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OTM 2026 Set to Bring the Global Travel Industry to Mumbai as India’s Outbound Market Accelerates

Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, organized by Fairfest Media Ltd., to host 2,200+ exhibitors from 60+ countries at Jio World Convention CentreMUMBAI, India, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OTM 2026, Asia’s leading travel trade show, will take place in Mumbai from 5 to 7 February 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre. Recognised by NielsenIQ as the Leading Travel Trade Show in India and Asia for two consecutive years, OTM 2026 is expected to host over 2,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, with 45+ National Tourism Organisations already confirmed and 30+ destinations participating exclusively at OTM. The show is also set to welcome 50,000+ trade visitors and 1,000+ hosted and VIP buyers, bringing together the global travel ecosystem at a time when India has emerged as one of the world’s most strategically important outbound tourism markets.

India: From Emerging Market to Strategic PriorityBefore the pandemic, India was often viewed as a promising but still emerging outbound market for many destinations. Today, that perception has shifted decisively. Rising disposable incomes, expanding air connectivity and a growing appetite for long-haul and experience-led travel have positioned India as a primary growth engine for global tourism. OTM 2026 reflects this transition clearly, marking a defining moment both for the platform and for India’s role in global destination strategy.Exotic and Emerging Destinations Signal a New Phase of EngagementWhat sets this edition apart is how visibly this shift is reflected in destination participation. Countries that were once considered niche or aspirational for Indian travellers are now actively engaging with India as their next growth market. Confirmed participation at OTM 2026 spans a wide global spectrum, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Georgia, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya (KATO), Korea, Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Türkiye, Uganda and Zambia, alongside city and regional destination bodies such as Visit Almaty, Visit Brussels and Danang Tourism Promotion Centre.Several of these destinations are participating exclusively at OTM 2026, underscoring the platform’s strategic importance as their primary interface with the Indian travel trade. Destinations including Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Türkiye and Uganda are investing in long-term trade partnerships and market development through OTM.Reflecting the growing importance of air connectivity in unlocking outbound travel from India, OTM 2026 will also see the participation of Malaysia Airlines as the Partner Airline, with the biggest Pavilion at OTM, as well as the biggest-ever participation by Air India, showcasing the airline sector’s role in supporting India’s expanding global travel footprint.Established Markets Reinforce Long-Term CommitmentAlongside emerging and exotic destinations established Western markets continue to reinforce their commitment to India. Major European destinations, supported by participation from organisations such as the European Tourism Association, as well as countries including France and Greece, will be present at the event. Participation from the US Commercial Service further highlights sustained strategic interest fromNorth America. Africa is also emerging as a key focus region, with multiple African tourism boards participating officially as countries across the continent increasingly position India as a core source market for leisure, adventure, wildlife and experiential travel.A Platform Designed for Business OutcomesOTM has reinforced its positioning as a focused B2B market-access platform designed to deliver measurable ROI. The 2026 edition will see participation from airlines, hotels and resorts, destination management companies, cruise operators, attractions, travel technology providers and the wider travel and tourism ecosystem. Structured engagement remains central to the platform, with 50,000+ pre-scheduled B2B meetings expected to facilitate targeted conversations and meaningful commercial outcomes for exhibitors and buyers.OTM Forum: Leadership, Insight and Industry DirectionComplementing the exhibition, OTM Forum will host a robust programme of thought leadership and market intelligence sessions, bringing together senior leaders from destinations, airlines, travel platforms, corporate travel, MICE, weddings and technology. Key sessions will examine themes such as India’s journey toward becoming a 100-million outbound traveller market, evolving demand drivers amid global disruption, the role of agentic AI in travel, the future of corporate travel, emerging destination demand and the renewed relevance of intermediaries in India’s travel ecosystem.Confirmed speakers include senior executives from Cleartrip, Paytm Travel, TBO, Sabre, SOTC Travel, Skyscanner, Thomas Cook India, Indigo, RateGain, Thrillophilia, Pickyourtrail and Dream Set Go, alongside leaders from tourism boards including Switzerland Tourism, Sarawak Tourism Board, Malaysia, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, as well as travel journalists and industry analysts.The event will also feature CineLocales, a dedicated marketplace connecting global destinations with film, television and OTT production stakeholders, highlighting the growing convergence of tourism, content and destination branding.Commenting ahead of the event, Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO, Fairfest Media Ltd., said, “For a long time, India was seen as an emerging opportunity. Today, it is one of the most sought-after and strategic travel markets globally. OTM was created to serve this exact moment, as a platform where the global travel industry can engage directly with India’s decision-makers in a focused, ROI-driven environment. With OTM 2026, we are building on the strong confidence shown by the industry and delivering an even more impactful edition with exhibitors from over 60 countries participating.”The detailed agenda is available at: https://meetingdiary.otm.co.in/agenda?date=2026-02-05Event DetailsOTM 2026Dates: 5, 6 & 7 February 2026Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, MumbaiOrganiser: Fairfest MediaAbout OTM and Fairfest Media:OTM is Asia’s leading travel trade platform, connecting global travel suppliers with India and Asia’s fastest-growing travel markets through large-scale exhibitions, curated buyer programmes and structured B2B engagement.OTM is organised by Fairfest Media. Founded in 1989, Fairfest Media is a global trade show organiser and media company, providing platforms for doing business in the world’s fastest-growing markets. Fairfest recently acquired WTE Miami, the fastest-growing travel show in the United States, which will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Centre on the 27th and 28th of October, 2026.For more information, please visit: https://otm.co.in/.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2867266/OTM_2026.jpg 

