As 2025 sets the stage for a thriving travel industry, MTM and LLTM Delhi – MICE Travel Mart and Luxury & Leisure Travel Mart – stood out as the platform offering unparalleled opportunities in the field of business and propelling the MICE, luxury, and leisure travel sectors forward
The 27th edition of the MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition unfolded on January 10, 2025, at the magnificent Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, setting the stage for a grand gathering of MICE travel leaders.
This highly anticipated event brought together a diverse group of affluent travel purchasers, including corporate buyers, wedding planners, and event organisers, all seeking innovative solutions and partnerships.
The MTM and LLTM Corporate MICE exhibition provided a dynamic platform for networking, showcasing the latest trends in MICE, luxury, and leisure travel, and fostering meaningful business collaborations. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with industry experts, explore cutting-edge travel offerings, and strengthen relationships that drive growth in the ever-evolving travel sector.
With its carefully curated setting and high-profile participants, the Corporate MICE Travel Mart Luxury and Leisure Mart reaffirmed its status as a premier hub for connecting MICE decision-makers and innovators in the travel and events industry.
Emerging trends in the MICE industry and MTM & LLTM remain its flagbearer:
- The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is experiencing significant growth both globally and in India. In 2023, the global MICE market was valued at approximately USD 802.59 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2024 to 2030.
- In India, the MICE sector is expanding rapidly, with a forecasted CAGR of 13.1% between 2024 and 2030.
- This growth is driven by government initiatives, improved infrastructure, and India’s emergence as a preferred business destination. The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), established in 1988, plays a pivotal role in promoting the country as a leading MICE destination.
- A notable trend in the MICE industry is the rise of hybrid events, which combine in-person and virtual experiences. The global market for hybrid events is expected to achieve a CAGR of 19.7% through 2024, reflecting the industry’s adaptation to technological advancements and changing attendee preferences.
- Sustainability has become a central focus, with event planners increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices to meet the growing demand for responsible and green events.
- Additionally, there is a shift towards personalised experiences, with organisers tailoring events to meet the specific needs and preferences of attendees, enhancing engagement and satisfaction.
Morning Inaugural Session
The morning session began with a warm welcome from Kamal Gill, the Executive Editor and Managing Director of Gill India Group and Director of OptiMICE Events. She shared her joy in hosting the 27th edition of MTM & LLTM and highlighted the importance of the event.
She shared, “The MICE sector in India has shown remarkable growth over the years and continues to hold immense potential. With the domestic market now valued at around INR 25,000 crore and growing at an annual rate of 8%, it’s evident that the industry is thriving. On the international front, India’s outbound MICE market is projected to reach an impressive US$13.4 billion by 2031. As we begin the year, it’s the perfect time to come together, analyze emerging trends, and map out strategies to stay ahead in this dynamic space. The opportunities for collaboration and innovation in MICE are unparalleled, making MTM and LLTM a key player in India’s MICE travel landscape.”
She highlighted the transformative role of AI in reshaping the MICE industry, stating, “The year 2025 is poised to be the year of AI. While there’s widespread awareness about this shift, I’m not sure everyone is fully prepared for the profound and disruptive changes that lie ahead.”
“At MTM, we’ve made it a priority to turn technological insights into actionable strategies. We are committed to staying ahead of the curve and mastering the potential of AI to ensure we remain leaders in the field,” she added.
Kamal Gill also expressed her gratitude to the distinguished Guests of Honour and Dignitaries present there. It included Sachiin Joshi, Chairman, Viiking Ventures Pvt. Ltd.; Gagan Sharma, Country Manager India, Air Mauritius; Kean Bon Lim, Area Director, India, South Asia, Africa, Singapore Tourism Board; Nupur Chandra, Head MICE, TravelPlus and several other industry icons.
Gagan Sharma, Country Manager India, Air Mauritius shared, “Since the last two years, we have seen how MICE has become a buzzword and how it holds very good potential for Mauritius. From an airline perspective, this represents an incredible opportunity to cater to the evolving needs of business and MICE travellers. Ours is a pivotal role in supporting Mauritius as a global hub for MICE activities, while also boosting passenger traffic and enhancing brand loyalty among a lucrative segment of travellers.”
