BIT 2016 gains momentum
With the exhibiting areas divided amongst leisure, MICE, luxury, and sports tourism, BIT Milan continues to be a promising international trade show as it spreads its wings beyond the region.
From India to Iran, Sri Lanka to Nepal, and Turkey to Japan, countries from across the globe showcased their tourism offerings at the BIT international travel fair held in Milan from February 11-13. This three-day fair hosted exhibitors from over 100 countries, 2,000 companies and over 1,500 buyers to promote and develop their businesses. The exhibiting areas were divided amongst the leisure world, MICE, luxury and sports tourism.
“I have been participating in the show for the last five years now. While all these years the show has been stagnating but this year particularly has been very good. More buyers are showing interest in India and I have met some new people. The Italian market is overall very good for India as Italians love exploring the country,” says Ravi Gosain, Managing Director, Erco Travels.
From the Indian outbound perspective, the interest in food and wine and cultural tourism continued to register the best performance just like shopping tourism.
“While the most prominent and popular cities amongst Indians are Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, but we have now seen a growing interest in regions such as the Tuscan region, Capri and the Amalfi coast. This is the new segment that is being popularised amongst Indian travellers,” says Vineet Gopal, India Hosted Buyer Coordinator, BIT Milan. The participation of Indian buyers at BIT has also substantially grown. “From four buyers five years back to 84 buyers this year tells us the importance of the Indian market,” he adds.
“BIT is one of the largest and the most informative shows held in Italy. It helped me find details about regions in Italy that I hadn’t even heard of being a travel agent. In this super setting, I got to meet people and gather useful information,” mentions Tina Kanugu, Director, Bathija Travels. BIT is an event that brings together trade operators from all over the world. Sponsored by Fiera Milano, BIT takes place every year, since 1980.