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Reliance Digital Introduces High-Performance iQOO 15R to its Nationwide Store Network

MUMBAI, India, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reliance Digital announces the offline retail availability of iQOO, the high-performance smartphone brand built for today’s youth and tech-forward consumers. Following strong traction in online channels, iQOO is now extending its presence into physical retail, allowing customers to experience and purchase its devices first-hand at Reliance Digital stores across India.

Known for pushing the boundaries of speed, and power, the iQOO 15R is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, delivering exceptional speed, responsiveness, and sustained performance throughout the day. It packs iQOO’s biggest battery yet in an ultra-slim 7.90mm design, making it India’s slimmest smartphone with a 7600 mAh battery.The device features a 6.5K IceCore VC Cooling Chamber for stable performance and runs on OriginOS 6.0 based on Android 16 out of the box, supported by 4 years of software updates and 6 years of security updates. It is also equipped with a Sony LYT-700V OIS camera, a 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED EyeCare display, and IP68 & IP69 dust and water resistance, making it a dependable daily partner for professionals on the go.The brand’s offline expansion marks an important step in deepening consumer engagement by offering hands-on access to its devices, enabling customers to explore iQOO’s powerful performance, advanced display technology, and flagship-grade camera capabilities in a real-world retail environment.The availability of iQOO at Reliance Digital brings together two brands driven by innovation and consumer experience. While iQOO continues to build its reputation as a performance-led smartphone brand, Reliance Digital strengthens its portfolio by offering customers access to cutting-edge technology brands through its extensive nationwide retail network.Through engaging in-store experiences, knowledgeable staff, and immersive product demonstrations, Reliance Digital aims to help consumers better understand iQOO’s performance-first DNA. This move further reinforces Reliance Digital’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences and serving as a preferred destination for discovering new-age technology.With this expansion, Reliance Digital continues to play a key role in shaping India’s consumer electronics landscape by bringing future-ready brands closer to customers, while enabling smartphone brands like iQOO to build stronger connections with a growing, performance-driven audience.The all new iQOO 15R is now available at Reliance Digital stores nationwide.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2931475/iQOO_15R.jpg 

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Power Creator Awards – Women’s Edition by Times Entertainment, Lights Up Mumbai, Celebrating Digital Trailblazers on International Women’s Day

MUMBAI, India, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a dazzling celebration of creativity, influence, and impact, Times Entertainment successfully hosted the Power Creator Awards – Women’s Edition on March 9th at The Lalit, Mumbai. Marking International Women’s Day, the gala honored the extraordinary women who are not just creating content but are building communities and driving meaningful change across India’s digital landscape.

