The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is excited to share the news of India's role as the host for the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023. This grand event will unfold at the prestigious International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan. The gathering will unite travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and stakeholders, providing a platform to showcase India's rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings. This presents an excellent opportunity to exhibit India's allure to the world and strengthen ties in the travel and tourism sector.
The upcoming PATA Travel Mart 2023 is anticipated to play a crucial role in the global tourism landscape. It will serve as a catalyst for fostering collaboration, encouraging sustainable practices, and promoting cultural exchange among tourism professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. This event promises to bring diverse perspectives together, paving the way for a more interconnected and responsible tourism industry.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), established in 1951 and based in Bangkok, stands as a prominent non-profit association acknowledged globally for its influential role in fostering responsible growth within the travel and tourism sector across the Asia Pacific region. Among its significant events is the PATA Travel Mart, a key international trade exhibition vital for the tourism industry. This mart acts as a bridge for trade interactions, connecting global buyers and sellers, primarily from the Asia Pacific region. It's a gathering that brings together exhibitors and attendees from various sectors, providing a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration in the dynamic tourism landscape.
This year's event holds a diverse array of activities, adding to its allure. Highlights include the esteemed PATA Gold Award, the engaging PATA Youth Symposium, and the insightful PATA Forum on Sustainability, in addition to the essential B2B Mart. Taking place at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, this venue, inaugurated in September, is a recent jewel in India's exhibition landscape. Having hosted the G20 Leaders' Summit, it stands as a truly iconic space that has welcomed leaders from around the world, further enhancing the prestige of the event.
The success of this year's G20 Summit has firmly established India as a highly desirable destination for hosting major events and conferences. With its commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism initiatives, India is rapidly gaining prominence as the top choice for organizing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.
The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration reiterates the commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and recognizes tourism and culture's vital role in sustainable socio-economic development and overall prosperity. It highlights the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a significant strategy for achieving these SDGs.
Recently, on World Tourism Day (27th September), the Ministry of Tourism globally launched the Travel for LiFE sustainable program under Mission LiFE, encouraging responsible behaviour among tourists during their travels.
India's active participation at the PATA Travel Mart is noteworthy, showcasing a significant presence. The dedicated Indian pavilion at the mart promises an immersive experience, offering insights into a diverse range of destinations within the country, whether well-known or less explored. Various State Governments like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, along with key Ministries such as the Handlooms Development Commissioner, are setting up stands and stalls, presenting their respective products and attractions. This collective representation reflects India's commitment to showcasing its rich cultural and geographical tapestry to a global audience, encouraging tourism and fostering collaborations within the industry.
As an exclusive B2B Mart, this event holds immense potential in showcasing a wide array of thematic products to a global audience. From wellness and adventure to heritage, culinary delights, and art and craft, the mart offers a platform to highlight the diverse offerings of various Indian states. This includes everything from the tranquil world of wellness to the thrill of adventure, the richness of heritage, the flavours of diverse cuisines, and the artistic finesse of local crafts. By bringing these unique experiences to the forefront, the Mart plays a vital role in attracting global interest and fostering fruitful collaborations in the tourism industry.