Highlights of JTB Meetings and Events at BLTM 2024
JTB Meetings & Events showcased its expertise in Strategic Meetings Management (SMM) and corporate event solutions at BLTM 2024 as a featured exhibitor. JTB Meetings & Events highlighted its proficiency in Strategic Meetings Management (SMM) and corporate event solutions at the 7th edition of BLTM, held from August 29 to August 31, 2024 in New Delhi. As a global leader in SMM, JTB leverages advanced technology and a highly skilled team to deliver optimised event processes that not only enhance service quality but also generate significant cost savings for clients.
BLTM is India’s leading travel trade show on MICE & Business + Leisure travel. The event gives unparalleled access to hundreds of pre-qualified, hand-picked buyers from the target segments, which are now more intertwined than ever.
This year’s edition of BLTM was a significant milestone, with the event doubling in size and the extensive lineup of exhibitors. BLTM 2024 showcased a diverse array of MICE and business travel products and services, emphasising the event’s global reach and appeal.
Participants included National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) and Convention & Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) from destinations such as Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Israel, and Saint Petersburg. Indian states like Goa, Odisha, Punjab, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Meghalaya also made significant contributions, underlining the growing importance of India in the global MICE industry.
According to McKinsey, India’s outbound travel market is on the brink of substantial growth, with projections indicating an expansion from 13 million trips in 2022 to over 80 million trips by 2040. This anticipated surge draws parallels with China’s outbound travel boom, given the similarities in population size and rising per capita incomes. By 2040, Indian tourists could be making between 80 million to 90 million trips annually, presenting an enormous opportunity for the global travel and tourism industry to cater to this burgeoning market.
Strategic Meetings Management vis a vis SMM offers numerous benefits crucial for modern businesses. From cost savings to enhanced efficiency and attendee satisfaction, SMM streamlines meeting management processes effectively. By investing in SMM and partnering with experts like JTB India, organisations can optimise resources and achieve meeting objectives confidently. JTB’s leadership in SMM truly distinguishes them in the industry. Their integration of advanced technology, like the JTB Connect platform, combined with a highly skilled team, ensures streamlined event processes that result in superior service quality and significant cost savings. JTB Connect is designed to streamline all your event management service needs, offering a comprehensive solution for handling every aspect of event planning and execution.
Day 1: Trends and Opportunities in the Tourism and Events Industry
Day 1 of BLTM 2024 began with an inspiring inaugural ceremony that set the tone for the event. The exhibition floor at BLTM 2024 buzzed with energy as industry professionals, including wedding planners, corporate buyers, and MICE agents, engaged in networking and discussions.
With the spotlight on areas like India’s booming outbound travel market and the integration of cutting-edge technology, the day showcased how the travel industry is adapting to new challenges and tapping into emerging markets.
India is becoming one of the fastest-growing outbound markets, with increased interest in international leisure and business travel. This trend is driving more collaboration between global destinations and Indian travel stakeholders.
The role of technology in transforming the MICE and tourism industries was a central theme. From virtual and hybrid events to AI-driven personalization and data analytics, tech innovations are streamlining operations, enhancing attendee experiences, and enabling greater flexibility.
These trends reflect the industry’s evolution towards more interconnected, tech-driven solutions, preparing it for a sustainable and globally competitive future. Embracing Strategic Meetings Management and adapting to emerging trends will be crucial for organisations aiming to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Day 2 : A Fusion of Networking and Industry Insights
The day kicked off with a highly informative workshop hosted by the Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), which provided a comprehensive overview of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
The workshop by the Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) gave a comprehensive overview of the MICE industry’s current and future landscape. Covering trends like AI & Its Usage for effective MICE, sustainability, digital innovation and the growing importance of hybrid events, best practices, case studies, and future outlooks provides a well-rounded perspective that’s valuable for anyone involved in MICE planning and management.
Following the workshop, the day continued with a B2B speed networking session. This session was power-packed, facilitating quick but meaningful connections between exhibitors and hosted buyers. The format allowed participants to engage in focused discussions, explore potential collaborations, and expand their professional networks in a structured and efficient manner.
Day 3: Excellence in responsible tourism
The third and final day of BLTM 2024 was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a celebration of excellence in sustainable and responsible tourism at the ICRT India and the Subcontinent Awards 2024.
The Valedictory and Awards Function was a highlight, with notable attendees including Shri Satpal Maharaj, Minister of Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand; Ms. Mugdha Sinha (IAS), Director General – Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, and Dr. Harold Goodwin, Founder Director of ICRT.
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration, setting a positive tone for the future of tourism and events in the region. Day 3 of BLTM 2024 truly ended on a high note, leaving attendees motivated and excited for what lies ahead in the industry.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Business with JTB India’s Strategic Meetings Management (SMM) Solutions
JTB India offered a great opportunity for attendees to explore their services at BLTM 2024. JTB stall provided valuable insights into how their Strategic Meetings Management solutions can enhance corporate events, optimise costs, and improve overall outcomes. JTB Meetings & Events is at the forefront of revolutionising event management with its innovative approaches.
The JTB India team donned Happi coats creating a vibrant and engaging space for its attendees, showcasing Japanese heritage in a meaningful way. It helped in fostering a deeper connection with the audience and also sparked interesting conversations and collaborations.
JTB India solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the event management industry, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence. Their commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions and optimising client outcomes showcases their leadership and forward-thinking approach in the field.
Check out the event here.
About JTB Meetings & Events: As a leader in travel, meetings, and event management, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance attendee experiences and streamline event operations. Our Strategic Meetings Management hub in India serves the APAC region globally, ensuring clients receive maximum value from their event budgets through optimised processes, cost savings, and enhanced service quality. JTB Connect, a cutting-edge event management platform, streamlines workflow, enhances visibility, and ensures compliance, enabling clients to achieve cost savings and mitigate risks while executing flawless events.