In a landmark move aimed at deepening industry collaboration, SKAL International India has formalised strategic partnerships with five of the country’s leading travel exhibition organisers, creating a structured national framework for B2B engagement across India’s travel and tourism sector.
The first-of-its-kind initiative sees the association signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with major exhibition portfolios, marking a shift from event-based participation to long-term, organised engagement. The agreements position SKAL International India at the centre of India’s trade networking ecosystem for 2026, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for professional connectivity and industry development.
Expansive Exhibition Network Across India
The MoUs collectively span five of India’s most influential travel trade platforms, each with established multi-city reach and strong industry participation:
- OTM, BLTM and the TTF series by Fairfest Media
- SATTE by Informa Markets
- ITB India by Messe Berlin
- The GPS series by Global Panorama Showcase India
- The IITM series by Sphere Travel Media & Exhibitions
Together, these exhibition portfolios cover key metropolitan and regional markets, offering SKAL members sustained access to curated networking forums, trade visibility and structured participation in India’s leading B2B marketplaces.
Moving From Events to Structured Industry Engagement
Rather than limiting collaboration to isolated trade show appearances, the MoUs introduce a framework for continuous engagement between SKAL International India and the broader travel trade. The model supports year-round relationship-building, knowledge exchange and business development opportunities, aligning SKAL’s global networking philosophy with India’s established exhibition infrastructure.
The initiative is designed to deliver measurable value to members by facilitating consistent access to buyers, suppliers, destinations and service providers across multiple industry segments, including aviation, hospitality, DMCs, cruise, MICE and luxury travel.
Leadership Perspective
Sanjeev Mehra, President of SKAL International India, described the partnerships as a significant milestone for the association’s national strategy.
“This is the first time Skål International India has undertaken such a comprehensive and structured initiative with five leading travel exhibition companies across the country,” he said. “These MoUs represent a strong step forward in creating consistent, high-quality networking platforms for our members. The benefits will extend not only to SKAL professionals but also to the wider travel and tourism industry that engages with them.”
Setting a New Benchmark for Industry Collaboration
The initiative underscores SKAL International India’s focus on leadership, collaboration and inclusive sector growth. By aligning with established exhibition brands, the organisation is helping shape a more integrated industry environment where networking, knowledge-sharing and commercial opportunities are systematically supported.
The partnerships also reflect a broader evolution in how professional associations engage with trade platforms — moving towards strategic alliances that foster continuity, scale and long-term value rather than transactional event participation.
SKAL International India
SKAL International India is part of Skål International, the world’s largest global network of travel, tourism and hospitality leaders, representing over 12,500 professionals across 85 countries. The organisation promotes global tourism, ethical business practices and professional cooperation, providing members with a powerful international platform for relationship-building and industry leadership.
