India’s booming MICE and luxury travel industry draws 200 attendees from 25 countries to the MILT Congress 2024 in Jaipur, fostering global partnerships and trade.
India’s booming MICE and luxury travel industry is attracting destinations and travel businesses from across the globe to the MILT Congress 2024. Scheduled to be held at the Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar on July 25 and 26, the event will bring together more than 200 attendees from over 25 countries, including 150 vetted buyers and over 40 suppliers. Organized by Dubai-based QnA International, the 12th edition of the MICE India and Luxury Travel (MILT) Congress promises over 20 hours of networking and thousands of business meetings.
India’s outbound tourism market is projected to reach US$ 18,817.72 million in 2024 and expand at an 11.4% CAGR between 2024 and 2034, amounting to a projected market value of US$ 55,388.41 million by 2034. Destinations, cruise liners, air charters, theme parks, hotels, resorts, and travel agents are flocking to MILT Congress, the premier platform for MICE and luxury travel sourcing for regional and outbound travel from India.
Crystal Chan Busch, Executive Director of Sales at Sands Resort Macao, remarked, “Our ongoing sponsorship of MILT Congress stems from the tangible benefits we observe, including the opportunity to meet influential industry players and showcase our unique offerings. QnA International’s dedication to evolving with industry trends and addressing emerging challenges is indispensable for fostering growth and collaboration.”
Marel Ioannou, Destination Wedding Planner from City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus, agrees: “MILT offers great opportunities for destinations and properties like ours to meet travel trade professionals from the Indian market and highlight the diverse offerings at hand. Cyprus offers its visitors more than 11,000 years of history and culture, combined with a modern cosmopolitan lifestyle.”
Sharionelle Pereira Almeida, Manager Commercial Jets from Air Charter Service, highlighted the significant rise in Indian visitors: “We’ve noticed a significant rise in Indian visitors, especially in the MICE and luxury travel segments. Indian corporate groups and luxury travelers are increasingly seeking unique, tailored experiences at our destinations and experiences.”
Matthew Boutwell, Sr. Director, Charter and Incentives from Crystal Cruises, UK, commented, “India is such a critical market for us and the Cruise Sector for Incentives. MILT offers connections to companies and agencies that we may not otherwise connect with.”
Nikhil Swaroop, Country Manager of Jordan Tourism Board, is also excited to be at the show, knowing that Indian tourists love to explore new destinations. “Jordan is a multi-faceted destination catering to MICE, weddings, filming, luxury, adventure, and various other aspects of tourism,” he said.
Pritipava Chakraborty, Marketing Communications & Public Relations Manager of The Leela Convention Hotel, emphasized the importance of blending luxury with cultural authenticity for Indian travelers. “The most crucial aspect for them often revolves around impeccable hospitality, attention to detail in service, and a seamless blend of modern amenities with traditional warmth.”
Aakriti Batra, CEO and Co-founder of 1524 Delhi, representing the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, noted a consistent growth of FIT and transient travelers, now trending at a 56% growth over last year. The group is focused on the luxury group segment from India.
Lokesh Sawant, General Manager Sales of ITC Hotels, stated, “If 2022/23 was about the freedom of ‘revenge travel’ after Covid restrictions lifted, then 2024 is about visiting destinations which inspire a certain feeling.”
Joo Rei Mathieson, Associate Director, Global Corporate & Incentives of BESydney, Australia, suggested planning trips around the upcoming India vs Australia Sydney cricket test matches in January 2025.
Julia Swanson, CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau, highlighted Melbourne’s vibrant mix of culture and exclusive experiences, making it a top choice for Indian corporate incentive travel planners.
The MILT Congress will feature eminent speakers from Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality, revealing strong trends towards personalized, high-quality, and culturally immersive travel experiences. Varsha Yadav, VP- Sales Promotion Agency Channel, Max Life Insurance Company Limited, and Sandeep V Dandekar, Senior Director, NTT Global Data Centres, emphasized the importance of the Congress in fostering industry innovation and excellence.
Sidh NC, Director of QnA International, concluded, “Our partners’ and vendors’ dedication and insights have been instrumental in shaping this event into a premier platform for the MICE and luxury travel sectors. Together, we are setting new benchmarks in the industry and creating exceptional experiences for Indian travel buyers.”
India’s booming MICE and luxury travel industry is poised for further growth, with the MILT Congress 2024 serving as a catalyst for new partnerships and business opportunities in this dynamic sector.
