Pacific Asia Travel Association's PATA Travel Mart 2023 (PTM 2023), which opened in New Delhi on Wednesday (Oct 4) has attracted over 1,000 participants from 46 global destinations.

Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the participants at the two-day event include 159 sellers from 92 organisations and 15 destinations, along with 196 buyers from 191 organisations and 38 source markets.

During the event, buyers and sellers will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one networking and contracting opportunities to explore potential collaborations and business opportunities.

Bangkok-based PATA, a not-for-profit membership-based association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism, also welcomed over 350 local and international students and young tourism professionals.

The students from 10 local and international universities are part of the PATA Youth Symposium to be held on October 5.  The symposium is organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, and Amity University Noida.

“The Ministry of Tourism for the Government of India has been one of our most valuable members and active partner for more than 60 years. Based on their commitment and enthusiasm in organising PATA Travel Mart, we at PATA are excited to facilitate engagement between India and the rest of the world through this event,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone.

“Even after a three-year hiatus in-person, PATA Travel Mart continues to provide unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities for our delegates from all over the world.”

Participants had a chance to gain insights into the dynamic landscape of global sustainability trends, shedding light on how responsible practices are shaping industries worldwide during the PTM Forum.

Moreover, the speakers also shed light on the vast opportunities that sustainability offers, driving economic growth, innovation and prosperity.

Topics included ‘Where Responsibility Meets Opportunity’, ‘Driving Change: Sustainability in MICE Tourism’, ‘Increasing Sustainability in the Tourism Supply Chain Through Standards and Certification’, ‘Waste Management in Tourism: The Challenges and Best Practices Towards Food and Plastic Waste Reduction’, ‘Bridging the Gender Gap for Community Empowerment and Sustainability’, ‘Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites: Leveraging the Benefits of Responsible Tourism’, ‘Travel Industry Trends’, ‘Weddings & Wanderlust: The Statistics of Indian Wedding Industry, What Next’, ‘Examining Aviation's Path in India and its Impact on Travel and Tourism’, ‘How India Travels’, and ‘AI and the Future of Tourism’. – TradeArabia News Service