ITB India Virtual 2021 wrapped up on a high note, marking its inaugural online event as a resounding success for the travel industry. Despite the challenges of not meeting face-to-face, this digital platform connected more than 400 buyers from MICE, corporate, and leisure sectors with 150 international sponsors and exhibitors, all eager to share their latest offerings. The event brought together travel industry leaders, offering new opportunities, insightful discussions, and plenty of inspiration for the future of travel.
Virtual Innovation Brings Global Connections
The event’s virtual nature didn’t hinder its ability to deliver results. With a fully interactive platform hosted on ITB Community in Asia, attendees were able to explore digital exhibition booths, attend live-streamed keynotes, and use intelligent matchmaking tools to set up business meetings. The numbers spoke for themselves—over 9,500 business appointments were made during the three-day event, showing that the virtual format was just as effective in building meaningful connections as an in-person event.
Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), commented on the success: “We’re thrilled with how well ITB India has been received by the industry. Even in these challenging times, it’s crucial to keep the global community connected and to continue building bridges to the Indian and South Asian markets.”
Rebuilding the Travel Industry: Thought-Leading Speakers and Sessions
The conference, themed Rebuilding Travel, featured over 60 sessions with 80+ leading speakers from international giants like Airbnb, Amadeus, Booking.com, Hilton, and SAP Concur. They shared strategies for rebuilding the travel sector with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Discussions covered a variety of topics—from MICE and corporate travel to the latest trends in leisure and travel technology. It was the perfect mix of practical solutions and visionary ideas, setting the stage for the travel industry to bounce back stronger than ever.
Destination Highlights and Saudi’s Special Role
The event also served as a showcase for global destinations, with exhibitors like the German National Tourist Office, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Visit Portugal, and the Korea Tourism Organization presenting their latest attractions. Special attention was given to Saudi Arabia, the Official Partner Country of ITB India 2021. Saudi’s participation highlighted the country’s growing presence in global tourism, focusing on its rich cultural heritage and authentic Arabian experiences.
Looking Ahead: ITB India 2022 to Return Live
Exciting news awaits for next year! ITB India 2022 is set to return as a live event in Mumbai from April 4-6, bringing the industry back to face-to-face meetings and networking. It promises to be an exciting opportunity for industry professionals to reconnect, share ideas, and create new partnerships in person. For exhibitors, early bird specials are already available, with discounts for rebooking booths and the added benefit of virtual branding.
The virtual success of ITB India 2021 has undoubtedly set the stage for an even brighter, more connected future for the travel industry.
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