This unique and historically significant pin badge, once sold by the renowned Indian princess and activist Sophia Duleep Singh, is set to be a highlight of the new ‘Indian Army at the Palace’ exhibition at Hampton Court Palace for 2023.

This rare item, used by Sophia Duleep Singh in her efforts to support the Indian Army, now takes its place in a comprehensive display. The exhibition aims to shed light on the lesser-known narratives of Indian Army soldiers who were stationed at Hampton Court Palace in the early 20th century. It features an array of never-before-seen artefacts, photographs, films, and personal accounts, offering a vivid glimpse into this intriguing chapter of history.

Set to tell the forgotten history of the Indian soldiers that camped on its grounds in the early twentieth century, the display explores the story in detail for the first time, including the soldiers’ experiences in camp, as well as press and public reactions to their stay.  

Princess Sophia’s Legacy: Honouring Indian Soldiers of WWI

The ‘India Day’ badge is the same as those sold by Princess Sophia, a former resident of the  Palace and daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh, in 1918 to raise funds for the Indian  Army in World War I.

During the war Sophia was particularly keen to emulate and help the hundreds of thousands of Indians who were fighting, becoming the Honourable Secretary of the YMCA War Emergency Committee, with one event raising funds for 50,000 huts for the comfort of Indian soldiers.

She also visited and even nursed troops at Brighton Pavilion and other hospitals for Indian soldiers. The rare pin badge, which is only 2.5cm high, depicts an  Indian elephant and is part of a new acquisition of Indian Army material for Historic Royal  Palaces – the charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace – going on display for the first time.  

A Journey Through History, Culture, and Perception in Early 20th Century Britain

The new display shares the stories of the Indian soldiers who took up residence on four occasions on the Hampton Court estate for the Coronations of King Edward VII in 1902,  King George V in 1911 and George VI in 1937, as well as for the First World War Victory  Parade in London. It will explore their experience within camp and more generally in  England, with many of them visiting the country for the very first time.

Efforts were made in the camps to meet the cultural and religious requirements of the soldiers from many ethnic communities, and the soldiers were entertained with excursions to attractions in London and across the country. Visitors to the display will learn about the daily experiences of the soldiers camped on the grounds, from food and rationing to entertainment, travel and religious accommodation.

Through press and public reactions, it will also look more widely at the sometimes negative perceptions of the South Asian presence in Britain in the early twentieth century, as well as its impact. Their contribution to these historic occasions will be commemorated, overlooking the very grounds in which they stayed over a century ago.  

The Indian Army at the Palace display will bring together a range of never-before-seen objects including photographs, maps, postcards and even a surviving military uniform, as well as the rare pin badge. The items will include many from the Historic Royal Palaces’ collection – which also go on display for the first time – including an official plan from one of the camps, press cuttings depicting the soldiers’ arrival at Hampton Court station, and Indian soldiers in and around the Palace grounds.

Shared Histories: South Asian Community Lends Personal Artifacts to Enhance Hampton Court’s Indian Army Exhibition

These objects will be displayed alongside a  collection of items on loan from the South Asian community. The public call out to the South  Asian community earlier this year, alongside work with community partners, has yielded some moving results – including objects submitted by direct descendants of the soldiers who once camped at Hampton Court Palace.

Items selected include a 32nd Sikh Pioneers Indian  Army Officer’s tunic, medals and photos belonging to soldiers from the 1902 and 1911  contingents, original photographs of the Gurkha regiment in the 1919 parade and newspaper articles depicting the visits.  

Historic Royal Palaces has worked closely with local South Asian community groups throughout the exhibition process, supporting them to share their stories and objects as part of the display. Representatives from the groups – which include A Little History of the Sikhs,  who develop tours and lectures to introduce Sikh, Anglo-Sikh and Panjabi history to new audiences – have helped to expand the Palace’s history to include these stories and to select some of the objects on display. Community groups have also contributed to the object labels and short films, sharing their reflections on the items and history being told.

