SATTE (South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange), South Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, has announced the introduction of its AI-Powered Visitor & Buyer Qualification Framework, making it among the first travel trade exhibitions in India to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance visitor qualification, buyer intelligence and business matchmaking.

As the business events industry evolves, exhibitors are increasingly looking beyond visitor numbers and focusing on meaningful business outcomes. Responding to this shift, SATTE has introduced an intelligent visitor qualification framework that will help create more relevant business connections and improve the overall quality of engagement across the exhibition.

The AI-powered framework intelligently analyses visitor profiles to better understand business relevance and buyer intent, enabling more meaningful exhibitor-buyer interactions while supporting a smarter, more personalised event experience.

Integrated with SATTE 365, the initiative extends the value of the exhibition beyond the show floor by enabling year-round engagement, stronger business networking and continuous relationship building across the travel ecosystem.

The introduction of the AI-powered framework reflects SATTE’s commitment to creating a more intelligent business ecosystem where technology enhances the quality of conversations, strengthens buyer relevance and enables exhibitors to maximise every business opportunity.

Rather than simply increasing visitor numbers, SATTE is focused on ensuring exhibitors meet the right people, engage in more meaningful conversations and generate stronger commercial outcomes.

Pallavi Mehra, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India, said:

“For over three decades, SATTE has connected the global travel industry with the Indian market. As our industry evolves, our responsibility is to continuously enhance the value we deliver to exhibitors and buyers. This AI-powered initiative reflects our commitment to creating a smarter marketplace where every business interaction is more relevant, more meaningful and more valuable.”

As SATTE enters its 34th year, it continues to redefine how the global travel industry connects, collaborates and grows. The introduction of AI-powered visitor intelligence is another step in SATTE’s journey towards becoming a more intelligent, data-driven and business-focused marketplace that delivers value before, during and after the exhibition.

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The anniversary celebration witnessed participation from over 120 industry professionals, including members who travelled from locations as far as 1,000 kilometres to attend the event. This strong turnout reflected the association’s expanding national footprint and the increasing relevance of its platform for meaningful industry engagement and collaboration.

The evening was graced by several eminent dignitaries and senior industry representatives, including Mr. Subhash Goyal, Chief Patron – GAEHP and Chairman, STIC Group; Ms. Samanda, Additional Director – Tourism & Culture, FICCI; and Dr. R. K. Suman, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Tourism. Their presence added further significance to the occasion, reaffirming the association’s growing standing within the broader tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

Addressing members and guests, Mr. Rajesh Arya, President – GAEHP, reflected on the association’s journey over the past year. He said,
“GAEHP was established with the objective of creating a collaborative, credible, and inclusive platform for professionals across events, travel, and hospitality. The encouraging response we have received within our very first year—both in terms of participation and membership growth—clearly reinforces the industry’s need for a unified voice and shared platform.”

Highlighting the association’s progress and momentum, Mr. Pranav Bansal, General Secretary – GAEHP, added,
“In less than one year, GAEHP’s membership has grown to nearly 350 professionals, representing a diverse mix of stakeholders including travel agents, tour operators, hotels, event organisers, destination management companies, and allied service providers. This milestone reflects the trust the industry has placed in GAEHP and motivates us to further strengthen our initiatives and outreach.”

The anniversary networking evening provided a focused and structured environment for professional interaction, enabling senior decision-makers and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore collaboration opportunities, and strengthen long-term professional relationships. The event also acknowledged the valuable support extended by members, partners, and sponsors, whose contributions have played a key role in the association’s steady growth.

Over the past year, GAEHP has actively worked towards fostering collaboration across industry verticals, encouraging knowledge exchange, and addressing common challenges faced by professionals in the events and hospitality sectors. With an emphasis on inclusivity, professional development, and collective growth, the association aims to serve as a bridge between industry stakeholders and policymakers.

As GAEHP enters its second year, the association remains committed to expanding its national presence, strengthening industry dialogue, and promoting sustainable growth across the events and hospitality ecosystem in India and beyond.

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Inaugurating the event as Chief Guest, Shri Om Birla highlighted that the Hadoti region offers a rare confluence of heritage, natural beauty, and cultural richness, presenting immense untapped tourism potential. He extended a warm welcome to travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, investors, and tourism stakeholders from across the country who had gathered to explore and experience the region’s diverse offerings.

