MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition – India’s Premier B2B Travel Showcase Sets a New Milestone

The 28th MTM and LLTM Travel (MICE Travel Mart and Luxury, Leisure Travel Mart) Exhibition marked a record-breaking year, bringing together prominent Corporate MICE buyers and trusted sellers. This milestone event promised unparalleled opportunities for business networking and collaboration

From high-impact corporate alliances to luxury wedding innovations, this edition redefined the future of MICE and leisure travel in India, setting new benchmarks in MICE and weddings, driving partnerships, progress, and purposeful luxury.  It featured a series of engaging activities designed to nurture valuable relationships and enable profitable partnerships.

Meet and Forge Business Alliances at MTM and LLTM

The highly anticipated 28th MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition took place on the 31st of July, at the prestigious JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. This premier event brought together the most affluent travel buyers, including corporate purchasers, as well as wedding planners, for a day of networking and business opportunities.

MTM and LLTM provided a distinct platform for travel decision-makers from corporate entities, wedding planners, and event organisers, all of whom play vital roles in MICE movements, corporate travel, luxury, and leisure travel. By gathering these industry experts in one location, the exhibition offers an ideal setting to showcase products and seize business prospects within a dynamic and results-oriented environment.

Radisson Hotel Group played a key role as the exclusive partner for the MTM Star Awards for Wedding Planner. This prestigious segment was one of the major highlights of the MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition, bringing together top professionals and industry leaders from the wedding planning and hospitality sectors.

Travel Plus functioned as the platinum partner to the event. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in New Delhi, Travel Plus is a business travel management platform that supports organisations in planning and managing corporate travel, including flights, hotels, events, and conferences. Nupur Chandra, Associate Vice President–Head MICE, Travel Plus, gave a presentation.

AirMark Inc. functioned as the gifting partner to the event. AirMark Corporation is a national leader in sign supply and commercial printing equipment. With over 30 years of experience, they specialise in providing advanced vinyl cutting, printing, labelling, and stencilling equipment to businesses in the sign, aerospace, and outdoor advertising industries.

MTM and LLTM Mirror the Momentum of the Global MICE Industry

Over the past year, the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry has shown remarkable resilience and growth, bouncing back strongly from pandemic-era disruptions. In 2023–2024, the market size is estimated between $935 billion and $1.12 trillion, with projections suggesting it could reach nearly $2 trillion by 2032–2034. This growth is driven by a robust CAGR of 7.1% to 9%, according to reports by Precedence Research and Fortune Business Insights.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific led the global market in 2023 with a 44% share, fuelled by rapid economic development, government support, and increasing corporate activity. Europe followed as the fastest-growing region, thanks to its state-of-the-art event infrastructure and heritage destinations (UNWTO, 2023).

India’s MICE industry is also on the rise. Valued at $110.3 billion in 2024, it’s expected to grow to $183.1 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 5.2%. Government initiatives like the National Strategy for the MICE Industry and the “Meet in India” campaign are set to boost India’s share of the global MICE market to 2% within five years, while aiming for a top 20 spot in ICCA rankings.

Globally, business travel remains a key pillar of MICE, accounting for 14% of the estimated 10 billion trips annually. Hybrid formats are now the norm, with 80% of major events using AI tools in 2023. Sustainability is also gaining traction, with a 25% increase in eco-certified venues and widespread pledges for carbon neutrality. Wellness is making its way into agendas, too, with an 18% growth in health-focused event offerings.

In India, B2B events dominate, with meetings, incentives, and conferences generating more revenue than exhibitions. Countries like Singapore are heavily investing in MICE, with the city-state allocating $100 million in 2024 alone to attract top-tier events.

While estimates vary due to differing methodologies, the overall trend is clear: the global MICE industry is not only back—it’s thriving, empowered by tech innovation, eco-consciousness, and a holistic approach to business travel.

Inaugural Morning Session: Celebrating Resurgence and Vision

The Inaugural Morning Session commenced with a warm introduction by Kamal Gill, who holds the positions of Executive Editor and Managing Director at Gill India Group, as well as the Director of OptiMICE Events. Kamal Gill expressed her delight in hosting the 28th edition of MTM & LLTM, underlining the significance of this gathering. She also acknowledged the esteemed Guests of Honour and Dignitaries who graced the event.

The opening session featured a distinguished lineup of leaders from the hospitality, aviation, government, and international tourism sectors, sharing actionable insights on various topics, including leadership and excellence, as well as exploring the realms of luxury, aviation, MICE, and incentives.