Nupur Chandra, Head MICE, TravelPlus said, “It’s a privilege to lead the MICE team at TravelPlus. Our journey spans a decade in hospitality through FabHotels, followed by over five incredible years in business travel. Combining these experiences, we ventured into the MICE sector last year, marking an exciting new chapter in our growth story.”
Kean Bon Lim, Area Director for India, South Asia, and Africa at the Singapore Tourism Board, shared his enthusiasm for the new year and the promising start it holds for the MICE industry. He remarked, “As we step into 2025, I’d like to extend my heartfelt Happy New Year wishes to everyone here. Being part of the MTM & LLTM by OptiMICE in the first 10 days of 2025 is a fantastic way to kick things off. We were delighted to be a part of this event last year, and we’re equally excited to continue this journey with the upcoming Mumbai MTM and LLTM edition in May 2025.”
Reverse Marketplace: The Core of Networking at MTM and LLTM
MTM and LLTM unveiled their trademark Reverse Marketplace Duo, offering exhibitors the opportunity to hold one-on-one meetings with exclusive corporate buyers, ensuring seamless and efficient business interactions.
A highlight of MTM and LLTM over the years is this unique setup, where over 70 esteemed corporate VIP buyers sit across the table from exhibitors. This format allowed for exclusive face-to-face meetings, fostering meaningful connections and paving the way for future collaborations.
The event featured two premium Reverse Marketplace Sessions. The first session welcomed over 35 carefully selected corporate buyers from cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune, who engaged in focused one one-on-one meetings with exhibitors. The second session introduced another group of 35+ pre-qualified buyers from Delhi, the host city, creating a dynamic platform for business exchanges.
The Business Day began with an impactful Reverse Marketplace session, as VIP buyers from across India engaged with sellers to explore business opportunities. This session set the stage for promising partnerships and expanded collaboration opportunities. Among the participating corporate buyers were Panasonic Life Solutions, JK Cement, Hindware Limited, Pfizer, Hero MotoCorp Limited, PNB MetLife India Insurance, Titan Company, Bajaj Energy, Blue Star Limited, and many more.
After a refreshing lunch, the second session brought in a fresh set of VIP buyers, providing sellers with additional chances to network and explore business possibilities. The day was filled with vibrant discussions as exhibitors connected with buyers from all over India, including the host city, to explore event proposals and forge future business deals.
The ability to gather so many key corporate decision-makers for personalized meetings in a single day was highly appreciated by attendees. A mix of first-time and returning exhibitors made the most of this exceptional platform, leveraging the opportunity to create new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
Recognition to the deserving
A key moment of the event was the MTM Star Award leading corporate companies were celebrated and applauded by an excited audience. This special ceremony honoured their outstanding contributions and achievements in the industry.
The MTM and LLTM Star Awards honoured a prestigious lineup of corporate achievers, including Havells India Limited – Best Incentive Programme for Distributors/Dealers, Axis Max Life Insurance Company – for Best Meeting/Exhibition Programm;, Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited – Best Incentive Programme for Distributors/Dealers; HCL Technologies – Most Well-Planned Business Travel; Maruti Suzuki India Limited – Best Incentive Programme for Distributors/Dealers; Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company – Most Well-Planned Business Travel; JK Lakshmi Cement Limited – Best Incentive Programme for Distributors/Dealers and more.
Individual awardees recognised include names like Hitesh Kainth – MTM Best MICE Professional of the Year; Mukesh Jain – MTM Visionary Leader in MICE; Parth Satpathy – MTM MICE Influential of the Year; Varsha Yadav – MTM Sustainability Champion in MICE and more.
Get Lucky with the Lucky Dip: Nikhil Sharma Adds Star Power to the Show
One of the most anticipated moments at MTM Delhi 2025 was the thrilling Lucky Dip round, which added an extra layer of excitement to the event. Guests eagerly participated, hoping to test their luck and walk away with fabulous prizes.
Adding an unexpected thrill to the event was the surprise visit of a renowned hospitality leader, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President of Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia. His presence created a buzz of excitement, underscoring the significance of leadership in the hospitality industry. Sharma took time to engage personally with the Radisson team, sharing insights and encouraging their efforts, while also connecting with corporate buyers, offering them a glimpse into Radisson’s vision and innovative strategies.