  Highlighting Hidden Histories

Zakira Begum, Interpretation Officer, at Historic Royal Palaces said, “We’re really excited to be shining a spotlight on the stories of the Indian soldiers encampment at Hampton Court  Palace, celebrating the contribution that they made to the Palace’s history. Working with  South Asian community partners has been a key part of bringing this story to life, and we look forward to sharing their objects with our visitors as part of the display. We believe that  our work is enriched by the involvement of a wide range of people and perspectives, and  working with the community has been instrumental in creating this new display for our  visitors.” 

Historic relationship between the Indian Army and Hampton Court Palace

Dr Tejpal Singh Ralmill, military expert at A Little History of the Sikhs, said: “In 2021, and  2022, the Standing with Giants project has given us a platform to shine a light on the historic relationship between the Indian Army and Hampton Court Palace. This manifested in the form of presentations and tours. It was clear that our audiences were intrigued to hear of the hidden stories of our forefathers contained within the walls of the Royal Palace, and a  connection that nearly all were unaware of. “

He added, “It is therefore pertinent that these stories are further explored. Through our research and outreach work, we have established connections with descendants of Indian soldiers who resided in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace in the first half of the twentieth century at historic events such as Coronations. It has been  fantastic to develop upon this research and support the team at Historic Royal Palaces to  interpret submissions from our community to the call-out and to work on the content of this  important part of the Palace’s history.” 

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‘Picturing Place: Painted and Printed Maps at the Udaipur Court’ is an exhibition at The City Palace Museum Udaipur.  Funded by The Getty Foundation, under The Paper Project, the exhibition brings together rare printed maps, painted maps and cartographic documents from the Mewar Royal collection in the Mardana Mahal from July 2023 onwards. 

The exhibition gives visitors fascinating insights into how places, landscapes, and the topography of the State of Mewar were produced on maps, paintings, and other related documents. The iconic architecture of Udaipur’s palaces can also be seen in these objects, as depicted by cartographic printers and painters of the past. 

Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur received a grant in 2021 from The Getty Foundation for an exhibition of this rare, and never-seen-before, array of maps and cartography-related documents. Curatorial and research teams of The City Palace Museum, have been working on preserving the cartographic materials dating back to the 1700s in its collections. 

Said Dr Shailka Mishra, consultant curator for the project, “The exhibition has been curated in different themes. We have showcased some 53 objects including a diverse array of maps meticulously commissioned and collected by the Maharanas of Mewar. On display are seven Paintings, 31 Maps, one Architectural drawing, 12 photographs, one Photo album and one Bahida.  There are details of topographical maps, landscape paintings, the cartographic works of British painters on Mewar and Udaipur, besides the early printed maps of India, world maps, and local district maps created for revenue administration are on display.”  

To engage the visitors, there are interactive kiosks and tours provided in the gallery. Through stories, different perspectives, they can absorb new facts and knowledge about the history of Mewar through the maps. 

“I heartily congratulate the curatorial and research teams of our Museum and the Getty Foundation,” said Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Trustee of Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, “for creating and curating yet another landmark exhibition. It is a fine example of how the living heritage of Mewar is being preserved and shared with young and global audiences alike in India and overseas. In the years ahead, we hope to build on these platforms of sharing authentic knowledge and our legacies.” 

The ‘Picturing Place: Painted and Printed Maps at the Udaipur Court’ exhibition comes on the heels of the two major international exhibitions in France and the USA for which The City Palace Museum lent its invaluable collection in 2022-2023. 

In France, the photographs of the State of Udaipur were jointly exhibited at Chambord castle titled ‘A Tale of Two Palaces’; while at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, a selection of over 70 paintings of Mewar was displayed in the exhibition ‘A Splendid Land: Paintings from Royal Udaipur’.   

The exhibition of maps, as collected and produced in Udaipur Court, is significant for it provides insights into how the earlier generation of painters, draughtsmen, and historians were perceiving the world. 

