India to host PATA Travel Mart 2023 in Delhi

India is set to host the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Travel Mart at Pragati Maidan in Delhi from October 4-6, Union Ministry of Tourism said.

This marks the event’s return after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PATA Travel Mart 2023 will take place at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC), the same venue that hosted the recent G20 Summit from September 9-10.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), founded in 1951 and headquartered in Bangkok, is recognized globally for its role in the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Delhi event will bring together international tourism professionals and business stakeholders, offering a unique platform for networking, learning, and collaboration.

India will have a substantial presence at the mart, with a designated pavilion showcasing a wide range of known and lesser-known destinations. Several Indian states and ministries, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, will also showcase their products at the event.

Despite being a B2B mart, the event aims to present diverse thematic products such as wellness, adventure, heritage, culinary, and art and craft to a global audience. The PATA Travel Mart serves as a significant platform for trade interactions between global buyers and sellers, primarily from the Asia-Pacific region.

This year’s event will feature activities such as the PATA Gold Award, the PATA Youth Symposium, the PATA Forum on Sustainability, and the B2B Mart. India’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit has positioned the country as a desirable destination for large-scale events and conferences.

With its sustainable and inclusive tourism initiatives, India is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for organizing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.

The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration emphasized the vital role of tourism and culture in sustainable socio-economic development and economic prosperity. Additionally, the declaration acknowledged the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a means to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On World Tourism Day, observed on September 27, the Ministry of Tourism globally launched the Travel for LiFE program, promoting responsible behavior among tourists. This initiative, under the Mission LiFE, focuses on encouraging tourists to travel responsibly.(With inputs from PTI)