OTM Mumbai, the international travel trade show that usually takes place in February, kicked off at Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, from September 13-15, 2022.
Billed as the ‘Booster’ edition, the OTM happened for the second time in the same year, to help promote destinations that are now ready to take tourists in the fast normalising post-pandemic phase. The first edition was held in March this year, and then a need was felt for the second booster edition, especially to accommodate those who could not join at that time due to the after effects of the pandemic.
This edition has stunningly large participation from foreign countries like Saudi, Russia, Qatar and Korea, Mauritius and Indonesia who set up colourful pavilions. Russia had separate pavilions from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad and Murmansk. Indian pavilions of the Ministry of Tourism, and States of Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Andaman and Nicobar Islands were not far behind. There were more than 500 exhibitors from over 20 countries and as many Indian States on the show floor.
About 91 per cent of Indians, the highest among all surveyed countries, are planning to book a dream vacation in 2022. International travel is gaining back its momentum at a full swing, which is in fact, better than before – according to survey reports, Indians want to spend on international travel, comparatively more in 2022 than they did in previous years.
As per reports, the Indian outbound tourism market is estimated to surpass 42 Billion USD by 2024 and will exceed US$ 45 Billion by 2025. With a growing economy, young population, and increasing middle class population, India is positioned to become one of the most lucrative outbound tourism markets in the world. It is among the fastest growing markets globally, with approximately 80 million passport levels of purchasing power, especially among the middle class.
