Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency recently organised the 6th edition of its annual B2B showcase Explore France at the JW Marriott in Goa from 7th to 11th October. A delegation of 23 key stakeholders representing the diversity of France’s touristic offering interacted with 50 members of the Indian travel trade fraternity over 2 days of pre-scheduled meetings and also interacted with trade media representatives. An approximate of 1100 meetings took place over these two days enabling the partners and agents to understand the evolution of travel trends and discuss potential business opportunities.

This evolutive edition of the showcase commenced with a presentation for the delegation on the Indian travel landscape and the ever-evolving profile of the Indian traveller and trends prevalent in the country. The presentation included a showcase of the legacy of family run travel businesses in India and the importance of the family segment in Indian outbound travel by Neil Patil, COO, Veena World. There was an introduction also by NPCI Payments International Limited and Lyra on the importance and integration of UPI as a seamless mode of digital payments and its advancement in France.

The opening dinner of the workshop took place in the presence of the Consul General of France in Mumbai Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet. In addition to the pre-scheduled meetings, this year, the delegation also had an opportunity to present their offerings to the assembled agents. An interactive visa session was also organised in association with the Consulate General of France in Mumbai and VFS Global to discuss visa procedures and address commonly asked queries by Sami Bouakaze – Consul and Deputy Head of Mission. The networking evenings provided many opportunities for the participants to interact in a convivial ambience.

The French delegation comprised of partners who have maintained a steady presence on the market and new entrants interested to make a foray into the market.

Sharing her thoughts, Sheetal Munshaw, Director, Atout France India said, “India is a growing source market for France and has been on a consistent upsurge for the last decade or more. Platforms such as these are critical to ensure that we do not lose momentum. It is mutually benefitting as it allows us to introduce key stakeholders on both sides, facilitate dialogue, showcase the diversity of France and enable both sides on product knowledge on the one hand and market trends and potential on the other. The visa session was an important integration as was the live testimonial by Neil Patil. The showcase of the UPI also demonstrated the dynamism of the Indo French relationship. Networking evenings allowed further strengthening bonds and facilitating exchanges in a convivial atmosphere in a market and industry that is largely driven by relationships and human connections. There have been many takeaways on both sides and we are confident that the Indian influx of tourists to France will continue to be on the upswing.”