Category Archives: Exhibitions

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has hosted the Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow across New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai from 8-12 September 2025. These events, part of a series of roadshow events hosted by DCT Abu Dhabi, provided local travel trade partners with a comprehensive overview of Abu Dhabi’s dynamic tourism offerings, upcoming attractions, and strategic partnerships. The three-city roadshow showcased the growth opportunities Abu Dhabi presents to Indian travellers, while facilitating meetings between representatives from Abu Dhabi’s hotels, attractions, airlines, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and India’s top travel agencies and tour operators. India is Abu Dhabi’s top source market for inbound tourism. In 2024, the emirate welcomed over 360,000 Indian hotel guests, a 43% increase from the previous year, and is projected to welcome over 400,000 visitors in 2025. Indian travellers have shown strong interest in Abu Dhabi as a destination, with the growth in visitors being driven by an extensive calendar of live events, cultural experiences, increased flight connectivity from major Indian cities, and a diverse range of travel products that appeal to Indian families, luxury seekers, MICE travellers, and trade partners. This represents an exciting opportunity for India’s travel industry professionals to engage with a growing market. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The roadshows in India marked a significant step forward in our collaborative work with our valued partners to create memorable experiences for visitors travelling from India to Abu Dhabi. It also allowed India’s travel trade representatives to explore the innovative ideas and shared value that DCT Abu Dhabi has strived to create within the industry, a value that we believe benefits everyone and …

Melbourne has achieved number one ranking in Australia and in the Asia Pacific in the prestigious Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index rankings for 2025. The city also earned first position in the Metropolis and Mega Cities category. The GDS Index is the world’s leading sustainability benchmarking and performance improvement program for tourism and events destinations, evaluating cities across four key pillars: environmental strategy and performance, social sustainability, destination management, and supplier engagement. Melbourne rose to 11th place worldwide, from 24th place in 2024, cementing its place as a global leader in sustainability and its commitment to continuous improvement across the visitor economy. The city’s index score improved from 76.6 per cent in 2024 to 83 per cent in 2025, the most significant improvement in the past seven years. A key element in Melbourne’s success was the strong performance of suppliers across the city who play a critical role in delivering environmentally and socially responsible events. Organisations, including hotels and event venues, demonstrated a commitment to sustainable practices that elevated Melbourne’s ability to host world-class events with minimal environmental impact. The strength of Team Melbourne and the city’s collaborative approach to event delivery also played a crucial role in the result. Melbourne Convention Bureau’s strong partnerships with the City of Melbourne and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), as well as the support of the Victorian government, allow us to embed sustainability into the way we attract, plan and deliver business events, creating world-class events that leave a positive legacy. The City of Melbourne collaborated closely with MCB on our submission, ensuring our efforts in being considered a sustainable event destination were recognised on the world stage. The City of Melbourne …

Tamilnadu Travel Expo 2025 will be held from 26–28 September at IDA Scudder Auditorium, Madurai. The event, designed to bring together diverse stakeholders of the travel industry from across the country, invites them to explore Tamil Nadu’s offerings in hospitality, wellness retreats, and wedding destinations, and not just its heritage.

Zimbabwe took a bold stride during the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, as the event was hosted for the very first time in Mutare, Manicaland Province, after 17 years in Bulawayo. The milestone was amplified by the inaugural Air Zimbabwe flight from Harare to Mutare, welcomed in grand style at Grand Reef Aerodrome by Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Felix Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, alongside senior officials from Air Zimbabwe, and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe. This landmark flight signaled a new era of accessibility for the Eastern Highlands. As part of its strategic drive to captivate the Indian market, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in India, invited nine leading Indian travel buyers for an immersive journey from the Eastern Highlands to Victoria Falls. The Embassy continues to play a pivotal role in marketing Zimbabwe as an authentic and multi-dimensional destination, ensuring that the country’s rich cultural, natural, and adventure offerings are effectively communicated to Indian travelers. The journey began in Nyanga, where the timeless charm of Montclair Resort & Casino set the tone with warm hospitality and breathtaking vistas. At Aberfoyle Lodge, the group experienced a retreat — with misty mornings, waterfall nearby, and organic meals tailored to Indian palates, all wrapped in a Victorian-era ambiance. Highlights of the Eastern Highlands included: Scaling Mount Nyangani – conquering Zimbabwe’s tallest peak (2,593m) for sweeping views above the clouds Adrenaline at Mutarazi Falls – ziplining across Africa’s second-highest waterfall, an unforgettable heart-racing feat Classic hospitality – from the …

Destination DC welcomed 13 top Indian travel trade partners for their first-ever Reverse India Sales Mission, held in Washington, DC from August 23 to August 28. Over six days, the Indian trade professionals engaged in programs that created opportunities for business development and cultural immersion. Seventeen local partners, including hotels, museums, restaurants, city tours and experiences, participated in one-on-one meetings and roundtable discussions with the trade. The agents also explored some of DC’s best offerings, including the tour of the iconic National Mall with Capitol Express Tours, Smithsonian museums, The People’s House: A White House Experience, and more. The group was in town just in time for the DC Jazz Festival and enjoyed a private jazz dinner with live music at the rooftop of the Kimpton Banneker Hotel. The greatest highlight of this trip was the Destination DC’s Marketing Outlook Meeting held at Capital Turnaround—a unique meeting space inside Navy Yard’s historic streetcar barn. The DDC team announced the latest visitation data, industry updates and travel forecasts for 2026 in this annual meeting. The attendees enjoyed breakfast and networking with 500+ industry leaders and professionals, followed by a presentation by Destination DC’s President & CEO, Elliott L. Ferguson, II, Didio Pequeno, Director of Hospitality Market Analytics at CoStar Group; and Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics. Reflecting on the success of the mission, Ferguson said, “It was a pleasure hosting the Indian travel trade in Washington, DC, where they were able to experience the District’s unique and diverse cultural and culinary offerings. The growth of visitation numbers from India has been exciting for us, and the market has been, and continues to be, a top focus globally.”

Emphasising the importance of partnerships and relationships in India’s travel market, Tekla Maira, Founder, And The Story Continues, urged global stakeholders to prioritise accessibility, education, segmentation and regular engagement with Indian travel agents, especially for weddings and MICE.

The Finland–India Tourism Workshop 2025 concluded in New Delhi and Mumbai, bringing together 16 Finnish and Indian partners with India’s leading travel stakeholders. Sara Sodhi Juneja, Founder & CEO of Sara Consulting Services, said, “Indian travellers are looking beyond the ordinary, and Finland delivers on every front — pristine nature, authentic culture and unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime moments.”

The 2nd edition of the Tamil Nadu Travel Expo (TTE) will be held from 26–28 September in Madurai to redefine the tourism landscape of the event. The event aims to connect global buyers with around 400 state stakeholders, driving tourism growth and boosting Tamil Nadu’s international visibility.

TravelBullz marks its 15th anniversary with a three-city roadshow across India, starting in Kolkata on 18 August, followed by Ludhiana and Delhi on 20 and 22 August, respectively. The event features over 30 Thai hotels and activity partners, highlighting the company’s strong industry ties and expanding network.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG, Tourism, said, “The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) scheme is going to come back. It is part of the plan for the next cycle. We want to make it purposeful, so that it can make some impact.  It will come with some changes.”