at IITM Mumbai 2023 delivered an immersive experience, enticing visitors to delve into the rich heritage tapestry and embrace the wonders that Karnataka has to offer.

The Karnataka Tourism stand was visited by esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Rajesh Poddar – Chairman of Western Region, TAAI, Mr. Dharmendra Singh – Chairman, Western India- ADTOI, Mr. Burjis Mehta – President, SKAL International, and Mr. Tariq Hussain Naik – CEO, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism. They were presented with a bouquet during their visit to the Karnataka stand. The pavilion included various tourism service providers from Karnataka, such As AB Travels South India, Welwet Travel Pvt. Ltd. Rivido Hotels & Resorts LLP, Intersight Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., Aglaonema Resort and Spa, Coorg, Mysore International Travels Pvt. Ltd., Hotel VBR Grand Inn, Cintacor Island Resort (VHF Resort), SBIT Travels Pvt. Ltd., TGI Hotels & Resorts, The Quorum Hotel, Quality Holidays and Cars Pvt. Ltd., Holiday Monk, Karan Tourist, Vayu Travelcloth Pvt. Ltd., Hotel Golden Castle ( a unit of Arjuns Comforts Pvt. Ltd.), Niraa Wellness, Blue Bird Tours and Travels, Hotel Malligi Pvt. Ltd. and Ibni Spa Resort, further highlighting the comprehensive tourism experiences available.

Throughout the event, the Karnataka Tourism delegation actively engaged in profitable discussions with domestic tour operators, travel agents, and other key stakeholders. The primary objective was to reinforce existing partnerships and establish new collaborations, thereby bolstering tourism to the beautiful state of Karnataka.

Karnataka Tourism’s prominent presence at IITM Mumbai 2023 served as a testament to its unwavering commitment to showcasing the state’s extraordinary potential and captivating offerings. The event garnered an exceptional response, with numerous visitors and trade partners displaying a keen interest in Karnataka’s diverse tourism offerings. With its incredible diversity, Karnataka stands as a premier tourist destination throughout the year.

The resounding success of Karnataka’s participation at IITM Mumbai 2023 underscores the state’s tremendous potential in attracting tourists not only from Mumbai but also from beyond its borders. Karnataka continues to shine as an alluring gem in India’s tourism landscape, inviting travellers to discover the magic it holds within its boundaries.Ends