Addressing the gathering, the Member of Parliament from Kota emphasised that Hadoti is home to magnificent forts, historic stepwells, architectural marvels, wildlife landscapes, and important religious sites, making it capable of attracting both domestic and international travellers. He specifically referenced key attractions such as the Chambal River Front and River Safari, Taragarh Fort in Bundi, Gagron Fort, and Shahabad Fort, noting that these landmarks have the potential to emerge as flagship tourism attractions.

Stressing the importance of sustained promotion, Shri Birla underlined that platforms like the Kota Hadoti Travel Mart play a pivotal role in ensuring continuous visibility, infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement. He advocated for the Travel Mart to be organised annually to firmly establish Hadoti as a standalone destination of national and international significance.

Repositioning Hadoti as a Prime Tourism Circuit

The Travel Mart aims to reposition Hadoti—encompassing Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, and Baran—as an independent tourism circuit rather than a peripheral extension of Rajasthan’s more established destinations. Despite its wealth of heritage, wildlife, art forms, and living traditions, the region has remained relatively under-explored, a gap the Travel Mart seeks to address.

Held over three days at Art Hill and Riverfront, Kota, KHTM 2026 featured a comprehensive programme including B2B exhibitions, curated networking sessions, destination experiences, heritage walks, cultural performances, and networking dinners, creating a dynamic platform for meaningful engagement between the travel trade, investors, and destination storytellers.

Strong Trade Participation and High-Level Support

The maiden edition of the Hadoti Travel Mart, held from January 2 to 4, 2026, marked a major milestone in regional tourism promotion. Led by the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan – Kota Division, with support from the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the event hosted over 450 tour operators, travel professionals, media representatives, and influencers from across the country.
The inaugural ceremony at Shaurya Ghat, on the banks of the Chambal River, also witnessed the unveiling of a souvenir booklet titled Magical Hadoti by Shri Om Birla, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the Kota skyline.

A structured B2B Travel Mart, conducted on January 3 and 4 at Art Hill – Oxyzone City Park, facilitated focused business interactions between buyers and sellers. The B2B sessions were inaugurated by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Smt. Diya Kumari, who lit the traditional lamp in the presence of Shri Illyaraj Singh of Kota, senior office bearers of the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan, and representatives from allied organisations.

Event Highlights and Way Forward

The Kota Hadoti Travel Mart 2026 concluded on a high note, fostering meaningful dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and opening new avenues for tourism growth. The closing ceremony was graced by Shri Om Birla and the Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Shri Onkar Singh Lakhawat, Chairman of the Dharohar Vikas Pradhikaran, and other senior dignitaries.

With strong institutional backing and growing industry participation, the Kota Hadoti Travel Mart 2026 stands as a decisive step towards sustainable tourism development, long-term destination branding, and global recognition for the Hadoti region.

Acknowledging the Organising Team

The successful planning and execution of the Kota Hadoti Travel Mart 2026 were made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan – Kota Division. Under the leadership of Shri Ashok Maheshwari, President, with strategic support from Shri Sandeep Padia, General Secretary, and seamless coordination by Shri Anil Mundra, Co-ordinator, the organising team ensured a professionally managed and impactful event. Their collective commitment and organisational excellence played a key role in establishing KHTM 2026 as a landmark tourism initiative for the Hadoti region.

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The event witnessed the participation of over 100 OTOAI members along with leading industry professionals, creating a vibrant platform for networking, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue within the outbound tourism sector.

The evening received tremendous support from the teams of Qantas Airways — represented by Kunal Dewan and My Partner by MakeMyTrip, represented by Amit Shukla. Their presence underscored the importance of strong industry collaborations in promoting outbound travel and tourism.

Speaking on the occasion, Himanshu Kesari Patil, President, OTOAI, emphasized the association’s continuous efforts to empower members and strengthen industry relationships through such interactive initiatives.

“We are delighted to host this Members Meet in partnership with Qantas Airways and My Partner by MakeMyTrip. Events like these not only create valuable networking opportunities but also encourage meaningful discussions that contribute to the growth of outbound tourism,” said Mr. Patil.

The event brought together OTOAI EC Members, industry leaders, and travel trade experts, reflecting the association’s ongoing commitment to fostering unity, professional excellence, and innovation within the travel community.

Adding to the evening’s charm, exclusive giveaways were presented to OTOAI members by Kazin DMC, Accor Hotels, and Indo Bangkok, making the event even more memorable for all attendees.

The evening concluded with an engaging networking dinner, celebrating collaboration, growth, and shared success in the outbound tourism sector.

As OTOAI continues to champion the interests of India’s outbound travel community, such initiatives reaffirm its dedication to promoting innovation and partnerships that strengthen India’s global tourism footprint.