“These maps are historical documents and have tremendous archival value,” said Dr Mishra. “We have innumerable other court records like bahidas or daily dairies, architectural drawings, photographs and paintings: these maps complement and complete our understanding of the past.” The Udaipur Court was famous for its writings on history, and literature; maps are part of this vibrant intellectual culture belonging to Rajasthan and the entire nation. 

Through this exhibition, Dr Mishra also explains the multifaceted purposes and interpretations of maps, from political and cultural motivations to imperialistic ambitions. “Seen together, it provides an opportunity to examine the visualization of architecture, landscape and topography in different mediums over two centuries,” said the consultant curator. The exhibition provides an avenue for further research on this unique collection and elaborates on the agency of court artists within the field of cartographic knowledge. 

About the Organizations

Getty Foundation

Launched in 2018 by Getty, The Paper Project funds professional development and experimental projects for curators around the world who study prints and drawings to make graphic arts collections more accessible and relevant to 21st-century audiences.

Getty is a leading global arts organization committed to the exhibition, conservation, and understanding of the world’s artistic and cultural heritage. Working collaboratively with partners around the globe, the Getty Foundation, Getty Conservation Institute, Getty Museum and Getty Research Institute are all dedicated to a greater understanding of the relationships between the world’s many cultures.

The City Palace Museum

The City Palace Museum, an initiative of MMCF, was set up in 1969 by His late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar of Udaipur to safeguard and preserve the cultural heritage and the time-honoured traditions of the people of Mewar.

The City Palace of Udaipur was the first of the many Royal Palaces of India to have taken the visionary step towards becoming a museum. Today the Udaipur City Palace Museum is a rich repository of paintings, photographs, textiles and royal costumes, arms and armouries, silver, sculptures, and musical instruments. These unique collections on display belong to the former Royal Family of Mewar and are preserved as the living heritage of Mewar.

Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF)

MMCF is a public charitable trust and an initiative of the Custodian of the House of Mewar for the perpetuation of its core values: service to mankind and society, upholding self-independence and self-reliance. It serves as a ‘temple of inspiration’ for future generations and continues the model of sustainability that is ‘Eternal Mewar’.

Operational since 1969 presently over 500 professionals are engaged in realizing the vision of Eternal Mewar. Through the establishment of educational institutions, philanthropic works, heritage management and promotion of sports, the Foundation has partnered with national and international organisations to achieve its objectives. 

The leadership of Maharaj Kumar Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur, Trustee – MMCF, has paved the way for the city of Udaipur to exemplify the living heritage of Mewar through several centres of excellence and models of sustainability. 

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This collaborative event brought together esteemed Corporate MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel buyers and trusted sellers, delivering a series of engaging activities designed to foster invaluable relationships and facilitate lucrative collaborations.

The highly anticipated 24th edition of the MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition took place on June 1, 2023, at the prestigious ITC Maratha Mumbai. This premier event brought together the most affluent travel purchasers, including corporate buyers, and wedding and event planners, for a day of networking and business opportunities.

MTM and LLTM offer a unique platform for travel decision-makers from corporate houses, wedding planners, and event planners, who are key players in MICE movements, business travel, luxury, and leisure travel. By congregating these industry professionals under one roof, the exhibition provides an ideal setting to showcase products and seize business prospects within a dynamic and results-oriented environment.

Inaugural Morning Session

The event began with a warm welcome from Kamal Gill, Executive Editor and Managing Director, Gill India Group and Director of OptiMICE Events. Kamal Gill expressed immense pleasure in hosting the 24th edition of MTM & LLTM, emphasizing the significance of the gathering and acknowledging the esteemed Guests of Honour and Dignitaries in attendance.

