October 13, 2024 | Press Release

Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency, recently held the sixth edition of its annual B2B showcase, Explore France, at the JW Marriott in Goa from October 7th to 11th. The event brought together a delegation of 23 key French tourism stakeholders, who engaged in pre-scheduled meetings with 50 representatives from India’s travel trade industry. Over the course of two days, approximately 1,100 meetings took place, facilitating in-depth discussions on emerging travel trends and potential business collaborations between the two nations.

This year’s edition began with an insightful presentation on the Indian travel market, highlighting the evolving profile of Indian travellers and emerging trends. Neil Patil, COO of Veena World, shared insights on the legacy of family-run travel businesses and the significance of the family segment in Indian outbound travel. Additionally, a session by NPCI Payments International Limited and Lyra showcased the growing role of UPI in enhancing seamless digital payments for Indian travellers visiting France.

The event also featured a formal opening dinner attended by the Consul General of France in Mumbai, Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet. A significant highlight was the interactive visa session conducted in collaboration with the Consulate General of France and VFS Global. Mr. Sami Bouakaze, Consul and Deputy Head of Mission, addressed frequently asked questions and provided updates on visa processes, further easing travel for Indian tourists.

The French delegation, comprising established players and new entrants eager to explore the Indian market, had ample opportunities to present their offerings to the agents. The networking evenings provided a platform for participants to strengthen connections and discuss future collaborations in a relaxed atmosphere.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Sheetal Munshaw, Director of Atout France India, emphasised the importance of platforms like Explore France in sustaining the upward trajectory of Indian travel to France. She remarked, “India has been a growing source market for France, and initiatives like this ensure we maintain momentum. The event facilitated invaluable exchanges on both sides, enhancing product knowledge and market insights. With takeaways for all involved, we’re confident that the flow of Indian tourists to France will continue to rise.”

With its focus on fostering relationships and keeping pace with market trends, Explore France in Goa proved to be an essential forum for reinforcing the Indo-French travel partnership.