New Delhi, August 30, 2024: BLTM 2024 kicked off at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. This edition marks a significant milestone, with the event doubling in size and featuring an impressive lineup of 500+ exhibitors from around the globe, including national tourism organisations, convention bureaus, Indian states, hotels and resorts, DMCs, tour operators and MICE agents etc., a record number of hosted buyers and over 10,000 trade visitors expected to visit the show.
With the India MICE Tourism Market projected to register a CAGR of 6% during 2024-2029, BLTM is undoubtedly the perfect platform for international and domestic suppliers to leverage this surge in the market by showcasing their best Bleisure and MICE offerings. The event has grown significantly compared to previous editions, both in scale and international presence, moving to a new venue giving a new dimension to the event, as the key travel trade show focussed on quality in Delhi.
Event Highlights:
- 500+ International and Domestic Exhibitors, including National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), Convention Bureaus (CVBs), State Tourism Boards, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), leading hotel chains, airlines and travel tech providers. BLTM 2024 has official participation from 5 National Tourism Organisations, the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and 7 State Tourism Boards are participating in this year’s edition.
- Over 10,000 pre-qualified trade visitors are joining the show.
- The Hosted Buyer program expanded to international markets this year, with over 50 buyers from Southeast Asia, the GCC, and Russia being hosted.
- Exclusive access to 150+ MICE planners, 100+ corporate buyers, 80+ wedding planners, and 50+ international buyers.
- Specialised content at the BLTM Forum with insights from SITE, NIMA, TIA, and PHDCCI, offering in-depth sessions and networking on trends, strategies, and market challenges.
- Two Exclusive WeddingSutra Engage sessions with renowned wedding planners joining panel discussions on Travel and Top Wedding Destinations – 2025; How to Get Couples to Say “I Do” at Your Venue.
A New Venue, A New Standard for MICE Events
This year, BLTM is being held at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi, one of the world’s largest MICE venues. Yashobhoomi offers unmatched infrastructure and services, elevating the overall experience for exhibitors and attendees. The 5-star facilities and expansive exhibit spaces have set the perfect stage for networking and conducting productive business meetings over the next three days.
The extensive line-up of exhibitors showcases a diverse range of MICE and business travel products and services, with participation from NTOs and CVBs such as Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Israel, Saint Petersburg, as well as Indian states including Goa, Odisha, Punjab, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Meghalaya. Featured Exhibitors include brands like Ottila International, Radisson Hotel Group, Ramoji Film City, Treat Hotels & Resorts, Paul John Resorts & Hotels, Ramee Group of Hotels, JTB Meetings & Events, Wimbledon Debenture Seating, Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau (HCVB) and many more, which have further enhanced the global appeal of the event. Exhibitors will have the chance to connect with over 10,000 travel trade professionals, including top travel agents, tour operators, corporate and MICE buyers, wedding and event planners, and many others from the business and travel community.
Inaugural Program and Key Industry Presence
The inauguration program of BLTM 2024 was graced by top dignitaries and key industry leaders. Attendees included H.E. Hul Seila, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia; Florian Sengstschmid, CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board; Krishantha Fernando, General Manager, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Alexander Sitnikov, Representative of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development; R K Suman, Regional Director, North, India Tourism and Anjali Yadav, IAS, Director, Jharkhand Tourism; and heads of associations.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony Florian Sengstschmid, CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board, said “In 2023, Azerbaijan welcomed 115,000 Indian travellers, a figure that surged to 140,000 in the first seven months of 2024, marking a 2.7-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth surpasses pre-COVID numbers, which were around 50,000-60,000 in 2019. Enhanced connectivity, including 11 weekly flights from Delhi and 3 from Mumbai to Baku, has been pivotal.”
He further added, “The visitor profile is diverse, with 60% being corporate travellers and 40% independent travellers, including a rise in destination weddings. Azerbaijan aims to attract 250,000 Indian visitors by the end of 2024, supported by streamlined e-visa processes and increased B2B and media activations. As a safe and versatile destination, it appeals to families, solo travellers, and adventure seekers.”
Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said “India’s travel and tourism industry stands as a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy, contributing 10% to the GDP and generating around USD 78 billion annually. By 2029, the industry is expected to create 53 million jobs and attract 30.5 million travellers, underscoring its significant growth potential. With projections to reach USD 253 billion by 2030, the sector is poised for immense growth. Outbound tourism from India is anticipated to hit 27 million travellers this year, mirroring pre-COVID levels, while the Travel & Tourism market in India is expected to generate USD 22.30 billion in 2024, growing to USD 34.11 billion by 2029.
