SATTE 2014 Calls for Synergies in the Travel & Tourism Industry

PR55686

NEW DELHI, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRN=KYODO JBN/ --

    Aviation, hospitality and travel industry heads discuss issues of

regulatory framework and policy

    VisitBritain announces Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UK and

Indian Trade Associations

    The second day of SATTE 2014, (scheduled till January 31st at Pragati

Maidan) reflected the primary focus of UBM India for SATTE - to establish India

as one of the most sought after tourism destinations on the global tourism map

by bringing all the stakeholders across the globe under one roof. The enhanced

buyer programme for SATTE 2014 offered an incentivised Pre-Scheduled

Appointments (PSAs) system that allowed buyers to schedule appointments

ensuring opportunities for international and regional senior level buyers to

source new destinations, travel products and services on the show floor.

    In accordance with the UK Government's agenda for India as a priority

market, VisitBritain today announced at SATTE 2014 a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) between UK and Indian Trade Associations (ETOA, TAAI, TAFI,

OTOA, UKinbound, OTOAI). This is the first MoU between UK and Indian trade

associations to enable a positive business environment for mutual national

travel industries and establish a framework to create programmes and address

issues.

    The SATTE India Conference featured industry leaders from the sector

address critical issues of regulatory framework and policy in focused

discussions, with themes including 'Tourism for National Development' and

'Inventing new approaches to forge a stronger partnership within the industry'.

Destination briefings on Maharashtra and West Bengal were held along with

discussions on 'Developing Innovative Partnership Model for Tourism in 2020'

and 'Evaluating India as an emerging MICE destination and factors driving the

corporate to host events in India'. Industry experts voiced opinions on the

need to evolve the industry ecosystem for increased profitability. Trends

emphasised included the

proliferation of technological advances, the rise of India and China as the

biggest tourist source markets globally, popularity of low cost carriers, and

growing awareness and demand for responsible and sustainable tourism. The event

also served as a platform to beseech policymakers to address industry issues

that require government participation.

    During his address, as part of the Buyer Briefing, Dr. Edward P. Dramberger,

Destination Dr Consulting, New York spoke of the buyer-seller dynamic,

including aspects and factors of business interactions that govern sales. He

also presented important marketing models for both buyers and sellers to

understand and amplify sales and market reach, and concluded with role-playing

exercises between buyers and sellers.

    During his Opening Remarks, Dilip Puri, MD, India and Regional VP South

Asia, Starwood Asia Pacific addressed the need for better technology in the

industry, and technology's role in upgrading India's undersupplied and

underutilised MICE sector. He also spoke about the government's need to address

the strategic importance of the tourism industry in creating jobs and overall

economic development. In the panel discussion that followed, Ajay Bakaya,

Executive Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts echoed the common industry

sentiment for the government to acknowledge and work towards showcasing

national beauty through better infrastructure and long-term tourism

development. Rahul Pandit, CEO, Lemon Tree Hotels spoke about the need to

promoting inclusive growth among stakeholders.

    Interested buyers made their way to vibrant stalls to browse destination

offerings. Colourful booths of Tourism Malaysia, Visit Britain, Tourism

Authority of Thailand, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing,

Turkish Tourism and Culture, States such as Odisha, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh,

among others, showcased the essence of their offerings, coupled with their rich

culture and heritage.

    About UBM India

    UBM India is India's #1 and South Asia's leading live media and events

company that engages people and enriches businesses. We provide the industry, a

platform that brings the world's buyers and sellers together through a

portfolio of exhibitions, content led conferences, seminars, tech media, live

events, data services and powerful media brands. Enabling trade across multiple

industry verticals, we host over 20 large scale exhibitions and over 60

conferences every year, across the country. UBM India, a UBM Asia Company, has

teams across Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. Owned by UBM plc, listed

on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is Asia's leading exhibition organizer

and the biggest

commercial organizer in mainland China, India and Malaysia. For further

details, please visit the UBM India website at http://www.ubmindia.in

    For more information please contact:

    Perfect Relations

    Divya Mehra

    +91-9811753523

    Tripti Sharma

    +91-9873271565

    SOURCE: SATTE 2014 and UBM India Pvt Ltd