25th Anniversary Editon of SATTE 2018

UBM INDIA, is all decked up to bring in the 25th anniversary edition of SATTE - South Asian Travel and Tourism exchange from January 31 to February 2, 2018 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This year SATTE comes at a very interesting juncture in the Indian economy, coinciding with the critical Union Budget.  “As we have the entire industry under one giant umbrella it will be vital to analyse, and build thought leadership on what this could mean for the Travel and tourism industry,” said Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India, in an exclusive conversation with BW Hotelier.

One of the key initiatives at SATTE 2018 is the conference programme that seeks to find out-of-the-box answers to trending topics such as how visa reforms influence touristic outcomes, how travel players can harness the potential of local experiences, and ways in which start-ups can be encouraged. “For the 25th edition, we have a special pavilion for start-ups that are disrupting the space as well as venture capital firms to provide seed investments for captivating ideas,” added Mudras.

The three day event will witness over 1000 participants with over 50 countries and 28 Indian states participating. Exhibitors such as China, Nepal, Peru, Czech Republic, Visit Russia, Gujarat Tourism, Rajasthan Tourism, Red Apple, Treebo Hotels, Europcar, Nafex, Guiddoo, Globe 360 DMC amongst others have increased their participation and stall size significantly. Moreover, Philippines and Bangladesh are coming back to SATTE 2018. Notably, Azerbaijan is the new entrant at SATTE’s 25th edition as informed by Mudras.

So, how does SATTE 2018 can ultimately create a drift in the Travel & Tourism sector? “SATTE 2018 in the T&T will propel the industry forward; the B2B travel market is significantly different today. The y-o-y increase has been immense since 2011 and the key really has been innovation. Its outreach and knowledge seminars seek to find out-of-the-box answers to trending topics. SATTE 2018 will witness several exciting partnerships and announcements that promise to augur new trends in the industry,” answered Mudras.

Mudras feels that the Government needs to have a 360 views and approach for the T&T industry. “For sure, we need better infrastructure, and safe, hygienic environment but that is not enough. Besides there is cut throat competition, and seen in the context of the fact that even a city like Barcelona, Spain welcomed 32 million tourists last year, a nimble strategy needs to be adopted to unleash the untapped potential of the T&T industry in India and meet growth targets,” he added.

Focusing on the fact that 81 per cent  of millennials and 79 per cent of Generation X value experiences more than material goods,  India should develop its value proposition in terms of offering visitors a plethora of experiences, sourcing from its vast natural, cultural and people reserves. With its pulse on vital trends in the industry, SATTE 2018 will present a conference on Niche Tourism: Harnessing the potential of local experiences.