Business Travel on the Rise: USD 1.8 Trillion Forecast by 2027 Predicts GBTA 2023 Index

Business Travel on the Rise: USD 1.8 Trillion Forecast by 2027 Predicts GBTA 2023 Index

By Author

Published on December 23, 2023

As the world marches towards 2027, the global business travel sector is poised to reach a staggering USD 1.8 trillion, marking a significant leap in the industry. The 2023 GBTA Business Travel Index Report has shed light on this remarkable growth, indicating a faster-than-expected rebound. In 2023 alone, business travel spending rose by 47 percent, reaching USD 1.03 trillion, and is projected to continue its upward trajectory.

Last year's business events scene painted an equally impressive picture. The ICCA statistical forecast revealed an astonishing 349 percent increase in in-person events. Out of the 10,602 recorded business events globally, 9,009, accounting for 85 percent, were in-person, with the Middle East leading the charge. The region accounted for the highest percentage of in-person delegates at 94 percent, as per the official figures.

Looking ahead, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 is setting the stage for a groundbreaking collaboration. Slated from May 6-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM has joined forces with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). This strategic alliance, designating ICCA and GBTA as 'Knowledge Partners,' is a testament to ATM's commitment to enhancing the value and innovation of its regional trade show. This partnership is expected to offer profound insights and open new opportunities for the burgeoning business events and travel segments.

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The business travel industry's growth trajectory is complemented by an evolving landscape. Despite the global rebound, many firms are rethinking their travel strategies. The shift towards video conferencing and rail trips over flying, while slower to return business travel to 2019 levels, is a nod to environmental concerns. This trend is a balancing act between maintaining corporate relationships and minimizing overall emissions, reflecting a conscientious approach to business travel.

During ATM 2024, ICCA will delve into various MICE industry topics through seminars, while GBTA will unveil the prevailing trends in the business travel sector. These sessions are designed to provide attendees with valuable insights into recent research, innovations, and best practices.

The collaboration brings together diverse perspectives. Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, expresses enthusiasm about this inclusive approach, marking an exciting chapter for business events in future editions. Catherine Logan, Regional Senior Vice President EMEA and APAC at GBTA, emphasizes the MEA region's potential and its impressive recovery to 95 percent of pre-pandemic spending in 2022.

The upcoming 31st edition of ATM, themed 'Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,' focuses on exploring how travel and tourism innovators can attract greater funding and significantly boost the sector's contribution to the global GDP. Last year's event, with over 40,000 attendees, set a new benchmark, and this year's edition is poised to raise the bar even higher.


Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Craving a sandwich that truly hits the spot? Bluebop Subs, the latest venture from the team behind Mumbai’s beloved Bluebop Café, is here to transform your sandwich experience. Now available for delivery on Swiggy, Bluebop Subs brings handcrafted, chef-driven sandwiches right to your doorstep — all made with in-house baked breads, premium ingredients, and a generous dollop of soul.

Where Craft Meets Craving

Bluebop Subs is not just another sandwich brand; it carries forward the Bluebop Café’s legacy of quality, creativity, and flavour. Each sandwich is crafted with care, featuring breads baked fresh in-house, including hearty rye and gluten-free options for mindful eaters. Whether you’re a vegetarian, meat lover, classic fan, or flavour adventurer, there’s a sandwich here made just for you.

Eesha Sukhi, Director of The Bluebop Café, shares, “We’ve poured the same care and craftsmanship into Bluebop Subs that made The Bluebop Café what it is today. This launch is a celebration of flavour, convenience, and creativity. We wanted to bring restaurant-quality sandwiches to your homes without compromise.”

A Menu That Sparks Joy

Expect a lineup of sandwiches that go beyond the ordinary:

  • The OG Fried Chicken sub with slaw and house sauce

  • Bright, creamy Egg & Avocado delight

  • Indulgent Pepperoni Melt

  • Spicy, satisfying Peri Peri Cottage Cheese

  • Crisp and creamy Caesar Chicken Salad

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  • Classic favourites like Caprese, Ham & Cheese, and BLT

  • Wholesome vegan options like Tofu Green Delight

And for the sweet tooth, don’t miss their decadent dessert sandwiches:

  • Lotus Cheesecake Sub

  • Oreo Cheesecake Sub

From gourmet to comfort, health-conscious to hearty, Bluebop Subs is designed to deliver happiness, whether you’re working late, binge-watching your favourite series, or just really hungry.

Available now for delivery across Mumbai on Swiggy.
Follow them on Instagram: @bluebopsubs
Contact: 093722 02586


Passport, Pheras & Paradise: Meet the Coolest Wedding Planners for Your Dream Destination Shaadi

Passport, Pheras & Paradise: Meet the Coolest Wedding Planners for Your Dream Destination Shaadi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 30, 2025

The global destination wedding market is all set to cross a whopping USD 36.8 billion in 2025 and grow to around USD 68.2 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6.4%. So, it’s no surprise that more couples are swapping banquet halls for beaches, palaces, and faraway islands to say “I do.”