The highlight of his visit came when he was invited to preside over the grand lucky dip, a moment eagerly anticipated by the attendees. Sharma’s dynamic energy and engaging personality added a touch of grandeur to the proceedings, making his visit a memorable highlight of the show. His participation not only strengthened the connection between industry leaders and participants but also reinforced Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to excellence and collaboration in the evolving MICE landscape.
The Lucky Dip offered an enticing array of rewards, including complimentary luxurious 5-star hotel stays, both within India and internationally. This engaging activity not only created a buzz among attendees but also highlighted the event’s commitment to delivering memorable experiences. The Lucky Dip truly stood out as a highlight, leaving participants delighted and inspired to join future editions.
Where Business Meets Celebration: Wedding Planners Add a Creative Edge to MICE
Wedding planners added a unique sparkle to MTM and LLTM, showcasing how their expertise seamlessly intertwines with the world of meetings and incentives—a true flip side of the same coin. Their presence highlighted the growing trend of blending corporate sophistication with personalized creativity, offering fresh perspectives on hosting destination weddings, team-building retreats, and celebratory incentive events.
From presenting innovative venue concepts and curated experiences to demonstrating their ability to manage large-scale events with precision, wedding planners brought an artistic and experiential dimension to the show. Their inclusion emphasized the versatility of MICE, bridging the gap between formal corporate gatherings and emotionally resonant celebrations, underscoring the limitless possibilities for collaboration in the industry.
The day concluded on a high note with an elegant Networking Cocktails and Dinner, offering participants a relaxed yet dynamic setting to foster connections and engage in friendly, meaningful conversations. The ambience, complemented by exquisite culinary offerings and a vibrant atmosphere, set the stage for forging new relationships and strengthening existing ones.
The evening’s discussions went beyond casual exchanges, elevating business networking to a strategic level. Attendees from across the country and international markets found common ground, exchanging ideas, exploring collaborations, and laying the foundation for impactful partnerships. This closing event not only celebrated the day’s achievements but also reaffirmed the importance of face-to-face interactions in driving the industry forward.
About MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition – The Premier Platform for MICE, Luxury, and Leisure Travel – now in its 27th Edition
The MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition (MICE Travel Mart and Luxury & Leisure Travel Mart) now in its 27th edition, is a much-awaited bi-annual event that brings together India’s leading Corporate MICE travel buyers. Renowned as a top-tier platform for showcasing travel offerings and fostering connections with decision-makers, this exhibition has been instrumental in driving business deals and propelling the MICE, luxury, and leisure travel sectors forward.
MTM & LLTM serves as a hub for innovation, offering fresh perspectives and ideas to participants in these segments. It strengthens collaborations between corporate buyers and travel service providers, enriching the industry with new opportunities.
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry in India is growing rapidly, with the country hosting over 50 international and domestic MICE events annually, attracting around 5-7 million business visitors as per the Indian Convention Promotion Bureau. According to a report by Ken Research, the Indian MICE industry was valued at approximately INR 254 billion (USD 3.5 billion) in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2020 to 2025. The industry’s growth is driven by increasing demand from corporate sectors, government initiatives, and infrastructure development.
Notably, the MTM and LLTM event, which saw over 50 exhibitors and 100 corporate purchasers, facilitated approximately 5,000 meetings in a single day, showcasing the event’s immense potential for business networking and deal-making.
About OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd – Leaders in Meetings and Events
OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd is a distinguished event management company dedicated to designing customized events and meetings that provide measurable value to corporate buyers. Founded in 2010, the company bridges the gap between corporate clients, tourism boards, and travel service providers, fostering successful collaborations and facilitating impactful MICE activities throughout the year.
A trailblazer in the Indian MICE and Business Travel markets, OptiMICE boasts a vast network and a stellar reputation among India’s corporate community. Through its long-standing publication, Today’s Traveller, the company has cultivated strong ties with consumers and travel trade associations like TAAI, TAFI, IATO, NIMA, and EEMA, solidifying its influence in the industry.
Under the leadership of Kamal Gill, an industry expert with over 30 years of experience, OptiMICE has excelled in organizing niche events and exhibitions across the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality sectors. With over 14 years of expertise in trade shows, the company continues to be at the forefront of promoting MICE destinations and travel products to corporate buyers, leisure travellers, and the film industry.
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