In this interview, he discusses the event’s focus on quality business matchmaking, technology, emerging travel trends, and India’s growing importance as a global travel and business events market.
Gunjan Sabikhi
How is ITB India 2026 evolving to meet industry needs?
ITB India 2026 has evolved alongside one of the world’s fastest growing travel markets. As travel demand becomes more sophisticated, businesses are looking beyond visibility to targeted access to decision-makers, meaningful business conversations, and market insights.
What distinguishes ITB India is its ability to connect the leisure, MICE, corporate travel, and travel technology sectors on a single business platform. The event also places strong emphasis on quality business matching and knowledge exchange through scheduled meetings and conference sessions covering digital transformation, consumer behaviour, sustainability, and emerging business models. As India’s travel industry enters a new phase of growth, ITB India helps businesses build partnerships and identify opportunities across South Asia.
How will exhibitors benefit from the hosted buyer programme?
At ITB India 2026, success is measured by the quality of conversations rather than attendee numbers. Around 400 hosted buyers will be carefully selected based on purchasing responsibility, decision-making authority, and relevance across leisure, MICE, corporate travel, and travel technology.
Business matching is further strengthened through the AI-powered Jublia event app, which recommends relevant connections based on participant profiles and meeting objectives. Combined with pre-scheduled appointments, networking sessions, and conference programmes, the platform enables exhibitors and buyers to maximise productive business opportunities.
Which travel trends will be in focus this year?
The conference will highlight the rapid growth of India’s outbound travel market, particularly demand for premium, experience-led and personalised travel. Cruise and wellness tourism will receive special attention as both segments continue to expand.
Discussions will also cover evolving MICE programmes, corporate travel, sustainability, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data-driven marketing, and travel technology, providing practical insights for businesses seeking new growth opportunities.
How is technology shaping ITB India 2026?
Technology is now fundamental to the travel industry, and ITB India reflects this by bringing together travel technology companies with tourism boards, hospitality providers, airlines, destination management companies, and travel service providers.
Conference sessions will examine AI’s role in customer engagement, personalisation, revenue optimisation, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. The event also offers established companies and start-ups opportunities to showcase innovation, strengthen partnerships, and better understand evolving market needs.
What are your expectations for international participation?
We continue to see strong interest from international destinations, hospitality groups, travel service providers, and technology companies recognising India’s growing importance as both a source market and gateway to South Asia.
Hosting ITB India in Mumbai reinforces the city’s position as a leading commercial and aviation hub. Beyond the three-day event, ITB India facilitates international business relationships, knowledge exchange, and cross-border collaboration, supporting the long-term growth of both Mumbai and India’s travel industry.
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