With rising disposable incomes and a growing desire for personalized experiences, destination weddings have become more than just a trend—they’re a full-blown movement. If you're ready to turn your shaadi into a globe-trotting adventure, here are the best planners across India and beyond who can make it happen:

India || The Wedding Company

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India offers a dreamy palette of locations for every kind of wedding. Think Udaipur’s royal forts, Goa’s golden beaches, Kerala’s serene backwaters, and the untouched beauty of the Andaman Islands. Making this magic come alive is TheWeddingCompany.com, India’s biggest wedding planning platform since its founding in 2023.

With over 1,000 weddings under its belt, this tech-powered planner is the go-to for urban couples in over 50 Indian cities. From concept to execution, they handle everything—venues, vendors, décor, logistics—so you just focus on the pheras (and the selfies).

Thailand || IndoBangkok Weddings

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Thailand continues to be the top pick for Indian destination weddings, thanks to its affordability, luxurious hospitality, and cultural familiarity. Be it a beachfront mandap in Phuket or a luxe ballroom in Bangkok, Thailand nails the brief every time.

At the center of it all is IndoBangkok Weddings, led by Dilbir Sahni aka Bob, who founded the company in 2000. Known for bridging India and Thailand through weddings, films, and culture, Bob has pulled off over 410 events and projects, making IndoBangkok a trusted name in international wedding circles.

Maldives || Swaaha Weddings

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White sands, turquoise waters, and overwater pheras—Maldives is a luxury wedding dream come true. Whether it’s a mehendi by the beach or a mandap floating over the ocean, Maldives weddings are intimate, lavish, and unforgettable.

Swaaha Weddings & Experiences, co-founded by Mareesha Parikh and Hemant Kale, specializes in making this paradise wedding fantasy a reality. With complete end-to-end planning—including custom décor, Indian rituals, and unique guest experiences—Swaaha brings soulful elegance to every celebration.

Dubai || Ikigaii

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If opulence is on your shaadi vision board, Dubai is your destination. From desert soirées to rooftop pheras overlooking the Burj Khalifa, Dubai blends luxury with ease like no other. Direct flights, easy visas, and Indian-friendly services make it an obvious choice for big fat Indian weddings abroad.

Enter Ikigaii Planners, a boutique wedding company run by Heeital and Vaibbhav, known for their ultra-personalized planning and flawless execution. Whether it’s an intimate wedding or a week-long extravaganza, Ikigaii ensures your big day is equal parts glam and graceful.

Whether you want regal palaces, tropical vibes, or ultra-modern glamour—these destination wedding planners are experts at turning your shaadi into a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. So pack your bags, call your crew, and let the pheras begin!


Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram Shares Tips on Menstrual Hygiene

Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram Shares Tips on Menstrual Hygiene

By Vaidya Smita Naram of Ayushakti

Published on May 30, 2025

On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, renowned Ayurveda practitioner and Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram sheds light on the essential practices every woman should follow during menstruation to ensure better health and hygiene.

“Menstrual hygiene is simply normal hygiene that every female must maintain during her monthly cycle,” says Vaidya Smita Naram. Since menstrual bleeding occurs from the vaginal area, it’s crucial to keep the area clean—not just during periods but throughout the month—to prevent infections and maintain overall health.

She shares practical and easy-to-follow tips to promote safe menstrual hygiene:

 Choose Clean Period Products: Whether using pads, tampons, or cloth, ensure the material is clean. Change it every 3–4 hours to prevent bacterial infections. Opt for organic cotton pads, wash cloth pads in warm water, and dry them in the sun for natural sterilization.

 Wash the Area Regularly: Before every pad change, rinse and wash the area. Dry it with tissue to prevent moisture buildup. Use antibacterial water or Ayurvedic herbs like Neem leaves to further protect from infections.

 Avoid Scented Products: Fragranced period products may irritate sensitive skin and disrupt hormones. Stick to unscented, skin-friendly alternatives.

 Refrain from Sexual Activity: Avoiding intimacy during periods reduces the risk of STDs and UTIs, which can be more likely during this phase due to increased sensitivity.

 Practice Cleanliness: Always wash hands before and after using the restroom, especially in public places. Carry wet wipes or sanitizers for convenience.

 Track Your Cycle: Monitor emotions, symptoms, and medication through apps or calendars. Early tracking can help detect any unusual patterns.

 Stay Hydrated & Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and give your body the rest it needs. Periods are a window into physical health, and it's essential to listen to what your body is telling you.

Vaidya Smita encourages everyone to be mindful and respectful of their body’s needs during menstruation. “Not everyone has easy periods, and that’s okay. What matters most is understanding and supporting your body during this natural phase.”

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