Krishantha Fernando, General Manager, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, said “Between January and the first week of August 2024, Sri Lanka welcomed around 2.3 million visitors from India, continuing its status as the largest source market. Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of attractions, from beaches and wildlife to cultural experiences like the Ramayana trail. With 83 flights per week from India, we are focusing on the MICE and wedding segments, while also appealing to leisure travellers. Proximity, connectivity, and value for money are key factors drawing Indian tourists to Sri Lanka.”
Networking Opportunities
BLTM 2024 offers a range of thoughtfully curated B2B meetings, networking sessions, and interactive panel discussions ensuring maximum engagement between buyers and exhibitors.
Intimate networking opportunities continue to be a focus at BLTM, hosting impactful interactions between buyers and sellers, and providing invaluable opportunities to create new business relationships and close deals on the spot.
B2B Speed Networking
Sellers engage with MICE, corporate buyers and wedding planners in a fast-paced format, connecting with multiple top buyers in a short time. These introductions set the stage for ongoing business interactions throughout the event.
The BLTM Forum
The BLTM Forum serves as the knowledge-sharing hub of the event, where industry leaders and experts come together to discuss current trends and future directions in MICE and business travel. The Forum provides exhibitors and attendees a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve, gain actionable insights, and engage in peer-to-peer learning. For corporate buyers and planners, it offers an exclusive platform to sharpen strategies and learn from industry pioneers.
Day 1 started off with a unique panel discussion by SITE India, named ‘Innovations in Sustainable Event Design and Decor’. Next were two back-to-back exclusive sessions under WeddingSutra Engage talking about ‘Travel and Top Wedding Destinations – 2025’ and ‘How to get couples to say “I Do” at your venue’, where some of the pioneering minds behind the wedding industry shared insights and discussed upcoming trends. This was followed by the session ‘The Future of Corporate Travel: Trends and Innovations’ by PHDCCI, the Knowledge Partner of BLTM 2024, a collaboration that offered unparalleled networking prospects with leading international and domestic exhibitors specialising in MICE and corporate/business travel products from Europe, Asia, India and beyond.
As BLTM 2024 continues, the next two days promise a series of dynamic and insightful sessions tailored to the MICE and business travel sectors. Day 2 will feature a comprehensive MICE Workshop led by the Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), offering valuable strategies and insights. Following this, attendees will participate in a B2B Speed Networking Session, designed to facilitate targeted interactions between exhibitors and buyers. The day will conclude with an engaging program named “ReCharge!” by TIA.
The ICRT India and the Subcontinent Awards 2024 will take place on Day 3, recognizing excellence in sustainable and responsible tourism. Hon’ble Shri Gajendra Singh Sekhawat, Minister of Tourism, Government of India, will grace the awards, emphasising the significance of sustainability in tourism and the support of the Ministry to BLTM. The Director General of India Tourism, Mugdha Sinha (IAS), Director General (Tourism) Ministry of Tourism will also attend the ceremony, along with key industry leaders, States Tourism Boards and NTOs.
On the final day, BLTM will culminate with the prestigious Valedictory and Awards Function, celebrating exceptional achievements among exhibitors.
BLTM 2024 offers a platform for comprehensive knowledge exchange, high-level networking, and significant business opportunities, establishing itself as the leading event for MICE and corporate travel professionals in India.
Looking Forward to a Successful BLTM 2024
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media Ltd., said: “We are thrilled to see the increase in scale and scope of this year’s BLTM. It is more than double in size of last year, and has attracted exhibitors and buyers from across the globe. We are ready for BLTM to again double in size next year. It is the perfect meeting place for MICE, events and travel professionals.”
BLTM 2024 welcomes you to the largest gathering of business travel professionals and wishes you a successful three days of impactful business and growth.
Author: Jaun Shahi
Journalist, Sub-Editor, Travellers’ World Jaun is a soft-spoken and gentle soul who thrives as a Journalist with his exceptional observation skills and an eye for intricate details. He is a true multitasker who efficiently handles various tasks and always brings a professional approach to everything he does. His genuine team spirit makes him an integral part of the TW family, as he consistently collaborates and supports his colleagues.
