BLTM 2024, India’s premier trade show for business and leisure travel, kicked off on August 31st, 2024, marking the start of a three-day event that brings together key players from the global and Indian tourism industries. This year’s edition of BLTM 2024, which stands for Business & Leisure Travel Mart, is a testament to the growing prominence of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) and business travel sectors in India.
The event boasts a strong presence from five National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and seven State Tourism Boards. Over 500 exhibitors from both domestic and international markets have gathered, showcasing a diverse array of products and services related to MICE and business travel. Notable exhibitors include renowned NTOs and Convention Bureaus (CVBs) from destinations such as Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Israel, and Saint Petersburg, alongside Indian states like Goa, Odisha, Punjab, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Meghalaya.
BLTM 2024 serves as a platform for exploring the latest trends and innovations in the MICE and business travel sectors. The show’s diverse lineup of participants underscores its role in fostering collaborations between global and regional tourism stakeholders.
During the opening ceremony, Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, highlighted the remarkable surge in Indian travelers visiting Azerbaijan. He reported that Azerbaijan welcomed 115,000 Indian visitors in 2023, a number that climbed to 140,000 in the first seven months of 2024, representing a 2.7-fold increase from the previous year. This signifies the growing popularity of Azerbaijan as a destination for Indian tourists.
BLTM 2024 presents a vital opportunity for industry professionals to connect, network, and explore new business opportunities. The event serves as a microcosm of the interconnected global travel industry, highlighting the evolving trends and growth in the MICE and business travel sectors, which continue to play a crucial role in driving economic development and tourism in India and around the world.