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The event was graced by eminent leaders of the travel trade, including Subhash Goyal, Rajiv Mehra, Rajnish Kaistha along with the Personal Assistant to Shri Manoj Tiwari, Hon’ble Member of Parliament. Their presence and blessings added prestige and inspiration to the occasion.

The celebration brought together top travel agents from the NCR region, creating a perfect platform for networking and business opportunities. With 20+ premium exhibitors showcasing their offerings, participants experienced high-quality face-to-face interactions, strengthening professional ties and future collaborations.

The event received wide attention and was covered by more than 10 leading media platforms, further amplifying its impact across the industry.

The day ended on a high note with an electrifying live performance by celebrity singer Vishal Srivastav, adding a spirit of joy and festivity to the professional networking environment.

The organizers expressed gratitude to all partners, exhibitors, and attendees for making the event a resounding success. The celebration truly embodied the theme of World Tourism Day—uniting professionals, strengthening bonds, and celebrating tourism as a force of growth and friendship.

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The newly elected leadership brings together experienced professionals with a proven track record in the travel business, representing a diverse mix of perspectives to guide the industry at a time of transformation. The new team is as follows:

President: Abbas Moiz
Vice President: Anil Kalsi
National General Secretary: Hitank Shah
Treasurer: Rai Achal Krishna
Managing Committee Members:

• Jitul Mehta
• Paulose Mathew
• Sunil Uttam
• Khushvinder Sarna
• A Bright Manohar

In addition, Ajay Prakash will continue to serve as the Immediate Past President, ensuring continuity of leadership and guidance for the new team.

As per the bye-laws of TAFI, four additional members were co-opted at the first Managing Committee meeting held on the same day. They are:

• Shamim Shah
• Ronak Shah
• Sumita Kashyap
• Shailendra Khare

Speaking on behalf of the new team, President, Abbas Moiz expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and outlined a vision for the future. “It is an honor to take on this responsibility at such a dynamic time for the travel and tourism sector. Our focus will be on strengthening industry partnerships, advocating policy reforms, embracing digital transformation, and creating sustainable opportunities for travel agents across India,” he said.

With the global tourism industry rebounding strongly, TAFI’s leadership is committed to ensuring that Indian travel agents remain competitive in an increasingly digital and globalized marketplace. The organization will continue to focus on policy advocacy, collaboration with airlines and hospitality partners, skill development, and the adoption of technology across the trade.

Founded with the mission to unify travel agents and amplify their collective voice, TAFI today represents over 1,400 member companies across India. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Federation continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of travel by addressing industry concerns, creating training and networking opportunities, and fostering cooperation with both domestic and international stakeholders.

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Landmark Event for Odisha and the Eastern Region

For Odisha and the Eastern Region, the convention was a landmark event. Dr. J.K. Mohanty, Chairman of IATO’s Eastern Region and CMD of Swosti Group, underlined the convention’s significance in showcasing Odisha’s unique tourism potential. He highlighted the opportunity to spotlight the state’s diverse offerings, from heritage temples and pristine coastlines to tribal and Buddhist tourism circuits. The presence of national and international delegates was an unprecedented chance to enhance the state’s visibility, attract inbound tourism, and stimulate infrastructure growth and policy focus. Dr. Mohanty noted that the convention would likely lead to a clear roadmap for promoting Eastern India as an integrated inbound circuit, with Odisha as its cultural and spiritual anchor.

Mohanty also acknowledged the gradual recovery of inbound tourism in Odisha post-pandemic, citing a rebound in interest from both domestic and international travellers, particularly in the heritage and eco-tourism segments. However, he pointed out a significant challenge: the lack of direct international air connectivity to Bhubaneswar, which limits access for global travellers. To address this, he stressed the need for enhanced international marketing, strategic airline partnerships, and curated experiential tourism packages. He stated that the Eastern Region chapter, in collaboration with the Odisha Tourism Department, has been conducting annual conclaves to highlight the needs and potential of the state’s tourism sector and advocate for more flight connections. The Swosti Group, he added, played a crucial role in the convention’s success, actively supporting logistics, hospitality, and coordination to ensure a seamless experience for delegates while also showcasing its commitment to expanding its own luxury and eco-tourism offerings in the state.

Northern Region’s Perspective: Resilience amidst External Disruptions

Sunil Gupta, Chairman of IATO’s Northern Region, described the convention as a vital platform for knowledge-sharing and policy advocacy. He said that the discussions at the convention will help shape strategies for the Northern Region, a hub of iconic Indian destinations, to revive and grow inbound tourism through better connectivity, infrastructure, and collaborative promotions.