The evening brought together the biggest names from the world of entertainment and digital media. The ceremony was graced by high-profile personalities including Hina Khan, Kusha Kapila, Sanjana Sanghi, Sona Mohapatra, Sonnalli Seygall, and Sumukhi Suresh, who stood as a testament to the growing synergy between traditional stardom and digital influence.A Distinguished JuryThe ‘Jury Choice’ winners were selected after a rigorous deliberation process by an esteemed panel of industry veterans. The jury featured:Divya Dutta (National Award-winning Actor & Author)Rasika Dugal (Versatile Actor known for Mirzapur & Delhi Crime)Shweta Tripathi Sharma (Acclaimed Actor and digital pioneer)Anup Soni (Renowned Actor and Anchor)”To witness so many creators through the jury process was a reminder that creation is a reflection of who we are,” said Shweta Tripathi Sharma. Rasika Dugal added, “I was particularly moved by the ‘Breaking the Bias’ category; the courage and honesty of these women is truly inspiring.”Celebrating the WinnersThe awards followed a dual-winner format—Jury Choice and Popular Choice (voted for by millions of fans nationwide)—covering over 20 diverse categories.CategoryWinner (Jury/Popular Choice Highlights)Power Comedy CreatorSrishti Dixit / Aanchal AgrawalPower Fashion & StyleRachel D’cruz / Jhanvi BhatiaPower Breaking BiasMira Erda / Saniya Mistri KaiyumuddinPower Music CreatorSantvani Trivedi / Melissa SrivastavaPower Food CreatorNatasha Gandhi / Kriti BhoutikaPower Fitness IconNeha Singh / Vibha MahajanPower Podcaster CreatorAleena Qureshi/ Srishti Ganguli and Salonie PatelCheck out the full winners list here – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/women/voices-of-power/times-entertainments-power-creator-awards-womens-edition-complete-winners-list-palak-muchhal-ira-khan-and-more-honored/articleshow/129344078.cmsPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2931390/Power_Creator_Awards.jpg 

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Kotak Alts announces winner of the inaugural Katalyst Awards

Ms Himani Choudhary named Katalyst for the year – India’s Best Financial Content Creator; wins Rs. 25 LakhsMUMBAI, India, March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kotak Katalyst Awards, a national initiative instituted to recognise excellence and responsibility in financial content creation has announced the winner of its first Katalyst edition. Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (“Kotak Alts”) today announced Himani Choudhary as the winner. The winner was awarded a prize of INR 25 Lakhs, positioning Katalyst among the most meaningful recognitions for financial content creators in India.

Srini Sriniwasan, Managing Director, Kotak Alts, said, “The Kotak Alts Katalyst Awards were instituted to recognize content creators who are contributing meaningfully to financial literacy in India. As investor participation deepens, audiences are seeking clarity, context, and credibility. The response from creators was overwhelming and points to the new generation of financial educators.  As the inaugural winner Ms. Himani Chaudhary, exemplifies the standard of financial communication that Katalyst seeks to encourage.”The first edition of the Kotak Alts Katalyst Awards received over six hundred entries from across 19 states and in 8 languages, reflecting the growing role of digital creators in shaping financial awareness. Conceived in response to increasing clutter and misinformation in the financial ecosystem, Katalyst is designed to recognize creators who place accuracy, transparency, and investor interest at the core of their work.The winning content, ‘Personal Finance & Major Finance Updates’ by Himani Choudhary, was recognised for its clarity, originality, and credibility. The jury noted the content’s ability to explain complex financial concepts in a clear and measured manner, supported by strong research and a consistent focus on investor education over virality.To ensure a robust and transparent evaluation process, the awards framework was designed and audited by EY. The top thirty entries were assessed by an academic jury.The top 10 finalists were subsequently evaluated by a grand jury comprising Kunal Shah, Founder and CEO of CRED; Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund; and Alpesh Shah, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group, and chaired by Ananth Narayan, former Whole–Time Member of SEBI with extensive capital markets and regulatory experience.The Katalyst Awards recognise financial content creators who priorities financial literacy, substance, and long–term investor interest. Through this initiative, Kotak Alts aims to encourage responsible financial communication and support the development of informed and confident investors across India.About Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Ltd: Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (‘Kotak Alts’), a part of Kotak Mahindra Group (‘Kotak’), focuses on Alternate Asset Management and Investment Advisory businesses. Kotak Alts was set up in early 2005 and has raised, managed, and advised over USD 22 billion across different asset classes, including Private Equity, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Special Situations, Private Credit, and Investment Advisory. The asset management business and investment advisory vertical are managed by independent specialist teams. For more information, visit https://www.kotakalternateasset.com/Image: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2930186/Kotak_Alts_Katalyst_Awards_2026.jpg

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