UBM India, launched the 25th anniversary edition of SATTE – South Asian Travel and Tourism exchange from January 31 to February 2, 2018 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This year, the exhibition has witnessed a tremendous response from the industry with participation from over 1,000 exhibitors and representation of over 50 countries and 28 Indian states. SATTE provided a comprehensive platform to domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the travel, tourism and hospitality industry along with National and State Tourism Boards (NTOs and STOs) to congregate and conduct business, arrive at solution-driven innovations to counteract economic uncertainties, and promote inbound, outbound and domestic tourism in India. This leading industry platform is also well-supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
SATTE continues to receive the support of international organizations and Indian travel trade associations such as World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) and IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI). The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB) is participated as an exhibitor at SATTE.
Spread over three days, SATTE 2018 witnessed several exciting partnerships and announcements that promise to augur in new trends in the industry. Visitors at the signature expo witnessed a number of features including a special pavilion of 10 start-ups and venture capital firms to provide seed investments for captivating ideas. There was a special “I Pledge” zone to inspire charity for noble cause. Another special attraction was an entertainment zone outside Hall No. 8 that played host to engaging contests and cultural performances while refreshments were being served to the visitors. Speaking at the 25th edition of SATTE, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, “A diverse country like India has a huge tourism potential. The industry is growing at an unprecedented pace with the urban middle class taking to every kind of travel – from conventional package tours to independent and off-beat itineraries. Low-cost airlines and higher disposable incomes have ensured that Indians are travelling more than ever before. The Indian tourism industry is the fastest growing among the G20 countries. Ease of access through online portals and hassle-free bookings and accessible pricing will play a pivotal role in ensuring that India’s travel sector grows to a US$48 billion market opportunity by 2020.”
“SATTE is perfectly placed to provide a most comprehensive industry platform and showcases the true potential of tourism for India and other countries, all under one roof. With this edition, SATTE will also achieve its Silver Jubilee milestone and on our part, we have pulled out all stops to celebrate it in a grand way. The ‘I am 25’ campaign brought various sectors of the industry together on the 25th of each month to celebrate 25 years of the show, and there’s plenty happening onsite as well. SATTE is also happy to engage its exhibitors and visitors to pledge for sustainable tourism under the unique I-Pledge scheme where they pledge to conserve natural reserve; respect and save wildlife; say no to plastic; dispose waste smartly and travel responsibly. We have already got over 22,000 pledges at last count,” he further added.
Speaking at the announcement, Mr. Pradip Lulla, Vice President, Travel Agents Federation of India, said, “While the T&T industry has seen a commendable growth, plenty could be done to enhance the overall figures and market reach, thereby increasing its vast potential. The outreach of the T&T could be furthered to include the masses. Tourism infrastructure in the country needs to be further developed with organized cooperation from the public and the government. In this context, SATTE, being the biggest exhibition in South Asia, has been a blessing for the industry of India. It provides an unmatched platform for small and medium travel agents to network with representatives from 50 countries and experience different offerings. I am delighted to see the positive impact SATTE has had on the tourism industry in India and hope the growth continues in an exponential manner.” As a pre-cursor to the expo, UBM India hosted the SATTE Awards 2018, the second edition of the awards. Slated on the evening of January 30th, the awards were an endeavour to recognize and celebrate the excellence, achievements and innovations of key stakeholders in the Travel and Tourism industry and will be based on transparent, authentic and genuine parameters, a philosophy which is imbibed in the values of SATTE.