Among them were Consulate General of Malaysia Tourism; Rajiv Kaul, Luxury Hotelier and Founder of Kaul Advisory; Parveen Chander, EVP – Sales & Marketing, IHCL; Romi Dutta, Executive Director, Amby Valley and Hotel Sahara Star; Iqbal Mulla, Chairman, Treasure Tourism Corporation Ltd; Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA at South African Tourism; Renjie Wong, Area Director, India, South Asia & Middle East, Singapore Tourism Board; T.Ediwanto T.Eddie, Deputy Director, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board; Atul Bhalla, Area General Manager for the West and East regions, as well as the General Manager of ITC Maratha; Rajiv Duggal, Travel Advisor and Director of Travel Specialists; Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI; Kewal Gill, Chairman of Gill India Group, and Arjun Gill, Director of OptiMICE Events.

The inaugural morning session saw a galaxy of leaders from the hospitality, aviation, government, and international tourism industries providing actionable information on everything from leadership and excellence in a post-Covid world to understanding the world of luxury, aviation, MICE, and incentives. 

Kamal Gill acknowledged the remarkable achievements of the travel and tourism industry in 2023, highlighting the reopening of borders, easing travel restrictions, and the global resurgence of wanderlust. She said, “This extraordinary upswing has resulted in record-breaking tourist arrivals and flourishing hospitality businesses, symbolizing the unwavering human desire to connect with the world. By participating in MTM and LLTM, exhibitors are leveraging the current industry momentum, forging lasting partnerships, and positioning themselves at the forefront of the evolving travel landscape.”

She expressed gratitude to the exhibitors for their trust, investment, and belief in the event’s vision and endeavours. She assured them that their commitment has been vital to the success of the exhibition and pledged to continue striving for excellence and providing unparalleled opportunities to connect with the target audience and achieve business goals.

Gill extended a warm welcome to all the corporate buyers from across India, expressing appreciation for their longstanding association and support. She also thanked the corporate buyers and supporters for their unwavering patronage and valuable contribution throughout the journey.

During the opening session, Maishaa Mukadam, Manager – India and South Asia, Singapore Tourism Board delivered a talk on a subject dear to all hearts – Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Corporate Events. Maishaa Mukadam highlighted the increasing importance of environmental sustainability and community engagement in the corporate events industry and shared insights on eco-friendly venues, sustainable event planning, and the integration of social impact initiatives.

Meet and forge business alliances at MTM and LLTM

MTM and LLTM has been instrumental over the years in facilitating meaningful business interactions between corporate purchasers and travel-service providers, leading to remarkable transactions and valuable leads. The overwhelming support received by MTM and LLTM underscores the significance of the MICE, luxury, and leisure segment, both domestically and internationally, while highlighting its vast untapped potential.

MTM and LLTM showcased its unique Reverse Marketplace Duo, which enabled Exhibitors to meet exclusive Corporate Purchasers and do business through one-on-one meetings.

MTM and LLTM brought into play two premium Reverse Marketplace Sessions. The first session had over 30+ pre-qualified Corporate Buyers from all over India — from corporate hubs in cities, such as Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Pune — sitting in exclusive meetings with exhibitors. The Second Session comprised a different set of 30+ pre-qualified Corporate Buyers from the host city of Mumbai.

Reverse MarketPlace: Standout feature of MTM and LLTM

This standout feature of MTM and LLTM where over 60 esteemed corporate VIP buyers occupy the other side of the table creates exclusive sessions that enable sellers to establish face-to-face connections with VIP buyers, fostering mutually beneficial relationships and creating avenues for future collaborations.

The event went on with an impactful Business Day, where participants embarked on a productive journey through a Reverse MarketPlace session. With VIP corporate buyers flying in from various parts of the country, sellers had the exclusive opportunity to engage in face-to-face interactions, discussing business prospects and establishing mutually beneficial connections. This session set the stage for fruitful partnerships and opened new avenues for collaboration.

