Tag Archives: Rohit Hangal

Bengaluru hosts India International Travel Mart 2024

India’s leading travel media company, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions has organised the ‘India International Travel Mart’ (IITM) in Bengaluru from 26 – 28 July 2024 at the Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds.

The event was inaugurated by K. Lakshminarayanan, Tourism Minister, Govt. of Puducherry along with Dr. Rajendra KV, IAS, Director – Karnataka Tourism and Managing Director, KSTDC Ltd., Dr. Jayanta Kumar Ray, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Govt. of Puducherry, K. Muralidharan, Director of Tourism, Government of Puducherry, S. Syamaraju, President – South India Hotel and Restaurant Association and Karnataka Tourism Society, S Mahalingaiah, Chairman, IATO (Karnataka Chapter),Ayappa Somaiah, President, SKAL International Bengaluru, Mani Manimegalai – Vice President, SKAL International Bengaluru, Raminder Singh – Chairman, TAFI (Karnataka Chapter), Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions in the presence of other travel industry veterans.

This edition featured 600+ exhibitors from 20 Indian states and 15 international destinations, showcasing diverse travel options like pilgrimages, adventures, culture, wildlife, and more. From Indian rhinoceros to Rajasthan’s festivals to Karnataka’s heritage sites, the event enriches holiday choices. Emphasizing Karnataka’s tourism, it boosts the upcoming Mysuru Dasara Festival and promotes the state’s archaeology and culture.

As the world embraces sustainable practices, IITM takes strides to promote responsible tourism and wellness. The exhibition demonstrates eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism projects, and conservation efforts to protect India’s natural and cultural heritage. It encourages travellers to tread lightly and leave a positive footprint on the destinations they visit.

Commenting on this, Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere TravelMedia, said, “Welcome to the heart of innovation and collaboration in the travel industry. This exhibition is a gateway to shaping the future of travel through new opportunities and partnerships. Let’s explore new horizons, forge lasting connections, and inspire the world of travel. The B2B Tourism Exhibition celebrates collaboration, resilience, and excellence in the industry, bringing together top minds to pioneer sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and new partnerships. Together, we are creating a future where travel is connected, sustainable, and extraordinary, setting the stage for unprecedented growth and advancement in the industry.”

IITM to be held in 9 cities across India in 2024

As the global tourism industry is looking forward to 2024, Sphere Travel Media & Exhibitions has announced schedule of the India International Travel Mart (IITM).
Schedule of Events
• IITM Kochi: 19 – 21 January 2024
• IITM Kolkata: 1 – 3 March 2024
• IITM Ahmedabad: 15 – 17 March 2024
• IITM Chennai: 26 – 28 July 2024
• IITM Bangalore: 2 – 4 August 2024
• IITM Delhi: 20 – 22 September 2024
• IITM Mumbai: 18 – 20 October 2024
• IITM Pune: 29 November – 1 December 2024
• IITM Hyderabad: 6 – 8 December 2024
The IITM series of travel events provide opportunities for direct and face-to-face engagement with potential customers. This hands-on experience allows potential customers to better understand and appreciate the features and benefits of the offerings, leading to higher conversion rates and increased sales.
With this year’s edition of ‘IITM,’ Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions enters into its 25th year of providing the travel industry; a productive platform to showcase, network and do business.
With organisations and tourism boards from over 30 Indian states and over 25 countries, ‘India International Travel Mart’ will showcase a variety of destinations from different spheres such as international destinations, travel-technology products, niche travel verticals pilgrimages, adventures, culture & heritage, beaches, hills and many more.
The events for 2024 shall have over 1,500 participants from over 25 key tourism segments. The participants include Tourism destinations, Travel agents & Tour Operators, DMC, Hotels & Resorts, National Tourist Offices, Online Travel Portals, Adventure Tour Operators, Eco – Tourism activities, Travel Technology, Wedding Destinations etc.
Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia, said, “In recent years, the Indian outbound travel market has witnessed an unprecedented surge, transforming the nation into a formidable force in the global tourism landscape. Fuelled by rising affluence, a growing middle class, and increasing travel aspirations, Indian travellers are exploring the world like never before. This phenomenon has significant implications for destinations worldwide and offers exciting opportunities for the travel industry to cater to this burgeoning market”.
Highlights:
• This year ‘India International Travel Mart’ will see several new products in the Hospitality and Travel sphere being unveiled.
• IITM will unveil the IITM Travel Start-up forum at the IITM Events.
• The ‘India International Travel Mart’ provides an ideal ‘marketing opportunity’ and ‘excellent backdrop’ to enhance the participant’s ‘brand-equity’ in the eyes of the discerning travel-market.
• Boost for Domestic Tourism: Domestic Travel being India’s biggest travel segment, this year shall see participants from over 25 different tourism specialties from over 30 Indian states.
• The events are supported by all major associations such as ADTOI, ATOAI, IATO, TAAI, SKAL, ETAA, TOA, Karnataka Tourism Society, Travel and Tour Operators of Andhra Pradesh, Tour Operators Association of Telangana, Network of Indian MICE Agents, etc
Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia added “India’s domestic tourism industry has emerged as a significant driver of economic growth in recent years. With a diverse cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich tapestry of traditions, the country offers a myriad of travel experiences for its own citizens. As disposable incomes rise and travel becomes more accessible, Indians are increasingly exploring their own nation, boosting the domestic tourism sector, and generating substantial economic benefits. The base of over 500 million discerning domestic holidaymakers; it is a yearlong bankable market; no hospitality and travel organization can ignore”.