The 33rd edition of SATTE 2026 opened yesterday at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, drawing strong participation from over 2,000 exhibitors representing more than 3,200 brands across 60+ countries. Organized by Informa Markets in India, the first day saw high-energy buyer–seller meetings, policy-led discussions, and strategic global engagement, setting the stage for a dynamic three-day exhibition.
High-Profile Inauguration Sets Tone for Tourism Growth
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Tourism & Culture Minister, Government of India, as the Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries included Shri Suman Billa IAS, Director General & Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism; Shri Kavinder Gupta, Lt. Governor of Ladakh; Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister of Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh; Ms Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the Secretary General, UN Tourism; and senior industry leaders including Dr Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Group, and Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets India.
Held under the theme “An Opportunity Called India”, SATTE 2026 Day 1 featured thought-provoking sessions such as Reimagining Incredible India!, India: The Next Travel Goldmine, India’s MICE Readiness: Evolving Landscape, and From Hype to Habit: How AI is Reshaping Global Travel. Discussions highlighted tourism’s economic contribution, employment generation, infrastructure development, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Key Highlights from Industry Leaders
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized India’s growing global tourism footprint:
“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, tourism has moved from the margins of policy to the centre of national development. Initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and Dekho Apna Desh are transforming domestic tourism and making India a resilient tourism market globally.”
Shri Suman Balla, IAS, highlighted the potential of long-term tourism growth:
“With 20 million inbound visitors, 30 million outbound travellers, and nearly 3 billion domestic journeys, India’s tourism demand is outpacing supply. SATTE provides the ideal platform for investors to engage, innovate, and seize opportunities.”
Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister of Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh, showcased the state’s potential:
“Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a must-visit destination, offering experiences from tropical valleys to snow-clad mountains, spiritual heritage, and adventure landscapes, backed by improved connectivity and government support.”
Shri Kavinder Gupta, Lt. Governor of Ladakh, added:
“Ladakh’s transformative development, including world-class infrastructure and connectivity, ensures year-round tourism opportunities and immersive experiences for travellers.”
Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said:
“SATTE mirrors India’s triple-engine tourism growth — domestic, outbound, and inbound. By bringing together 2,000+ exhibitors from 60+ countries, the platform becomes more than a trade show; it is a strategic marketplace shaping India’s tourism future.”
Ms Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the UN Tourism Secretary General, added:
“Tourism is about human connection. India’s living culture, welcoming communities, and expanding connectivity uniquely position the country to lead the global tourism conversation.”
Domestic and Global Participation Reinforce India’s Tourism Leadership
SATTE 2026 demonstrates India’s prominence as a high-value source market, with participation from 28+ Indian states and 60+ countries. Destinations from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and APAC engaged actively with Indian travel buyers, highlighting India’s strategic importance in global tourism.
With policy insights, partnership opportunities, and market visibility converging at SATTE, the exhibition continues to reinforce India’s leadership in shaping international travel trends and positioning the country as a preferred destination for global travellers and investors alike.
