Shreya Shimpi
The event curated thought-provoking sessions for India’s business travel community covering the latest topics such as business travel trends, technology, meetings and events and sustainability. Travel challenges post-Covid, cost–escalation, change in travel patterns, well-being, use of technology etc. were the topics discussed in the panel discussions. One of the key highlights of the discussion was the need for in-person meetings, networking sessions and sustainable ways to cater to the same. Technology and Artificial Intelligence are and will continue to remain an indispensable part of the travel trade.3D and augmented reality are the future of MICE along with all kinds of travel.
The event was marked by insightful panel discussions from an eminent line of speakers such as Bertrand Saillet – Managing Director – FCM Travel Asia, Catherine Logan – Regional Senior Vice President, EMEA & APAC – GBTA, Sunny Sodhi – Managing Director – FCM Travel India, Ajay Bhatt – Group Head, Corporate Services – Godrej Industries, Kadmbini Mittal – Regional VP, Commercial India & SWA – Hyatt Hotels, AmarnathLal Das – Vice President – India Travel, Meeting & Events – Accenture, Robyn Cheng King – Manager Karnataka and Telangana, India – Singapore Airlines.
“India is the 9th largest travel market in the world for business travel spending. It is the 4th largest market for the Asia Pacific region, representing 5.7 per cent of business travel spending in the region. In 2023, India’s business travel spending grew 24.7 per cent and we anticipate an 18.3 per cent increase in spending in 2024,” said Sunny Sodhi, Managing Director of FCM Travel India. India’s 2024 Business Travel spend is estimated at $38.2 Billion as per reports.
“It is going to be an exceptional year for the meetings and events industry. Technology-enabled events are here to stay, and we use artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enhance and elevate guest experiences. We have also seen a strong demand for wellness, well-being, and even luxurious experiences. We recently organised walking tours in Maasai Mara and dinner along the Mara River,” added ManpreetBindra, FCM Meetings&Events Leader, Asia.
“Asia has continued to outperform, with a significant 44 per cent increase in revenue as announced in our Mid-Year Results FY2024. This is fuelled by strong performance across Southeast Asia, India, and the re-opening of China, hence we are witnessing growth opportunities in India and Southeast Asia in FY2025,” said Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director of FCM Travel Asia.
“India will fully reach pre-2019 spending levels by 2025 and is expected to reach 120 per cent of its pre-COVID business travel spend in 2027,” concluded Catherine Logan, Regional Vice President of EMEA & APAC, GBTA.
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