Prospects galore for Indian tourism at WTM London 2016

“India’s diverse tourism offering is driving the continued increase in international arrivals” – Simon Press, WTM Senior Director

As the tourism stakeholders of the global travel industry gear up to meet, inspire and enhance travel business at the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM 2016) in London, India remains a key focus market for the organisers as well as the global participants in the event.

WTM London, unlike the previous editions, is a three-day event this year onward. Needless to mention that the Indian exhibitors must keep a tab on the scheme of things. Simon Press, the Senior Director of WTM London, in an exclusive interview with MIG,  emphasised upon the need for all participants to use the pre-event online connection tool, My Event and make contacts with exhibitors, visitors and media, and arrange onsite meetings.

At WTM this year, Indian key source markets such as USA, UK, France, China, Germany, Australia, Canada and Spain are expected to have a keen look at the growing outbound travel market as well as the inbound tourism diversities that India can offer. Graduating from the sponsors of the WTM Buyer’s Club, India is announced as the Premier Partner of the event this term. The country will aim at showcasing its diverse tourism products and invite sustainable long-term investments in the tourism sector apart from sharing a 360-degree space full of innovative information and path breaking ideas.

“The commitment of the Indian Government to tourism has grabbed my attention. In the last 18 months more than USD 300m has been invested in developing its tourism infrastructure around the country as it aims more than 13 million visitors a year by 2020,” exclaims Simon while discussing India’s roaring travel industry. “India is experiencing a 10% annual growth in foreign tourist arrivals, this year taking visitor numbers to a projected nine million in 2016,” he added.

While the Indian tourism industry is surging, the hospitality sector along with the aviation and travel technology industries are expecting to reap dividends as well. The investment friendly outlook of the Indian government in the recent times has turned the radar towards India as a potential market for the global leaders in these sectors. WTM London will serve as the podium for India to meet  all the leading hotel companies to accelerate the increase in accommodation capacity needed for the sector to continue its growth. Moreover, London will be the apt venue to meet the global airlines for increasing aviation capacity in the country.

­Tourism being one of the major drivers of employment in the country, along with being the most positive brand ambassador of the country’s diverse culture, the Indian government along with the participants from the private sectors should have a good plan before they step into the ExCeL London show floor. A day less means more value for time – a finer look at the event calendar and prior appointments are strongly recommended.

Press further elucidated WTM’s aim of putting together a huge array of thought-provoking and inspiring content along with taking a careful look at the contribution of the disruptions around the industry such as Airbnb. From technology to travel chronicles, from futuristic reports by experts to digital influencers, November in London will be an exciting prospect for the enterprising Indian travel professionals.

For the full interview of Simon Press, do visit us at WTM London and claim a copy of the special WTM issue of India & You.