Notable attendees included Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Indian Hotels Company Limited; Nupur Chandra, AVP – Head MICE, TravelPlus; Markus Tan, Regional Director – IMSEA, Singapore Tourism Board; Sunil VA, Regional Vice President (ISC), Oman Air, Noriah Jaafar, Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai; Kean Bon LIM, Area Director for India, South Asia, Africa , Singapore Tourism Board; A Shrinivas, Chief Executive Officer, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, Government of Andhra Pradesh; S D Nandakumar, President and Country Head, Holydays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Ltd. ; Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar; Kewal Gill, Chairman, Gill India Group; and Kamal Gill, Executive Editor, Today’s Traveller and Managing Director, Gill India Group.

Kamal Gill acknowledged the remarkable achievements of the travel and tourism industry in 2024, highlighting the reopening of borders, the relaxation of travel restrictions, and the global resurgence of wanderlust.

Kamal Gill said, “In 2024, the global MICE market crossed 998 billion dollars, with some estimates placing it closer to 1.12 trillion dollars. Forecasts suggest growth toward 1.99 trillion dollars by 2034 and 2.45 trillion dollars by 2032. Asia-Pacific led with 44 per cent of the global market share last year. India’s MICE sector stood at 110.3 billion dollars and is expected to grow steadily to reach 183.1 billion dollars by 2033.”

She went on to say, “This remarkable upswing has led to record-breaking tourist arrivals and thriving hospitality businesses, symbolising the enduring human desire to connect with the world. By participating in MTM and LLTM, exhibitors are harnessing the current industry momentum, forming enduring partnerships, and positioning themselves at the forefront of the evolving travel landscape.”

She expressed her gratitude to the exhibitors for their trust, investment, and faith in the event’s vision and efforts. She assured them that their commitment had played a pivotal role in the exhibition’s success and pledged to continue striving for excellence, providing unmatched opportunities to connect with the target audience and achieve business objectives.

Kamal Gill extended a warm welcome to all corporate buyers from across India, expressing appreciation for their longstanding association and support. She also thanked the corporate buyers and supporters for their unwavering patronage and valuable contributions throughout the journey.

During the opening session, attendees were treated to special addresses by Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Indian Hotels Company Limited; S.D. Nandkumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC; Kean Bon LIM, Regional Director – India, South Asia, and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board; and Nupur Chandra, AVP – Head MICE, TravelPlus.

Over the years, MTM and LLTM have played a pivotal role in enabling meaningful business interactions between corporate buyers and travel service providers. These exchanges have resulted in valuable leads and impactful transactions, reinforcing the significance of the MICE, luxury, and leisure segments—both within India and on the global stage.

Reverse Marketplace: The Game-Changer in Business Networking

A standout innovation at this edition was the signature Reverse Marketplace. Designed to deliver precision-focused networking, this unique format gave exhibitors the rare opportunity to conduct exclusive one-on-one meetings with high-level corporate buyers.

The first session brought together over 40 pre-qualified corporate buyers from cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Delhi for focused, curated interactions with exhibitors. A second session followed, featuring over 60 senior corporate buyers from the host city of Mumbai.

By facilitating over 100 strategic B2B meetings in a single day, the Reverse Marketplace transformed networking into a results-driven exercise. Exhibitors gained valuable face time with decision-makers, paving the way for collaboration, conversion, and long-term alliances.

Among the prominent participating corporate buyers were Blue Star, Tata Motors, GM Modular, Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Aditya Birla Capital, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Bharti AXA Life Insurance, Cipla, Merck Life Sciences, Reliance Industries – Textile Division, Lifecell International, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Transasia Bio-Medicals, Royal Sundaram General Insurance, Welspun Group, The Shipping Corporation of India, Retail Association of India, Epsilon Carbon, Kotak Life Insurance, and many more.

After a satisfying lunch, the business momentum continued with a second Reverse Marketplace session, welcoming a fresh group of VIP corporate buyers. This extension allowed exhibitors to maximise opportunities, discuss upcoming projects, and explore event collaborations with both pan-India and local Mumbai-based corporate purchasers.

The sessions were praised for their effectiveness. Exhibitors—ranging from hospitality groups and travel agencies to DMCs, cruise lines, event firms, and tourism boards—capitfalised on the face-to-face format to build trust, explore business strategies, and identify high-value prospects. A healthy mix of first-time and returning exhibitors added to the event’s dynamic energy.

