INDIA. Delhi: The 28th edition of SATTE, South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange began on 24 March 2021 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR, and will continue till 26 March 2021. The expo is the first physical event by Informa Markets in the new normal – post-pandemic era and is organised with a comprehensive line of best practices & safety protocols. Sustainability, Niche, Domestic & Experiential Tourism take center stage in the new normal. Uttar Pradesh is the ‘Host State’ for SATTE 2021.
SATTE, South Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annual three-day B2B exhibition designed to bring together the key travel industry leaders in the region. It convenes Indian & International exhibitors and buyers to forge new partnerships and strengthen the business. SATTE stands as the internationally acclaimed travel and tourism exhibition across India. It is undeniably the most prestigious travel and tourism exhibition in India. It successfully showcases India’s tourism potential to the world by bringing the global tourism market to India.
SATTE 21 was inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr. Arvind Singh, Secretary – Tourism, Govt. of India along with other key dignitaries, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Maldives; Mr. M P Bezbaruah, Former Secretary – Tourism, Govt. of India and Secretary-General, Hotel Association of India; Mr. Maneck E. Davar, Chairman, Service Export Promotion Council, and Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Vice-Chairperson, FAITH, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India and Ms. Pallavi Mehra, Group Director, Informa Markets In India.
Speaking at the inauguration of SATTE, Mr. Arvind Singh, Secretary – Tourism, Govt. of India, mentioned that travel and tourism is the leading service industry of India and as per WTTC, contributed 6.8% of the total economy amounting to INR. 16,681 billion. It generated 39,82,18,000 jobs which translate to 8.0% of the total employment of the Indian economy. Mr. Singh also added, “India is emerging as a nation to look up to for several countries in terms of health infrastructure, we have already vaccinated 32 million people and would be continuing our efficient drive. Campaigns like, ‘Dekho Apna Desh,’ have been launched and have already organised more than 80 webinars. ‘Incredible India’ website has also been updated in multiple languages like Chinese and Arabic to facilitate a smooth flow of communication across multiple countries. Initiatives like SATHI (System of Awareness Training for Hospitality Industry), SWADESH, and the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Programme have been launched. We are positioning India as a center of Ayurveda, Yoga, Sidha, Naturopathy which will be boosting Wellness Tourism. Schemes have also been extended to wellness tourism service providers.”
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Addressing the gathering, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Maldives, said, “SATTE 2021 is a crucial way forward to move past the crisis, which will echo across the globe.” He also thanked the Indian Govt. for their support and Indian tourists for visiting the Maldives and playing an important role in making it the next-door travel destination. Dr. Mausoom added “Very soon the Maldives is all set to become the first country to initiate Vaccine Tourism called as “3V”- “Visit, Vaccinate and Vacation”; it will give travelers the option to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Maldives and promote it as a safe destination for tourists”
With the current international air travel restrictions, SATTE reoriented its strategy that is mainly focused on the domestic market along with select International destinations that have opened doors for tourists post the lockdown lift.
Alongside the expo, the SATTE 2021 conference is presenting a host of thought-provoking knowledge sessions. With the launch of the event in physical mode with all safety and health precautions, the expo has laid a concrete stepping stone for the travel and tourism industry to proceed towards a balanced recovery.
