BLTM 2024 Opens As The Biggest-ever MICE Show In India

The India MICE tourism market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2029.

This edition proves to be a significant milestone with the even doubling in size and featuring an impressive 500+ exhibitions from around the globe, including national tourism organizations, convention bureaus, Indian states, hotels and resorts, DMCs, tour operators and MICE agents, etc., a record number of hosted buyers and over 10,000 trade visitors expected to visit the show. With the India MICE Tourism Market projected to register a CAGR of 6% during 2024-2029, BLTM is undoubtedly the perfect platform for international and domestic suppliers to leverage this surge in the market by showcasing their best Bleisure and MICE offerings.

The event has grown prominently compared to previous editions in scale and international presence, moving to a new venue and giving a new dimension to the event as the critical travel trade show focused on quality in Delhi. The extensive lineup of exhibitions showcases a diverse range of MICE and business travel products and services with participation from NTOs and CVBs such as Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Israel, Saint Petersburg, as well as Indian states including Goa, Odisha, Punjab, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Meghalaya. Features exhibitions include brands like Ottila International Radisson Hotel Group, Ramoji Film City, Treat Hotels and Resorts, Paul John Resorts and Hotels, Ramee Group of Hotels, JTB Mertings and Events, Wimbledon Debenture Seating, Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau and many more which have further enhanced the global appeal of the event. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to connect with over 10,000 travel trade professionals, including top travel agents, tour operators, corporate and MICE buyers, wedding and event planners and many others from the business and travel community.

Top dignitaries and critical industry leaders graced the inauguration program of BLTM 2024. Attendees included HE Mr Hul Seila, Under Secretary of State Ministry of Tourism Cambodia; Mr Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board; Mr Krishantha Fernando, General Manager, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Mr Alexander Sitnikov, representative of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development; Mr RK Suman, Regional Director North, India Tourism; Mrs Anjali Yadav, IAS Director Jharkhand Tourism; and heads of associations.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Florian Sengstschmind, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, said, "In 2023, Azerbaijan welcomed 115,000 Indian travellers, a figure that surged to 1,40,000 in the first seven months of 2024, marking a 2.7-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth surpasses pre-COVID numbers of around 50,000-60,000 in 2019. Enhanced connectivity, including 11 weekly flights from Delhi and three from Mumbai to Baku, has been pivotal."

He added, "The visitor profile is diverse, with 60