SATTE 2025, South Asia’s largest travel & tourism expo opens with 2,000+ exhibitors & 40,000+ visitors and the ‘Atithi’ buyer-seller meet connects 250+ global buyers with India’s tourism industry; 50+ countries and 28 state tourism boards join forces to shape the future of travel and Cruise Bharat Mission gains momentum, spotlighting India’s vast cruise tourism potential
The 32nd edition of SATTE, South Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, was inaugurated at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi today, February 19, 2025, by esteemed dignitaries, prominently including Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Government of India, and Ms V. Vidyavathi IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Under the theme “Tourism 2025: Fostering Global Collaboration for Mutual Growth,” SATTE 2025 brings together global industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to shape the future of travel and tourism.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of dignitaries such as Mr Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir; Mr Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT and Printing & Stationery, Govt of Goa; Mr Umid Shadiev, Minister of Tourism Uzbekistan; Mr Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinematography, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Mr Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Vice Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand; Mr Subhash Goyal, Chairman- STIC Group; Mr Peter Hall, President, IMEA, Informa Markets, IMEA; Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India and Ms Pallavi Mehra, Sr Group Director- Informa Markets in India.
Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism & Culture, Government of India said, “It’s truly a remarkable moment as SATTE marks 32 years of bringing the travel and tourism community together and opening doors to new opportunities. Today’s energy and enthusiasm at SATTE reflect this vibrant sector’s incredible potential. We are committed to fostering new collaborations in the South Asia Pacific region, and SATTE plays a key role in driving this vision forward.”
He added, “India’s tourism story is evolving, we are no longer just a destination but a growing tourism market. The future holds immense promise, especially with the rise of MICE tourism, which calls for robust infrastructure across the country. In recent years, we’ve seen a significant increase in hotels, and the number of aircraft is expected to triple. The government is fully aligned with this growth, supporting states to develop 40 new destinations and encourage unique tourism experiences nationwide. With domestic trade on the rise and people’s incomes growing, investments in tourism infrastructure will create a ripple effect across the economy. As we look ahead, with the sector projected to grow at a CAGR of 24%, I believe India’s tourism landscape is set for a transformative journey. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone participating in SATTE 2025, together, let’s continue working towards a brighter future for tourism in India.”
With over 2,000 exhibitors, participation from more than 50 countries, and representation from 28 state tourism boards, SATTE 2025 continues to serve as the region’s premier platform for industry networking, policy discussions, and business collaborations. This year, ‘Atithi,’ an exclusive buyer-seller meet in collaboration with the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), is once again a key highlight. The initiative will welcome 250 international buyers, offering them an immersive experience of India’s tourism potential.
Another significant development at SATTE 2025 is the participation of the Indian Ports Authority, which is spotlighting the transformative Cruise Bharat Mission and the vast opportunities for cruise tourism along India’s coastline.
Exhibitors include travel agents, tour operators, online travel platforms, airlines, hoteliers, and tourism boards. Key international destinations being showcased include Malaysia, Hong Kong, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Greece, Bhutan, Jamaica, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Mauritius, Fiji, St. Petersburg, Dubai, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Leading Indian states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab are also at the forefront. The exhibition places a strong focus on core sectors such as homestays, luxury villas, adventure tourism, domestic travel, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), offering businesses an opportunity to promote their brands, generate leads, and share industry insights.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, of Informa Markets in India, said, “SATTE 2025 marks a defining moment for the travel and tourism industry. With this milestone edition at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, SATTE continues to be ‘Plus One’—always a step ahead in driving innovation and collaboration. India’s travel market is set to reach $125 billion by FY27, with the hospitality industry projected to grow to $52 billion, reinforcing its economic significance. Transformative government initiatives—from expanded e-visas to cruise tourism under the Cruise Bharat Mission—are strengthening India’s position as a global tourism powerhouse.
As the industry embraces sustainability and digitalization, SATTE remains at the forefront—nurturing partnerships, shaping future trends, and ensuring tourism’s benefits extend to every part of the country. Engaging experiences such as Colours of SATTE, the SHAKTI Awards, and the SATTE Awards make this event not just a business enabler but a true celebration of the industry’s vibrancy and potential,” he added.
The opening day of SATTE 2025 featured a series of high-impact business sessions. The session on “India’s MICE Market: Prospects & Potential,” moderated by Ms Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Director General, Tourism, Government of India, explored the rapid expansion of India’s MICE industry, valued at $3.3 billion and expected to reach $10.5 billion by 2030. Industry experts, including Mr Chander Mansharamani (Alpcord Network Travel & Conferences), Mr K B Kachru (Radisson Hotel Group), Mr Mohammad Ali (Accor), Mr Yogesh Mudras (Informa Markets – India), and Mr Hyung Phil Chung (KINEXIN Convention Management), shared insights on the opportunities and challenges in this fast-growing sector.
Another key session, “Tourism Vision: The 2047 Impact,” moderated by Mr Aashish Gupta, Founder, Strategy Pluto & Consulting CEO – FAITH, examined how India’s tourism industry is being envisioned for the country’s 100th year of independence. Key stakeholders, including Ms Mugdha Sinha (Director General, Tourism, Govt. of India), Mr Rajiv Mehra (President of IATO), Dr Abhay Sinha (SEPC), Mr Aalap Bansal (KPMG), and Mr Arvind Singh (Former Tourism Secretary, Govt. of India), provided insights into the long-term strategies shaping the future of global tourism.
State tourism development was a central focus in the session “State Leaders in Focus: Perspectives on Growth, Policies, and Partnerships,” moderated by Mr. Raj Singh, Founder & Chairman, Antara Cruises. Goa Tourism Minister Mr Rohan Khaunte, Nagaland Tourism Minister Mr Temjen Imna Along, and senior representatives from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh shared their perspectives on leveraging regional attractions to boost visitor traffic and strengthen their positioning in the global tourism landscape.
Wedding tourism was another major area of discussion during the session “Unleashing the Wedding Bonanza for Destinations,” moderated by Mr. Navneet Mendiratta, Senior Travel Journalist & VP, of PR & Media at Think Strawberries. Industry leaders Mr Arun Srivastava (Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India), Mr Manuj Ralhan (JECC & Novotel Jaipur), Mr Chetan Vohra (Wedding line), Ms Prerana Saxena (Theme Weavers), and Mr Vinayak Saboo (Paradise Group India) analysed trends shaping India’s ₹5 lakh crore ($67 billion) wedding tourism sector, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15-20%. The discussion highlighted the increasing demand for luxury services, digitalization, and sustainability, positioning wedding tourism as a significant contributor to India’s travel economy.
The discussions at SATTE 2025 brought together key stakeholders to explore emerging trends, policy frameworks, and growth opportunities in the tourism sector. With dynamic panel discussions, exclusive networking opportunities, and a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, the event continues to set new benchmarks for the global travel and tourism industry.
As SATTE 2025 unfolds, it remains a cornerstone for shaping the future of tourism in South Asia and beyond.
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