Gupta added that while the Northern Region continues to attract a healthy share of inbound visitors, it has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. He highlighted the resilience of the sector, but also the sensitivity of inbound tourism to external disruptions like geopolitical tensions and natural disasters. He pointed to the proactive engagement of state tourism boards in international marts and global marketing campaigns. Key challenges, he said, remain inconsistent infrastructure, limited direct international air connectivity, and insufficient destination marketing abroad. He stressed the need for a more unified national promotional campaign and streamlined visa policies. He also shared a recent initiative by the Jammu & Kashmir chapter, where an IATO delegation visited Srinagar and Pahalgam to reassure the industry and public about the return to normalcy following an incident, an effort aimed at rebuilding confidence among both trade partners and travellers.

Western Region’s View: Addressing Stagnation and Safety Concerns

From the Western Region, Chairman Himanshu Agashiwala saw the convention as a crucial platform for dialogue between the private sector and government. He emphasized that the exchange of ideas would foster growth and quality work. He also highlighted the opportunity for tour operators from across India to interact and learn about the tourism potential of the Western Region.

Agashiwala said that the current state of inbound tourism in the Western Region is stagnant, though he noted some positive signs. Goa, he said, has shown a good tourist arrival rate, and Gujarat has a steady flow of NRIs. However, he expressed concern about Maharashtra, which he believes is lagging behind due to a lack of proper publicity and collaboration with the right partners like IATO. He also pointed out that Madhya Pradesh is making strides by boosting its pilgrimage sector. The main challenges, he asserted, are consistent issues with infrastructure development, and most importantly, safety concerns, particularly regarding women’s safety and geopolitical issues. He urged for concrete measures to curb such incidents and for the media to avoid spreading bad publicity. He mentioned recent initiatives by Maharashtra Tourism to promote inbound tourism by inviting agents to local festivals and planning to increase the number of tourism guides.

Southern Region’s Strategy: Unifying States for Seamless Travel

Pandian K, Chairman of IATO’s Southern Region, stated that the Puri convention has ignited meaningful discussions on policy reforms, sustainable tourism, and infrastructure development. He believes these discussions would lead to actionable strategies and government engagement, particularly benefiting the Southern Region, which has high potential but needs greater exposure. Pandian also sees the convention as a way to open doors to new business collaborations and increase visibility for lesser-known destinations.

Pandian informed that inbound tourism in the Southern Region is gradually recovering but has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, with challenges like visa delays and global economic factors affecting volumes. He noted that niche segments like spiritual tourism and Ayurveda are gaining attention. He highlighted a key challenge for the region: the lack of coordination between Indian states. He stressed the importance of tourism secretaries and administrators from different states periodically coming together to align on shared goals and operational practices. He cited the ‘One India One Permit’ policy as a progressive step that, if uniformly adopted, would significantly ease travel. He stated that his chapter actively holds regular meetings to discuss challenges, exchange market insights, and represent South India’s potential at national conventions and expos.

Imperative of Collective Action

A clear and unified message emerged from across all regions: India’s inbound tourism, while showing signs of recovery, has a long road ahead to reach and surpass pre-pandemic levels. The common challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure, limited international air connectivity, safety perceptions, and a lack of cohesive, well-funded national marketing. The convention in Puri served to reinforce the critical need for greater collaboration between the government and private stakeholders, policy-level alignment among states, and a focused, unified approach to promoting ‘Brand India’ on the global stage. As the industry looks toward a more prosperous future, the outcomes and connections forged at this convention are expected to pave the way for a rejuvenated and more resilient inbound tourism sector across the entire nation.

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The program began with a warm welcome and a sumptuous lunch, followed by a guided museum tour led by Sanjay Kaushik, who shared in-depth insights about the museum’s technological marvels. Attendees were fascinated by the use of 85 high-definition projectors and a state-of-the-art air-conditioning system designed to maintain different temperatures across sections to preserve artifacts and enhance the viewing experience.

The highlight of the tour was the dark ride, showcasing key milestones of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life, along with rare historical documents and an immersive 13D technology demonstration depicting his military strategies.

The event concluded with high tea, where members engaged in meaningful interactions, exchanging ideas and feedback on this enriching cultural experience.

Sanjay Kaushik expressed his gratitude to GAEHP for facilitating this initiative, while GAEHP reaffirmed its commitment to curating unique and educational experiences for its members and partners.

