NEW DELHI, 29th AUGUST, 2024 (TGN)/ SPM– BLTM 2024, India’s leading show on Business + Leisure Travel & MICE, kicked off today at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. This edition marks a significant milestone, with the event doubling in size and featuring an impressive lineup of 500+ exhibitors from around the globe, including national tourism organisations, convention bureaus, Indian states, hotels and resorts, DMCs, tour operators and MICE agents etc., a record number of hosted buyers and over 10,000 trade visitors expected to visit the show.
The inauguration program of BLTM 2024 was graced by top dignitaries and key industry leaders. Attendees included H.E. Mr. Hul Seila, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia; Mr. Florian Sengstschmid, CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board; Mr. Krishantha Fernando, General Manager, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Mr. Alexander Sitnikov, Representative of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development; Mr. R K Suman, Regional Director, North, India Tourism and Mrs. Anjali Yadav, IAS, Director,
Ms. Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said “India’s travel and tourism industry stands as a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy, contributing 10% to the GDP and generating around USD 78 billion annually. By 2029, the industry is expected to create 53 million jobs and attract 30.5 million travelers, underscoring its significant growth potential. With projections to reach USD 253 billion by 2030, the sector is poised for immense growth. Outbound tourism from India is anticipated to hit 27 million travelers this year, mirroring pre-COVID levels, while the Travel & Tourism market in India is expected to generate USD 22.30 billion in 2024, growing to USD 34.11 billion by 2029.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media Ltd., said: “We are thrilled to see the increase in scale and scope of this year’s BLTM. It is more than double in size of last year, and has attracted exhibitors and buyers from across the globe. We are ready for BLTM to again double in size next year. It is the perfect meeting place for MICE, events and travel professionals.”
The ICRT India and the Subcontinent Awards 2024 will take place on Day 3, recognizing excellence in sustainable and responsible tourism. Hon’ble Shri Gajendra Singh Sekhawat, Minister of Tourism, Government of India, will grace the awards, emphasising the significance of sustainability in tourism and the support of the Ministry to BLTM. The Director General of India Tourism, Ms. Mugdha Sinha (IAS), Director General (Tourism) Ministry of Tourism will also attend the ceremony, along with key industry leaders, States Tourism Boards and NTOs.