A Day of Celebrations and Strategic Networking

The business-focused day culminated in the prestigious MTM Star Awards for Corporate Buyers —an elegant ceremony that honoured the exceptional achievements of leading corporate entities.

Applause rang out as proud awardees stepped into the spotlight. Among the distinguished corporate recipients were Mahindra and Mahindra, Pidilite Industries, Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Aditya Birla Management Corporation, Reliance Industries, The Supreme Industries, Sony Music Entertainment India, HDFC Life Insurance, and Niva Bupa Health Insurance.

Recognition and Revelry: MTM Star Awards for Wedding Planners and Gala Networking Dinner 

India’s ₹6 Trillion Dream Industry Unfolded in Style: with the MTM Star Awards continuing to be a crown jewel of the exhibition, recognising exceptional professionals who shape the future of Indian weddings—an industry that blends legacy with luxury, grandeur with grace.

This year’s honours were presented by Nikhil Sharma, the dynamic and progressive Managing Director & COO – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. The ceremony celebrated visionaries who redefine the art of wedding planning with their creative genius, seamless execution, and ability to turn personal milestones into timeless spectacles.

Vikram Berry, Area Brand & Content Marketing Director – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, delivered a thought-provoking presentation of the Radisson Hotel Group’s exploration of the evolving intersections of brand storytelling, wedding luxury, and destination hospitality—further underlining the industry’s strategic relevance.

Kamal Gill said, “MTM Star Awards 2025 is where we shine the spotlight on the visionaries who will continue to transform weddings into works of art, and moments into lifelong memories.”

Among the glittering names from the Indian wedding firmament were Aarti Mattoo, Birju C Gariba, Kaveri Vij, Vikramjeet Sharma, Umesh Sawant, Hemant Kale, Mareesha Parekh, Minnat Lalpuria, Jatin Oberoi, Hemal Bhagwat, Prateek Tandon, Ekta Saigal, Shruti Tiwari, and other equally celebrated stars. Their collective brilliance continues to raise the bar in an industry known for its opulence and emotion.

India’s wedding sector is not merely thriving—it is powering the travel and events economy. In 2024 alone, 4.8 million weddings took place, generating a jaw-dropping ₹6 trillion during the October to December peak season. The average spend per wedding? An impressive ₹29.6 lakhs, with nearly 9% of couples crossing the ₹1 crore mark.

Destination weddings have become the new norm, with over 60% of high-budget weddings taking place at exclusive resorts, palaces, and heritage venues. These multi-day, culturally immersive celebrations draw guests across continents, turning every function into a travel experience—and every travel experience into an unforgettable memory.

The convivial atmosphere at MTM and LLTM fostered a sense of camaraderie as approximately 100 corporate representatives and wedding planners relished the opportunity to unwind and solidify partnerships, marking the end of a day filled with productive business meetings.

Towards a Sustainable Travel World with the Green Axis 

Sustainability has become a defining pillar in the evolution of the travel, MICE, and wedding industries, with a growing consensus that exceptional experiences must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. From conscious destination selection and ethical sourcing to waste management at large-scale gatherings, the narrative is shifting toward mindful luxury.

At MTM & LLTM 2025, this vision took centre stage with the launch of the Green Axis initiative.

In her address, Kamal Gill stated, “This year marks the beginning of a deeper commitment to sustainability across everything we do. From how we build platforms and host events to how we inspire action across the industry, sustainability is no longer a sidebar. It is integral to our values and vision. Green Axis is our way of bringing eco-conscious thinking into the heart of every conversation.”

This edition of MTM and LLTM was conducted using biodegradable materials and featured a complete ban on plastic, in line with enhanced protocols introduced during the January session. These measures further reinforced the commitment to reducing the event’s carbon footprint and leading by example within the industry.

Green Axis on a Plate: Wellness, Flavour & Sustainability

The morning menu set the tone—fresh, light, and brimming with feel-good vibes. Kombuchas, seasonal fruits, artisanal breads, and clean Indian flavours opened the welcome tea for all delegates with a refreshing flair.

Lunch took the experience up a notch with a signature JW Garden twist—herbs like rosemary and lemongrass thoughtfully woven into globally inspired dishes. Even the desserts reflected a commitment to mindful indulgence, rooted in sustainability.