The occasion marked a rush of corporates. Some of the top companies who attended were Pfizer, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Group, Titan Company, Kirloskar Brothers, Godrej & Boyce Mfg., Accenture, VE Commercial Vehicles, Tata Communications, Adobe Systems India, Ashok Leyland, Ather Energy, Panasonic Life Solutions, Tata Consulting Engineers, FIS Global, Welspun Group, Matrimony.com, ACG Worldwide, NTT Data Global Delivery, Macrotech Developers (Lodha Group), and many more.

Following a satisfying lunch, the momentum continued with a second Reverse MarketPlace session, introducing fresh VIP corporate buyers to sellers. This provided sellers with additional opportunities to engage and discuss potential business transactions, maximizing their chances of forging successful deals. Exhibitors had their hands full as they introduced themselves, met, and discussed future business and event proposals from Pan India and the host-city corporate purchasers throughout the day.

The fact that the session was able to bring together so many Corporate decision-makers for one-on-one meetings, that too in a single day, was highly appreciated by the attending delegates. There was a healthy mix of first-time and returning exhibitors, who took full advantage of this unique gathering.

 The Exhibitors included players from Hospitality Industry, Travel Agencies, DMCs, Sports and Events companies, Cruise Lines, and National and International Tourism Bodies. 

A range of networking events

One of the highlights of the event was the prestigious MTM Star Awards, where leading wedding planners and top corporate companies were recognized and applauded in front of a captivated audience. This esteemed ceremony served as a testament to their outstanding contributions and achievements within the industry.

The constellation of proud awardees in the MTM Star Award category included Corporate Awardees like UltraTech Cement for Best Incentive Programme for Distributors/Dealers; Maddock Films for Best Meeting/Exhibition Programme; HDFC Life Insurance for Best Incentive Programme for Employees/Associates; HDFC Ergo General Insurance for Best Training Programme for Employees/Associates; Sharekhan by BNP Paribas for Most Well-Planned Business Travel.

The MTM and LLTM Star Awards in the Wedding/Event Planner category recognised well-known industry personalities like Iskra Events & Celebrations, We Weddings & Entertainment Hospitality, Saffron Strings, Krayonz Entertainment, Momente Weddings, Kkings Events, The Wedding House and Yolo Events among others.  

To conclude the eventful day, participants were invited to the Networking Cocktails and Dinner, creating an ideal platform for exhibitors to further nurture relationships and engage in friendly discussions. Group discussions in the evening brought business networking to another level and valuable partnerships with industry partners were formed from across the country and overseas.

The convivial atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie as approximately 100 corporate representatives and wedding planners enjoyed the opportunity to unwind and solidify partnerships, capping off a day filled with productive business meetings.

Towards a sustainable travel world

Small changes can go a long way.  Joining hands with the global cause of going plastic-free, MTM and LLTM revamped the conventional exhibition space to a whole new level, by introducing a tabletop format and live LED walls at sponsor exhibitor stalls.

This reduced the usage of flex and plastic at the Exhibition by more than 90 per cent. The new feature provided greater benefits to all Exhibitors, as it offered a more sophisticated look and also doubled up the space for their participation.

A resurgent global wanderlust – Explore new horizons and shape the future of travel & tourism

Against the backdrop of a resurging global wanderlust, the travel industry has experienced an unparalleled surge in activity, with record-breaking tourist arrivals and thriving hospitality businesses. In this climate, MTM and LLTM present unrivalled opportunities for exhibitors to engage with their corporate target audience and achieve their MICE and travel-related business goals.

The sold-out event highlighted the huge impact of the Meetings and Incentive, Luxury, and Leisure industries on our economy. Overall, the event received an outstanding response from all the delegates, who spoke highly of this innovative Corporate business and networking event and thanked the organizers, OptiMICE Events and exclusive media partner Today’s Traveller for putting together this unique corporate platform.

The future of the MICE Market -Poised for incredible growth

MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition explores the Future of the MICE Market with a deep dive into the current trends and potential of the MICE industry, and learn about innovative solutions to assist in updating its business offer.

