Newspatrolling.com News cum Content Syndication Portal Online
Mumbai, February 9, 2026: Asia’s largest travel trade show, the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, was conducted at the Jio Convention Centre in Bandra, Mumbai. This three-day exhibition is held annually in Mumbai to promote tourism on a global stage. The travel trade show saw a good turnout from the stakeholders in the tourism sector. Over 40+ stakeholders participated through Maharashtra Tourism’s pavilion at the event.
On the event days, some of the prominent dignitaries present included Shri. Sanjay Khandare (IAS), Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Maharashtra, Dr. B. N. Patil (IAS), Director, Directorate of Tourism, GoM, Shri. Neelesh Ramesh Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC, GoM, and Shri. Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, General Manager, MTDC, GoM, among others. The dignitaries visited Maharashtra Tourism’s pavilion and met the exhibitors.
Details on tourist destinations in Maharashtra are also provided during OTM 2026. Maharashtra Tourism has arranged a special pavilion for the event. Through this pavilion, visitors received information on the state’s tourism segments, access to destinations, available facilities and services.
Naveli Deshmukh, Youth Ambassador for Maharashtra Tourism, was also present at the OTM event. On the occasion, she visited Maharashtra Tourism’s pavilion, interacted with stakeholders there, and appreciated the positive response received by the Maharashtra Tourism pavilion.
Shri. Sanjay Khandare (IAS), Principal Secretary (Tourism), Government of Maharashtra
“Participation in OTM will undoubtedly boost tourism in Maharashtra. I firmly believe the state will reach new heights as a global tourism destination. This platform will help accelerate tourism growth and generate increased employment opportunities. I extend my sincere thanks to the organisers for providing such a valuable platform for the development of the tourism sector.”
Dr. B. N. Patil (IAS), Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra
“Tourism’s contribution to Maharashtra’s Gross Domestic Product currently stands at around 7-8 percent, and we are working to increase it to 15 percent in the near future. To achieve this objective, Maharashtra Tourism is making concerted efforts to promote and organise unique events and festivals across the state. One such event is the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM), which has proven to be an effective international platform for promoting Maharashtra’s tourism products. The platform also enables our stakeholders to connect with destination management companies worldwide. All these activities will enable Maharashtra to achieve a substantial global growth in the tourism sector in the coming years.”
Shri. Neelesh Ramesh Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC, Government of Maharashtra
“OTM 2026 serves as a global gateway for tourism. This exhibition has created a new platform for tourism professionals. Participation in OTM has provided momentum to tourism in Maharashtra. We are confident that Maharashtra tourism will reach new heights on the global map.”
About Us
The Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department of Maharashtra was established on 31st May 2006 to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage and strengthen its tourism sector. Recognizing that tourism and culture are closely linked—where historical monuments, folk arts, and local traditions serve as both cultural treasures and tourist attractions—the Government of Maharashtra created a dedicated ministerial-level department to ensure integrated decision-making on policy matters.
The department works to preserve and showcase Maharashtra’s unique art forms, traditions, and historical landmarks, fostering cultural exchange and enhancing the state’s visibility as a tourism destination. By combining cultural preservation with tourism development, it contributes to socio-economic growth while creating enriching experiences for both residents and visitors.
