India’s rise as a global beacon of luxury and experiential travel is gaining momentum, and News9 Plus, the world’s first news OTT platform from the TV9 Network, is at the forefront of this trend.

In collaboration with Jyoti Mayal, President of TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India), and Chander Mansharamani, MD of Alpcord Network Travel & Conferences Management Company, News9 Plus recently organized a remarkable event that brought together leaders from various industries.

The Iconic Experiences Show, held on October 16-17, 2023, at the prestigious Hyatt Regency in New Delhi, was a unique platform where luxury enthusiasts converged to explore the latest trends in travel, wellness, weddings, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

This two-day event featured an array of masterclasses, fireside chats, keynote presentations, and panel discussions, all led by distinguished figures in their respective fields, the company said in a press release.

Renowned aviation leaders, Aditya Ghosh and Kapil Kaul, shared their insights on the limitless possibilities in the aviation industry. Nakul Anand, Executive Director of ITC Limited, provided a masterclass on sustainable luxury.

The event also highlighted the role of women in achieving sustainability goals, featuring prominent figures such as Rupinder Brar, Jyotsna Suri, Varija Bajaj, and Shobha Rudra.

Wellness enthusiasts were treated to inspiring talks by yoga and spiritual gurus Sadhvi Pragya and Sadhvi Praygya Bharti, along with Brajendra Nandan Das from ISKCON India.

The discussion on the Indian wedding sector featured experts such as Samit Garg, Chetan Vohra, Vandana Mohan, Sanjana Jon, and Asmita Chakraborty.

The event culminated on October 17 with exclusive B2B meetings, Power Breakfast sessions, and networking opportunities during a captivating sundowner event.

Jyoti Mayal, the President of TAAI, expressed her motivation behind curating this luxury platform, saying, “After the pandemic, people wanted to explore travel beyond mundane itineraries. In revenge travel mode, they were seeking experiences. For this, travel agents have to think out-of-the-box ideas. That’s why we have come up with TIES, a platform which will provide travel agents an opportunity to interact with states, countries, attractions, DMCs directly and learn how they can add a luxurious element to their package.”

Raktim Das, Chief Growth Officer of TV9 Network, emphasized the transformative influence that India is set to witness in the travel, tourism, wellness, weddings, and MICE sectors. He said, “A pivotal shift is already happening, and in the years ahead, India will be one of the world’s foremost luxury markets.”

News9 Plus, as the world’s first news OTT, caters to a niche audience, and this initiative aligns with their commitment to providing unique perspectives and experiences to their viewers.

Numerous countries, including Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Germany, participated in the exhibition, along with multiple states and Destination Management Companies (DMCs).

Mayal expressed her belief in the continuing relevance of travel agents, stating, “I refuse to believe that the era of Travel Agents is over. It is the agents who need to up their game, and TIES is a step in the direction to have them do so.”

The Iconic Experiences Show featured a remarkable lineup of speakers, including officials from various state governments, industry leaders, and experts from the travel and hospitality sectors, making it a landmark event in the luxury and experiential travel industry.