- .With 68% of Indians expected to travel domestically in 2022 itself, domestic tourism undoubtedly plays a major role in the country’s economy as well
- The contribution of tourism to the GDP of Gujarat was estimated to be around 10.2 percent of the state’s total gross domestic product in the year 2022, up from about five percent in 2015
- India’s leading show in Business, Leisure Travel and MICE – taking place on 10th & 11th September 2022 at the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi.
- OTM – the leading travel trade show in Asia-Pacific – being organised on 13th, 14th & 15th September 2022, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
- The coming months of 2022-2023 are expected to witness a boom in travel and tourism across India.
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, SEP 8
TTF Ahmedabad, the biggest travel trade show since the pandemic, concluded on Thursday on a high note, with a massive turnout of travel trade from Gujarat and Western India. This, together with the record 700+ exhibitors from 3 countries and 22 states, made this the biggest-ever TTF Ahmedabad.
The show announced loud and clear the post-pandemic rebound of domestic and international travel.
For decades, TTF has been the ultimate platform for the travel industry to meet, network and do business; and this year, it was no different. The importance of this show for the strong comeback of travel and tourism in India, post the pandemic, was evident by the turn-out at the show floor. More than 7,000 trade visitors thronged the show – a testimony to the significance of TTF in reviving the industry after two years of pandemic-related restrictions. The rush seen on the floor was overwhelming and augured well for the industry as a whole.
The coming months of 2022-2023 are expected to witness a boom in travel and tourism across India. As the Indian domestic travel market is notably among the most resilient markets globally, Outbound travel from India is also booming with pent-up demand, although there is a backlog in visa processing for many foreign countries.
With 68% of Indians expected to travel domestically in 2022 itself, domestic tourism undoubtedly plays a major role in the country’s economy as well. According to reports, domestic air passenger traffic grew by nearly 67% (year-on-year) to 5.72 crores during January-June 2022.
TTF has always recognised the Gujarat market for the value it brings to the industry – this year, it reinforced that the state is at once one of the most valuable tourism markets as well as destinations. According to reports, the contribution of tourism to the GDP of Gujarat was estimated to be around 10.2 percent of the state’s total gross domestic product in the year 2022, up from about five percent in 2015. Ahmedabad in particular has a significant contribution toward this growth.
Gujarat has also reaped benefits of revival in incoming tourists. Air passenger footfalls in Ahmedabad rose by 194% in the first quarter of 2022-2023. Around 21.2 lakh passengers including international and domestic travellers, transited through the city airport during the period of April-June alone. The hotel occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) across hotels in Ahmedabad is witnessing a significant increase due to increase in corporate activities and the upcoming wedding season. As per hoteliers, ADR has increased from a low of Rs 2,900 per room per night in April-May last year to as high as Rs 5,500 per room per night. Occupancy levels have increased to an average of 75 percent across all hotels.
Providing a gateway to access this huge and vibrant tourism market of Gujarat, TTF – India’s largest travel trade show network – was a well-timed show, right before the Diwali and winter vacation travel seasons ahead.
The show had the participation of states like Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh as Partner States. Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Tripura were also seen displaying their best as Feature States. Gujarat, the Host state showcased all its attractions, and offered its unparalleled support to the show. Private sector participants from all over India, from many states were also present at the show.
The show also had private exhibitors from several other states like Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Sikkim and West Bengal, comprising travel agents, tour operators, hospitality chains, DMCs, attractions etc.
TTF Ahmedabad had participation from abroad as well, including from Nepal, Turkey and UAE. Most of the states participated with delegations of tour operators and hoteliers, in appreciation of the unabated spirit of Indian travellers that kept thronging these destinations throughout the pandemic, as they remained open with necessary precautions in place.
India Tourism too had a key presence at the show, showcasing all their campaigns and programmes such as ‘Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, ‘Dekho Apna Desh’, ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
TTF Ahmedabad is followed by BLTM – India’s leading show in Business, Leisure Travel and MICE – taking place on 10th & 11th September 2022 at the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, and then OTM – the leading travel trade show in Asia-Pacific – being organised on 13th, 14th & 15th September 2022, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
