The 7th edition of the India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2024) wrapped up successfully, with 942 exhibitors showcasing their expertise in the hospitality sector. Held at the India Expo Centre & Mart, the event also featured four co-located shows that collectively drew an impressive 90,000 B2B visitors over four dynamic days. The expo served as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and business, generating an estimated Rs 12,000 crore in serious business inquiries.

IHE 2024 offered a comprehensive display of the latest in luxury hotels, resorts, homestays, restaurants, catering, decoration, and the F&B sector. Visitors were treated to a wide range of products and services, from cutting-edge technology to sustainable practices and culinary innovations. The final day cemented IHE’s status as India’s premier B2B hospitality event.

The expo was inaugurated by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, with a ceremony attended by prominent figures such as Myanmar’s Ambassador H.E. Moe Kyaw Aung, the Chief Trade Counsellor of the Vietnamese Embassy Mr. Bui Trung Thuong, and Aakar Exhibition’s Director, Shri Premal Mehta. In his keynote address, Minister Shekhawat highlighted IHE’s vital role in promoting India’s hospitality sector on a global scale.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of India Expo Centre & Mart, expressed pride in the successful event and highlighted the collaboration with Vietnam as the Partner Country and Himachal Pradesh as the Focus State. This partnership brought unique cultural and culinary experiences to the expo, enhancing its vibrant and diverse atmosphere.

The event’s lineup featured exciting culinary competitions like the Master Bakers Challenge India 2024, Pastry Queen India, and the India Pizza League Championship, which attracted participants nationwide. The Vietnam Food Festival, led by Chef Thong Nguyen Van, delighted attendees with authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

IHE 2024 set new standards of excellence in the hospitality industry, and the organizers are already planning for IHE 2025 with even higher goals. The commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration remains strong as they aim to expand the expo’s reach and impact globally.

About IHE:

The India International Hospitality Expo (IHE) is the largest hospitality expo in India, dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations, products, and services in the hospitality industry. Since its inception, IHE has been a key platform for growth and development in the sector, bringing together industry leaders and professionals from around the world.

Urban Square Mall, recognized as Rajasthan's largest shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, continues to attract top national and international brands, solidifying its position as Udaipur’s premier commercial hub. New outlets from well-known brands like Burger Singh, Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan, Chatkaz, and Wooden Street are set to open, offering visitors a diverse range of food and retail options.

Burger Singh, a popular fast-food chain, is among the latest additions, alongside Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan, which brings Mumbai’s distinctive flavors to Udaipur. Chatkaz, known for traditional snacks and street food, is also joining the lineup. Wooden Street, a brand celebrated for its stylish furniture, will be opening its store soon, further enhancing the mall’s offerings.

Urban Square Mall’s ongoing success is attributed to its strategic focus on creating a one-stop destination for both locals and tourists. “Since its inception, the mall has rapidly become Udaipur’s most sought-after commercial hub. To maintain this position, we are curating a diverse range of activities and experiences, ensuring that Urban Square Mall provides top-of-the-line shopping, leisure, and dining options,” says Uddhav Poddar, MD of Bhumika Group.

In addition to these new store openings, Urban Square Mall is also expanding its in-mall experiences with the addition of several new kiosks. These kiosks will offer a variety of products and services, including fashion accessories, children’s toys, fish spas, tattoos, and mehndi services, providing visitors with an even more varied shopping experience.

This year, the mall has already welcomed a range of new brands, including PVR Inox, Lemon Tree Hotels, Jusjumpin, Baggit, Vishal Mega Mart, Silver Pearl, Wooden Street, OMG Accessories, and Unicorn Dream.

Looking forward, Urban Square Mall plans to introduce several more brands, such as Manbhawan Thali, Vinod Cafe, and Octave Apparels. Additionally, new kiosks featuring Tattoo Art, Lassi Mart, Amul Ice Cream, and Fish Spa are expected to enhance the mall’s appeal. A new Sports Arena is also in the works, promising to diversify the entertainment options available to visitors.

The mall has also signed an agreement with hospitality giant IHG to develop a 195-key Holiday Inn, further cementing Urban Square Mall’s reputation as a comprehensive destination for both shopping and leisure.

As Urban Square Mall continues to expand its offerings and enhance the visitor experience, it remains the leading choice for shoppers and travelers in the region.

As August approaches, Indian travelers are gearing up for long weekends, eager to explore both domestic and international destinations. Booking.com, a leading digital travel platform, has released insights into the most sought-after locations for these mini getaways, timed around holidays like Independence Day (August 15), Raksha Bandhan (August 19), and Janmashtami (August 26).

With the extended holidays in August, Indian travelers are seeking a variety of experiences, from bustling city life to serene retreats. Major metros like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi are top choices, with many opting to return home or blend work and leisure. Nearby leisure spots within driving distance, such as Lonavala, Ooty, and Mahabaleshwar, are also popular for a quick change of scenery. Cultural and spiritual destinations like Udaipur, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Puri are seeing increased interest as well.

Top 10 Most Searched Domestic Destinations:

• Udaipur

• Lonavala

• Jaipur

• Ooty

• Kodaikanal

• Munnar

• Goa

• Mahabaleshwar

• Varanasi

• Puri

Top 5 Most Searched Indian Metros:

• Bengaluru

• Mumbai

• Delhi

• Chennai

• Hyderabad

For those looking to travel abroad, short-haul international destinations are gaining traction, thanks to visa-friendly policies and improved flight connectivity. Dubai leads the list with its luxury attractions, while Southeast Asian cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, and Phuket are also popular among Indian travelers.

Top 10 Most Searched International Destinations:

• Dubai

• Singapore

• London

• Bangkok

• Kuala Lumpur

• Bali

• Paris

• Phuket

• Abu Dhabi

• Tokyo

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, highlighted the growing preference for short trips. "This year’s travel trends data reveals a growing appetite for short breaks, with 65% of Indian travelers seeking a short domestic trip and nearly half (44%) interested in a short international escape, both within a 4-night framework," he said. The data also shows a rising interest in less traditional destinations such as Hampi, Madikeri, Ujjain, and Gokarna.

Booking.com remains committed to helping travelers make the most of their time off by offering a wide selection of travel options tailored to their needs.

Methodology

The data is based on search sessions conducted between July 28, 2024, and July 31, 2024, for check-in dates between August 15-19, 2024, and August 24-26, 2024. Note that this data is forward-looking and may change based on actual bookings.