OTM stands for Outbound Travel Mart (commonly referred to simply as OTM). It is an annual international travel trade show organised in Mumbai, India, that brings together travel industry professionals, buyers, sellers, tourism boards, destinations, and service providers from around the world — all under one roof to do business, network, and showcase products and services.
It is considered the leading travel trade show in India and Asia, certified for multiple years by independent market research firms like NielsenIQ and Ipsos.
History & Growth
OTM has grown significantly since its inception, especially in the post-pandemic era:
- Recent editions have seen over 2,100 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and over 50,000 trade visitors participating in the event.
- Earlier editions like OTM 2023 had over 1,200 exhibitors from 50 countries and 30 Indian states/UTs with more than 30,000 visitors, demonstrating its rapid expansion.
- According to industry surveys, a large majority of exhibitors (98–99 %) found the show essential for business growth, networking, and reaching quality buyers.
Where & When It Happens
OTM is held annually in Mumbai, traditionally at the Jio World Convention Centre, one of India’s most prominent venues for international conferences and trade shows.
The 2026 edition, for example, was scheduled from 5–7 February 2026.
Who Attends OTM?
OTM is a B2B (Business-to-Business) travel trade show — it focuses on industry professionals rather than public tourists. The major participants include:
1. Exhibitors
Exhibitors are travel companies from around the world — including tourism boards, destinations, hotels, tour operators, travel tech firms, and service providers. They set up booths to showcase destination offerings, products, and services.
2. Trade Visitors & Buyers
OTM places strong emphasis on quality buyers — those with real purchasing intent and authority. The event typically includes:
- Hosted buyers – pre-qualified top travel trade professionals who are invited and often subsidised to participate.
- Trade visitors – tour operators, travel agents, MICE professionals, corporate travel planners, destination wedding experts, and film/TV travel buyers.
- These buyers come from across India as well as internationally, covering both domestic and outbound travel markets.
3. Media & Influencers
OTM attracts travel journalists, media delegates, and travel bloggers, who help amplify trends and stories from the event and the travel industry at large.
What Happens at OTM? Key Features
1. Business Networking
OTM is primarily about creating business opportunities. Exhibitors get to meet travel buyers, negotiate partnerships, and generate new leads. Many exhibitors report immediate bookings, collaborations, and deals that materialise during and after the show.
2. Hosted Buyer Programme
One of OTM’s strongest features is its structured Hosted Buyer Programme — which brings top buyers and decision-makers to the show through organised meetings and schedules with exhibitors.
3. Knowledge Sessions
Alongside the exhibition floor, OTM often runs forums, panels, workshops, and masterclasses, where industry leaders, tourism boards, and experts discuss trends in travel, technology, and consumer behaviour.
4. Global Representation
OTM has become a truly global event with participation from tourism authorities, destinations, and trade buyers from Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and beyond — reflecting the internationalisation of India’s travel market.
Why OTM Matters to the Travel Industry
1. India’s Fast-Growing Travel Market
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets, both in domestic tourism and outbound travel. The country’s travel spend and international travel departures are expected to keep rising, making India a key market for global tourism brands.
2. Gateway to Asia
Because of its scale, reach, and strategic location, OTM positions itself as the gateway to India’s travel industry and broader Asian markets, attracting global exhibitors seeking access to these segments.
3. Industry Recognition
Independent surveys and research have consistently ranked OTM as the Leading Travel Trade Show in India and Asia, outpacing several regional and international fairs — which reinforces the event’s credibility and influence.
Who Benefits From OTM?
Here’s how different stakeholders gain value:
| Stakeholder | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Travel Exhibitors | Access to qualified buyers and potential clients; brand visibility |
| Tourism Boards | Showcase destinations to global and Indian markets |
| Tour Operators & Agents | Discover new products, partners, and packages |
| Corporate & MICE Buyers | Meet service providers, negotiate contracts |
| Media & Influencers | Report on trends, attract content and visibility |
| Business Travellers | Establish long-term B2B partnerships |
Conclusion
OTM Travel Trade is more than just an exhibition — it’s a commercial and strategic platform that drives business growth, collaboration, and innovation in the travel and tourism industry. From global networking and hosted buyer programmes to expert panels and destination showcases, OTM remains a focal point for those looking to be at the heart of travel trade dynamics in India, Asia, and the world.
