ITB India 2026 Opens in Mumbai, Bringing Global Travel Industry Together for Three Days of Business and Knowledge Exchange

Mumbai: The fourth in-person edition of ITB India 2026 opened on September 1 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, bringing together travel industry professionals from India, South Asia and international markets for three days of business meetings, networking and knowledge exchange. Running from September 1 to 3, the event is bringing together professionals from the Leisure, MICE, Corporate Travel and Travel Technology sectors. More than 3,000 industry professionals, including over 400 qualified buyers, are expected to participate, with more than 100 exhibiting brands represented at the show.

Speaking at the opening, Darren Seah, Executive Director, Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, said that India and South Asia continue to present significant opportunities for the global travel industry. He highlighted the role of ITB India in connecting international suppliers with qualified buyers while creating opportunities for business discussions, networking and industry-level dialogue.

International travel brands participate

ITB India 2026 has attracted exhibitors from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, Africa, Northeast Asia and South America. Participating brands include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Kemayoran, Halong International Cruise, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta, IHCL, MakeMyTrip, Northern Lights Villages, oneworld alliance, Philippine Airlines, Sarawak Tourism Board, Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, Tokyu Hotels Japan and Visit Maldives Corporation, among others.

The event is also supported by a wide network of travel trade and industry associations, strengthening its engagement with travel agents, tour operators, MICE professionals and tourism communities across India. Participating associations include ATOAI, ADTOI, ETAA, GTAA, NIMA, OTOAI, Skal International India, Tourism India Alliance, TAAP, TAAI, TAAN, TAFI and TTAUP.

Conference focuses on key industry trends

Alongside the exhibition, the ITB India Conference 2026 is examining the major changes shaping the travel industry across India and South Asia. The conference is being held across the Knowledge & MICE Theatre and Tech & Experience Theatre.

Four key tracks — Knowledge, MICE & Corporate, Travel Technology and Experiential Travel — are focusing on changing business strategies, traveller behaviour and emerging opportunities within the sector. The programme includes discussions such as the MICE Leaders’ Panel, which examines the next phase of the MICE industry in India and South Asia; the Tech Leaders’ Panel, which explores the shift from digital adoption to digital advantage; the Hospitality Panel, focusing on balancing innovation with tradition; and the Experiential Travel Panel, which looks at how values, emotions and purpose are influencing the new traveller.

Leadership Roundtable discusses India's global tourism role

A new addition to this year's event is the ITB India Leadership Roundtable, organised in partnership with global strategy consultancy Simon-Kucher.

The invitation-only discussion brings together senior decision-makers from tourism, hospitality, travel technology, investment, destinations and government. Discussions are centred on India's growing outbound travel market, destination competitiveness, connectivity, investment, technology and public-private cooperation.

The roundtable also examines India's changing position in the global tourism ecosystem, both as a major destination and as an increasingly influential source market.

Networking continues beyond the exhibition

ITB India 2026 is also hosting networking activities alongside the main exhibition and conference programme. The ITB India Happy Hour on Day 1 provides an informal setting for exhibitors, buyers and other industry professionals to continue business conversations and build new connections. On Day 2, the Cruise Capsule returns for its second year. The session brings together cruise specialists, travel trade representatives and MICE professionals to discuss developments and opportunities in India's growing cruise market. The session will be followed by a networking event.

ITB India 2026 will conclude on September 3 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, marking three days of business meetings, industry discussions and networking among India's travel trade and international tourism stakeholders.