The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) market is projected to experience strong growth in the future, with a value of USD 876.42 billion in 2022 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2023 to 2030. This expansion can be attributed to a variety of factors, including increasing individual spending, global urbanization, and innovation in technology. The market analysis also takes into account potential government and market regulations affecting the industry, ensuring a thorough understanding of market trends.

Recent surveys indicate significant engagement in bleisure travel – roughly 90% of millennials – as well as a trend of turning business travel into vacations to reduce costs. An increased number of business travellers attending corporate events and exhibitions, along with a focus on employee engagement, will continue to drive market growth.

The corporate events industry is experiencing significant growth due to a rise in organization and attendance rates. Asia Paints, for example, hosted a Sales Conference in 2022 which drew over 10,000 attendees from across India. The global market is also seeing growth with an increased number of national and international exhibitions, attracting visitors from around the world.

One such event includes Expo 2020 in Dubai which ran from October 2021 to March 2022, aiming to increase awareness of global issues while celebrating culture, innovation, and cooperation. The meetings event type segment dominated the industry in 2022, accounting for over 41.85% of the overall revenue.

The rising number of business events is driving demand for meetings, including shareholder, management, and general meetings. Destination popularity is also playing a role, with less densely populated tier cities becoming more attractive, often promoted by local governments offering travel grants to encourage business events.

The incentive travel segment is expected to see the fastest growth during the forecast period due to the surging demand for unique travel experiences among millennials. Organizations offer incentives such as travel rewards to their teams, staff, partners, and affiliates as an expression of support and appreciation, boosting morale. As the number of millennials seeking adventure rises, companies are on the lookout for easily accessible destinations that offer excitement and intrigue.

The Asia Pacific region currently leads the industry, accounting for over 44.30% of revenue in 2022, and is forecasted to maintain its dominance with the fastest CAGR, benefiting from its status as one of the world’s fastest-developing regions. The growth of the MICE sector can accelerate economic growth, regional collaboration, and intellectual progress, fueled by the rise of SMEs, globalization of businesses and the expansion of corporate industries, and the transformation of business travel into leisure travel, rapid urbanization, and rising disposable incomes.

Europe is forecasted to experience the second-fastest growth rate from 2023 to 2030. As the MICE events increase in Europe, resorts in the region are adapting to specialized MICE hotel locations and services, allowing them to take advantage of the expanding regional market with a positive impact on enterprises, communities and destinations.

About MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition – The Premier Platform for Showcasing MICE, Luxury & Leisure Travel

The MTM and LLTM Travel Exhibition (MICE Travel Mart and Luxury & Leisure Travel Mart) is a highly anticipated bi-annual event that brings together the most influential Corporate MICE travel purchasers in India. As a premier platform for showcasing products and connecting with key decision-makers, the exhibition has successfully facilitated numerous business transactions and has played a significant role in the growth of the MICE, luxury, and leisure segments.

MTM & LLTM exhibition explores newer options, enriches all MICE Luxury & Leisure players with new ideas, and builds an endearing bond between the travel service providers, and corporates.

About OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd – Professional Meeting & Event Planning

OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd, specialize in creating custom events and meeting experiences that bring tangible value to corporate buyers. The company’s team of dedicated professionals helps to create a dedicated platform for forging alliances for planning successful MICE activities throughout the year and beyond.

Established in 2010, OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd has a singular objective: to bridge the gap between corporate buyers, tourism destinations, and travel service providers. The company’s goal is to facilitate high-quality meetings and foster business networking that yield a strong return on investment (ROI).

As pioneers in the Indian market, OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd has made significant strides in the corporate MICE and Business Travel segment. The company’s extensive reach and excellent reputation with corporate entities throughout India have solidified its position as an industry leader.

Through the company’s media arm, Today’s Traveller, one of the oldest travel magazines in India, OptiMICE Events has cultivated strong relationships with end consumers and major travel trade associations such as TAAI, TAFI, OTOAI, NIMA, EETA, IATO, and EEMA. This network further enhances the company’s ability to connect with key players in the travel industry.

