In a momentous announcement, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has revealed that India will play host to the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart in 2023. This prestigious event is set to take place at the impressive International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC), Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from October 4th to 6th, marking a significant return to in-person gatherings after a pandemic-induced hiatus of three years.
*PATA Travel Mart: A Beacon in the Tourism Industry*
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, headquartered in Bangkok, has earned global recognition as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering responsible travel and tourism development in the Asia Pacific region. The PATA Travel Mart stands out as a pivotal international trade exhibition within the tourism sector, serving as a pivotal platform for trade interactions between global buyers and sellers, predominantly from the Asia Pacific region.
This year’s event promises to be nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a plethora of activities, including the prestigious PATA Gold Award, the enlightening PATA Youth Symposium, the enlightening PATA Forum on Sustainability, in addition to the essential B2B Mart. Held at the newly inaugurated IECC, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, which recently hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit, this venue has firmly established India as a sought-after destination for large-scale events and conferences.
*India’s Rising Prominence in Sustainable Tourism*
India’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism activities has catapulted it into the limelight as a preferred destination for organizing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events. The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD) emphasized the pivotal role of tourism and culture in driving sustainable socio-economic development and economic prosperity. It also recognized the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Recently, the Ministry of Tourism marked World Tourism Day on September 27th by launching the sustainable Travel for LiFE program under the aegis of Mission LiFE. This program encourages tourists to adopt responsible behavior while traveling, aligning with the global shift towards environmentally conscious tourism practices.
*India’s Presence at the PATA Travel Mart*
India’s participation in the PATA Travel Mart is set to make a significant impact. A designated pavilion will immerse visitors in the diverse array of destinations across the country, ranging from well-known tourist hotspots to hidden gems. Notably, several Indian states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, along with relevant ministries like the Handlooms Development Commissioner, will be showcasing their products at stands and stalls. While the Mart primarily serves as a B2B platform, it will introduce a global audience to a rich tapestry of thematic products, including wellness, adventure, heritage, culinary delights, and traditional arts and crafts from different states.
The 2023 PATA Travel Mart in New Delhi holds the promise of revitalizing the tourism industry, fostering international collaboration, and showcasing India’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices. As the world reopens to travel, this event is set to play a pivotal role in reigniting the tourism sector’s growth and development on a global scale.