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As the sun sets on the Bay of Bengal, a new dawn is breaking for Odisha’s tourism and hospitality sector. The industry is buzzing with excitement as it plays host to the 40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri, a landmark event poised to strengthen the state’s position on the global tourism map. At the heart of this momentous occasion is Dr. J. K. Mohanty, MHCIMA, a towering figure in the sector, who serves as Chairman and Managing Director of Swosti Group and Chairman of IATO’s Eastern Region. A Lifetime Chairman of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha and Honorary Secretary of the Hotel Association of India, Dr. Mohanty is an unwavering advocate for the state’s tourism potential. In an exclusive interview, he shares his vision for a vibrant, accessible, and globally recognized Odisha.

Landmark Moment for Odisha

The 40th IATO Convention, held in Puri from August 22–25, 2025, is more than just a gathering; it is a strategic opportunity to place Odisha in the international spotlight. Dr. Mohanty emphasized that the convention has brought together national and international tour operators, Destination Management Companies, and policymakers. “It presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Odisha’s unique offerings, from its heritage, temples, and coastline to tribal and Buddhist tourism circuits,” he explains.

This direct exposure is expected to have a cascading effect in terms of enhancing visibility, attracting greater inbound tourism, and spurring critical investments in infrastructure. The convention is not merely about showcasing monuments; it is about presenting Odisha as a holistic destination, endowed with heritage, nature, and spirituality.

Charting a New Roadmap for Inbound Tourism

The convention’s discussions are designed to address both challenges and opportunities in reviving inbound tourism, especially in the lesser-explored Eastern Region. Key themes include air connectivity, international branding, visa facilitation, digital marketing, and progressive state-level policies.

Dr. Mohanty foresees a roadmap that positions Eastern India as a cohesive inbound circuit with Odisha at its core. This collaborative approach, uniting private stakeholders and government bodies, is essential for inclusive, sustainable growth. The convention serves as a catalyst for these dialogues, pushing for actionable solutions to help the region thrive.

Road to Inbound Recovery: Progress and Challenges

While global inbound tourism has yet to regain pre-pandemic levels, Odisha is showing promising signs of revival. The state has witnessed growing interest from both domestic and international travellers, particularly in heritage and eco-tourism. A key hurdle, however, remains the lack of direct international air connectivity to Bhubaneswar, limiting access for global visitors and acting as a bottleneck to full-scale recovery.

Despite this, Dr. Mohanty commends the proactive role of the Odisha Government. “The proactive initiatives of the state government in infrastructure development, destination branding, and tourism policy reforms are steadily bridging this gap,” he notes. Going forward, stronger international marketing, airline partnerships, and curated experiential tourism packages will be vital to unlock Odisha’s full potential.

Collaborative Effort for Regional Growth

As Chairman of IATO’s Eastern Region, Dr. Mohanty is deeply committed to regional development. He works closely with IATO’s Odisha Chapter and government officials to address challenges and highlight the tourism potential of the entire region. This collaborative spirit is also evident in the annual Tourism Conclaves organized in partnership with Odisha Tourism. These bring together industry leaders, hoteliers, journalists, and policymakers to discuss opportunities and challenges. Recommendations from these conclaves are submitted to the government, ensuring the industry’s voice is heard at the highest levels.

Swosti Group’s Visionary Role

As host and key partner for the IATO Convention, Swosti Group is a driving force behind the scenes. Dr. Mohanty confirms the group’s involvement in every aspect of the event—from planning and coordination to hospitality and logistics. “Our team is working closely with IATO, the Department of Tourism, local administration, and hoteliers to ensure world-class arrangements,” he says. The goal is not just to host the event successfully but also to showcase Odisha’s warmth, professionalism, and potential as a premier tourism destination.

Swosti Group’s commitment goes beyond the convention. Following the successful launch of the luxury Swosti Premium Beach Resorts in Puri in August 2024, the group is preparing for its next game-changer, the upcoming 5-star Gopalpur Palm Resort, which will significantly elevate Odisha’s coastal tourism. The group is also venturing into eco-tourism and tribal tourism across regions such as Koraput, Satkosia, Satpada, and Bhitarkanika, while investing in sustainable practices, digital upgrades, and hospitality training.

Conclusion

The 40th IATO Convention in Puri, championed by leaders like Dr. J. K. Mohanty, is not just a momentary spotlight. It marks a strategic inflection point that promises to accelerate Odisha’s journey from a hidden gem to a globally recognized tourist hub, powered by collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to showcasing its incredible beauty and heritage.

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