Under the guidance of Kamal Gill, a highly experienced industry veteran with over three decades of expertise and renowned travel writing credentials, the company has achieved remarkable success. Kamal is the Founder and Executive Editor of Today’s Traveller and the Director of OptiMICE Events Pvt. Ltd.

With more than 13 years of experience organizing trade shows and niche events, OptiMICE has successfully executed various exhibitions for the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality industries. The company takes pride in being at the forefront of promoting MICE destinations and products to the Corporate world, the Film fraternity, and FIT & Leisure buyers.

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The tourism board will showcase destination South Africa for the 4th consecutive year, with over 60% of South African Provinces joining the national tourism board in this virtual venture themed ‘A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism’.

South African Tourism, along with 28 prominent exhibitors from the Provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga as well as 10 SMMEs, will showcase an array of new and established uniquely South African products by DMCs and hotels. 

This will include luxury experiences, advanced MICE infrastructure, and unique adventure, wildlife and culinary capabilities. Lucrative partnerships are anticipated given over 1,000 exhibitors, buyers, and travel professionals from over 60 international countries are slated to visit the trade show. 

Speaking about South Africa’s participation, Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA, South African Tourism says, “In what can only be described as an extraordinary year, we – at South African Tourism – have employed a plethora of technologically driven, sustainable and ingenious tourism initiatives. We are excited to bring these innovations and ideas to the rest of the travel community. We are looking forward to mutually beneficial partnerships and high-impact meetings between South African exhibitors and global buyers to stem from ATM 2021.”

“With world-class safety & hygiene measures, screening techniques and off-beat socially distanced experiences, we cannot wait to give audiences across the world a taste of our finest hospitality and luxury, whenever they are ready to travel. South Africa is open. South Africa is safe,” she continued.

South Africa currently has internationally benchmarked health and safety protocols in place at all private game lodges and government-owned national parks, shopping hubs, restaurants and accommodation facilities and all other tourism-related products and experiences.

These safety measures include a lesser number of tourists in a safari vehicle to promote social distancing, digital menus, touchless parking, e-payment systems, hand-sanitization and disinfection stations, individually sanitized and packed takeaway/room service etc.

Travellers intending to visit South Africa are required to produce a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa. Travellers can also expect precautionary and sanitation measures at various other transit touchpoints including international and domestic airports, and car rentals.

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The highly-anticipated Game of Thrones Touring Exhibition, including two-never-seen before sets, has arrived at TEC Belfast for its debut visit to the UK and Ireland.

To celebrate, actors, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Ian Beattie and Liam Cunningham, alongside award-winning costume designer Michele Clapton, were the first to experience the dramatic Game of Thrones exhibition, which features costumes, authentic props and majestic settings from all seven seasons, as well as the Winterfell Crypt and Dragon Skull Pit, which have been exclusively added for Northern Ireland. 

Designed specially by GES Events in collaboration with HBO Licensing and Retail, the must-see Game of Thrones exhibition is the largest public display to date and offers fans an interactive and immersive experience like no other.

From 11th April through to 1st September 2019,  fans can have an up-close and personal look at the ancient dragon skulls, ranging in size from about that of an apple to the one belonging to Balerion the Dread, which decorated the throne room in the Red Keep until King Robert Baratheon had them hidden away in the catacombs. 

Visitors can also see publicly for the first time the vast and sacred crypt of Winterfell, guarded by stone dire wolves, to pay their respects to six of the Stark ancestors as well as explore the settings and view authentic artefacts from:

• The wintry landscapes of the North
• The tree-lined pathway of the Kingsroad
• The regal settings of King’s Landing
• The conquered city of Meereen with its garrisons of Unsullied warriors and the loyalists of House Targaryen
• Iconic settings like the House of Black and White
• The home of the Night’s Watch — Castle Black
• The frozen lands Beyond the Wall
• The show-stopping centrepiece of the exhibition, the Iron Throne Room
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