Bringing this conscious culinary journey to life were Chef Nitin Kshirsagar, Chef de Cuisine, and Prakash Chetiyar, Director of Culinary—whose expertise and creativity transformed the day’s dining into a vibrant celebration of health, taste, and purpose.

Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, stated, “Every bite today was a nod to conscious choices and a shared love for good food that does good.”

Key Takeaways from the 28th MTM & LLTM Travel Exhibition

Amidst the backdrop of a worldwide travel renaissance, the 28th MTM and LLTM Exhibition underscored the revival and strength of the travel industry. Marked by record-breaking tourist flows and thriving hospitality, this edition created unparalleled opportunities for brands to reconnect with their audience and drive targeted growth in MICE and leisure travel.

The MTM and LLTM exhibitions, now recognised as flagship events in India’s B2B travel landscape, continue to generate buzz across corporate travel circles. Key trends were unmistakable—AI in events, bleisure travel growth, early inventory bookings, and demand for flexibility in hotel and airline pricing.

A Milestone for the MICE Industry:
The exhibition successfully brought together over 100 leading Corporate MICE buyers and sellers across India, reflecting the MICE industry’s global growth, now valued at up to $1.12 trillion in 2024.

An Incubator for Business Growth:
With over 2700 B2B meetings in a single day, MTM and LLTM proved its mettle as a powerhouse for idea exchange, deal-making, and relationship building. Corporate buying remained strong, and exhibitors reported substantial interest in long-term partnerships.

Strategic Focus on Corporate MICE:
Tailor-made for brands looking to connect with decision-makers, the event reinforced the importance of in-person engagement in a digitally accelerated world. India’s MICE sector alone is projected to hit $183.1 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%.

Weddings as Luxury Travel Drivers

This year, MTM and LLTM elevated its scope by hosting over 100 of India’s top wedding planners—key players in a trillion-dollar industry. With over 60% of high-budget weddings now destination-based, these multi-day celebrations have become immersive travel experiences. Their presence at the exhibition highlighted the powerful intersection of weddings and hospitality, reinforcing MTM and LLTM’s role as a catalyst for both corporate and celebration-led travel.

Diverse Business Opportunities:
The event drew participation across verticals—from weddings and entertainment to corporate travel, boutique resorts, convention centres, airline connectivity, and luxury accommodations. The scope and scale of partnerships—from international tourism boards and domestic state destinations to hospitality giants and top-tier travel agencies—highlighted the industry’s expansive reach and resilience.

Completely sold out well ahead of schedule, the exhibition showcased the rising demand for focused, results-oriented business gatherings. Attendees praised the event’s format, quality of meetings, and powerful networking energy that led to actionable outcomes.

The event concluded with unanimous appreciation for the organisers, OptiMICE Events, and exclusive media partner, Today’s Traveller, for bringing together a vibrant, purposeful, and high-calibre platform tailored to the corporate world.

About MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition – India’s Premier Platform for MICE, Luxury & Leisure Travel

The MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition, combining the MICE Travel Mart and Luxury & Leisure Travel Mart, is one of the most eagerly awaited B2B events in the country. It brings together India’s most influential corporate travel buyers and decision-makers under one roof for a day of targeted business engagement.

With a legacy of successful editions, the exhibition has facilitated thousands of business transactions, shaped industry collaborations, and inspired the continued evolution of the MICE, luxury, and leisure sectors in India.

Built on innovation and relationships, MTM and LLTM continue to explore new frontiers in business travel while strengthening the bonds between corporate entities and service providers.

About OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd – Specialists in Corporate MICE & Strategic Event Planning

OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd specialises in conceptualising and executing the MTM and LLTM events with precision and purpose. With an unwavering focus on delivering tangible ROI for corporate buyers, the company has carved a niche as a strategic connector within India’s MICE and business travel segments.

Founded in 2010, OptiMICE was established with a singular mission—to bridge the gap between corporate buyers, tourism boards, and travel service providers through curated meetings and high-impact networking.

Guided by industry veteran Kamal Gill, Founder and Executive Editor of Today’s Traveller and Director of OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd, the company has grown into a trusted name in corporate events and travel exhibitions. With over three decades of experience in publishing and 15+ years of trade show success, Gill has shaped a legacy of innovation and excellence.

OptiMICE has successfully executed numerous events across the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, Wedding sectors, championing MICE destinations and luxury travel products for corporates, the film fraternity, FIT (Free Independent Traveller) explorers, and global leisure buyers.

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