SATTE charters growth path for Indian travel and tourism industry

NEW DELHI - SATTE's 2015 edition has successfully concluded in Delhi with over 650 participants from over 35 countries and 26 Indian states and more than 12 thousand visitors (42% increase over last year) over the three-day show. The show was validated as an industry platform with the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Girish Shankar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India amongst eminent ministers from across the globe, ambassadors and high commissioners of participating countries. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Incredible India and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), SATTE 2015 was well represented by Indian states and key travel associations from both the domestic and global industry.

Shri Girish Shankar, Additional Secretary - Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, highlighted that the government would soon be adding newer countries to the TVoA scheme. He also spoke at large about the joint efforts by the government working closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the utilisation of idle airstrips while road, rail and international connectivity would be smoothened. Apart from maintenance and beautification of pilgrim centres, the MoT has also been stressing on managing security as well. The government has launched a 24*7 Infoline-1363 (helpline number) which is currently available in two languages, soon to be accessible in 10 languages for wider reach. Furthermore, the government will also be upgrading the India Tourism website in the next six months with a new look and making it more user friendly. This not only strengthens the government's support to promoting and growing tourism but also reinforces the confidence of the government in its true potential.

Mr. Joji George, MD, UBM India, thanked the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Govt. of India; National Tourist Offices of various countries, State Tourism Boards, airlines, hotels, cruiseliners and other private players for their continued support and said that they aspire to come back with SATTE 2016 in a much bigger manner. He also said, "SATTE 2015 has witnessed tremendous appeal with the magnanimous response of the players, the buyers, launches by different tourism boards and the overall increase in visitors this year. Surely, this platform has been one which international and domestic players alike have taken well to. UBM India has successfully been able to play the role of a catalyst in promoting tourism in India."

Growing tourism market and popularity of SATTE
- SATTE 2015 saw participation from states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Lakshwadeep, Punjab, Chandigarh Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Odisha amongst others. Moreover, the eight North Eastern states were the part of the India Tourism pavilion. Shri Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister for Tourism & Culture, Govt. of Odisha highlighted International Air Connectivity between Odisha, North-eastern states and South Asia as a key driver to the growth of tourism in the state as well as increased prospects for maritime trade with countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam.
- International Tourism Boards included Abu Dhabi, Bhutan, Brand USA, Cambodia, Egypt, Fiji, Hong Kong, Israel, Macau, Malaysia, Japan, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Reunion Island, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Seychelles, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, VisitBritain, Gold Coast (Australia), New Zealand, Zagreb and Zambia amongst others. Additionally, travel & hospitality companies, DMCs, OTAs and tourism products/services companies also made their presence at the event.

First Timers and Comeback at SATTE 2015
- This year, international participants like the Philippines, which has recognised the Indian market as one of the most important contributors, participated at SATTE for the first time. Mr. Ramon Reyes Jimenez Jr., Tourism Secretary (Minister), Government of Philippines declared the intent of The Department of Tourism of Philippines of 2015 as the "Visit Philippines Year" for a boost in tourism of the country which will feature a calendar of events and an exciting mix of activities.
- Other international players like Swedavia-Sweden Airports, Mexico Tourism and Central Asia along with State Tourism boards like Bihar and Chandigarh have deployed SATTE as their platform of choice and have showcased themselves for the first time in the country.
- Rajasthan Tourism as well as Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces have also made a comeback this year further reinforcing SATTE's growing domestic and international appeal as well as popularity.
- This year also marked VisitBritain's second stand-alone participation at SATTE along with 14 UK travel trade suppliers; this is testimony to VisitBritiain's committment to strengthening links between British and Indian travel and tourism industries.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia