Considering the feedback from travel trade fraternity, in the wake of redevelopment of Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, UBM India, the organiser of SATTE has taken a conscious decision to shift the 2019 and 2020 edition of SATTE to India Expo Centre, Greater Noida.
SATTE 2019 is set to take place from 16-18 January 2019 and will be spread over 25,000sqm.
Considering challenges such as redevelopment and a lot of construction activities which are creating a lot of inconvenience for participants, UBM India had to shift the venue. This new venue will enable participants to do seamless business without wasting much time at the entry and exit points.
Commenting on the move, Praveen Chugh, president, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) said: “Infrastructure wise, this new venue is excellent and much better than the previous one. The only challenge is the distance from Delhi and the connectivity. But, it is a good decision that the show is moving out of Pragati Maidan as last year the venue had become too chaotic. So, this is a good move to shift it to Greater Noida instead of continuing at the same venue. We will definitely support SATTE this year also. We as TAFI appreciate what SATTE has done for our country in promoting the tourism sector. This show gives opportunity not only for us but also the neighbouring countries to come and showcase their products which increases our knowledge.”
Echoing similar sentiments, PP Khanna, president, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) says that we were doing SATTE at Pragati Maidan for years which was a comfortable zone for all the tour operators as it was at the centre with good connectivity.
Khanna noted: “Now going to Greater Noida, connectivity is a challenge. The solution for this can be that if some coaches are arranged with specific schedule, the transportation would become easier. Infrastructure wise the venue is good and we are familiar with the venue. We have a good relation with SATTE for years and we will definitely support this show in 2019 as well. From our end we will do all kind of marketing to promote the show and our members will surely support the upcoming edition.”
The Indian tourism industry has gone all out to support the decision on venue change. Industry feels that there can be an impact; but it will be difficult to miss this exhibition, if one looks at serious business.
Speaking about the venue and association with SATTE Jyoti Mayal, Hon. secretary general, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), opines that there is a mixed reaction from the industry, but I am sure that for people who are coming from outside it won’t matter. “For business, people are ready to travel and that should not be an issue as this venue is also well connected from the airport. Infrastructure wise this venue has world class facilities and is a perfect location to have an exhibition. We have a very long association with SATTE and this is one of the most beneficial event for the growth of tourism industry in India,” she adds.
Consistently over the years, SATTE has been a major meeting place for the key decision makers of the travel industry. Associations are out rightly supporting this year’s edition by promoting it to their members and the travel community.
Mahendra Vakharia, president, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), says most of the big events happening at Pragati Maidan are shifting to this venue at Greater Noida this year. “So, I am sure this is a good venue and is well equipped to manage such huge shows. But the only downside is the connectivity and the distance of the venue from Delhi. SATTE is one of the premier travel exhibitions in the country and our Association will definitely support and participate in the show. SATTE is a well respected brand and will only further grow in coming years,” said Vakharia.
Speaking on the announcement of the 26th edition of SATTE, Yogesh Mudras, MD, UBM India said: “SATTE is perfectly placed to provide a most comprehensive industry platform for every company that deals in the travel and tourism space. It showcases the true potential of tourism for India and other countries, all under one roof. Putting our customers at the heart of what we do and responding to their needs in dynamic ways, this year, we have moved the show to an optimal venue at Greater Noida. We are sure the move will prove truly beneficial and convenient for the vast magnitude of exhibitors and visitors looking forward to SATTE 2019.”
Addressing the issue of connectivity, SATTE is all set to introduce multiple shuttles from different hubs from New Delhi. A schedule of the shuttles will be announced and participants can comfortably ride from the city to the venue within an hour.
Speaking about enhancing the overall experience Pallavi Mehra, group director, UBM India said: “Taking in account the challenges which the industry during the previous edition such as long queues to enter the venue, the change in external look and feel due to the ongoing construction, we as a responsible group have taken this conscious decision of shifting the venue to Greater Noida.”
Mehra added: “India Expo Centre & Mart is one of the most sought after venues in the country with world class infrastructure and facilities for a grand show. The new venue is well connected to the capital city. Also, to further make the experience seamless, we are on the verge of finalising shuttles from various hubs in the city to the venue, which will be soon announced. With a good response and support from the travel fraternity, I am certain that SATTE 2019 will be much bigger and grander than the previous editions.”
