DRMumbai: Considering the feedback from travel trade fraternity in the wake of the redevelopment of Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, UBM India, organiser of SATTE, has taken a conscious decision to shift the 2019-2020 edition of SATTE to India Expo Centre, Greater Noida.
To enhance the overall experience, UBM India, the organiser of SATTE, is all set to provide seamless transportation from the capital to the venue. SATTE 2019 is set to take place from January 16 to 18, 2019 and will be spread over a floor space of 25,000 sq m. The new venue is expected to enable participants to do seamless business without wasting much time at the entry and exit points.
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 of the new venue from New Delhi. But, it is a good decision to move out of Pragati Maidan as last year the venue had become too chaotic. We will definitely support SATTE this year also.”
“TAFI appreciates what SATTE has done for our country in promoting the tourism sector. This show gives opportunity not only for us but also neighbouring countries to come and showcase their products.”
Echoing similar sentiments, P P Khanna, President, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), said that they had been organising SATTE at Pragati Maidan for years as it was a comfortable venue for all tour operators with good connectivity.
UBM India decided to shift the venue from Pragati Maidan considering challenges such as redevelopment and construction activities which were creating hassles for participants
“Now, going to Greater Noida, connectivity is a challenge. The solution for this is to arrange coaches with a specific schedule so that transportation becomes easier. As far as infrastructure is concerned, the venue is good and we are familiar with it. We will aggressively market the show and our members will extend all possible support.”
The Indian tourism industry has gone all out to support the decision on the venue change. Industry feels that there can be an impact but it will be difficult to give the exhibition a miss if one looks at doing serious business. About the venue and association with SATTE, Jyoti Mayal, Secretary-General, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said, “There is a mixed reaction from the industry, but I am sure that for outsiders it won’t matter. The venue is well-connected to the airport. Besides, this venue has world-class facilities.”
Vasudha Sondhi, Director, OM Tourism, said, “This is a very good move. In fact UBM should have done this few years ago. Firstly, the new venue is a more professionally managed exhibition centre and the infrastructure is world class from what I hear. Pragati Maidan lacked some of the basic amenities like clean washrooms. These minor details are very important especially when holding a show like SATTE with many foreign visitors”.
Mahendra Vakharia, President, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), said, “Most big events at PragatiMaidan are being shifted to this venue. So, I am sure this is a good option and is well-equipped to manage such huge shows. SATTE is one of the premier travel exhibitions in the country and our Association will definitely support and participate in the show.”
On the announcement of the 26th edition of SATTE, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India, said, “SATTE is perfectly placed to provide the 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, in 2019, we have moved the show to a better venue at Greater Noida. We are sure the move will prove 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 across the city of New Delhi. A schedule of the shuttles will be announced soon and participants can comfortably ride from the city to the venue within an hour.
About enhancing the overall experience, Pallavi Mehra, Group Director, UBM India, said, “Taking into account the challenges faced during the previous edition, we as a responsible organiser have taken this conscious decision to shift the venue to Greater Noida. India Expo Centre is one of the most sought-after venues in the country with top-notch infrastructure. With good support from the travel fraternity, I am certain that SATTE 2019 will be bigger and grander than the previous editions.”
