Vansh TiwariI went to OTM 2024 as a trade visitor and attended it for a day.
Honestly, I would have loved to visit for all the 3 days, but unfortunately, I could only make it for a day.
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Where did OTM 2024 take place?
OTM 2024 had taken place in Mumbai.
I knew about the event almost 6-7 months before. So, I filled out the online form. Then, one day, I received an email that your entry was eligible to attend the event. Genuinely, I was thrilled to hear that!
Delhi to Mumbai Flight Encounter
The only option I could see was taking an early morning flight from Delhi to Mumbai.
The event would begin at 10 a.m. So, I scheduled my flight, and it was expected to land by 10:10 a.m. on that day.
The day to visit the event was here. I woke up at 5 a.m., got ready, and reached the Delhi airport by 6:30 a.m. to catch the 8 a.m. flight.
I searched the security check-in gate. It was a long queue. As my turn came, I showed the e-boarding pass at the gate to scan, and it didn’t open even after multiple tries.
The security official suggested getting it printed. I went to the nearby machine to get the boarding pass printed. Unfortunately, that machine was not working. Neither the other machine I went.
Then, I went to the Airline counter and told them to print my boarding pass. The officials said,
you’re late, it’s closed.
I explained the situation and requested them, then they gave me the boarding pass and said:
You have to run.
I hurriedly ran to the security check and then the boarding gate. The last call was going on. I was relieved when I entered the flight—phew!
In-Flight Experience
The in-flight experience always remains wonderful! The cabin crew makes sure all the passengers are comfortable.
Shortly, I received the delicious veg breakfast, and within no time, the flight landed at the Mumbai airport.
However, the flight took a while to start the de-boarding process, which almost consumed 30 mins.
Till the time I reached out of the Mumbai airport and sat in a taxi, I was almost an hour running late, to what I had expected.
Reaching the Jio World Convention Centre
The location for the event was the Jio World Convention Centre.
It was my first time in Mumbai. So, while in a taxi, I was admiring the surroundings. Undoubtedly, traffic was a concern.
By 11:30 a.m., I reached the location.
The opening of the event had already happened.
As I entered, I saw people standing in a queue to get their badges for the event printed. I also stood in the queue and got it printed.
WOW!
When I entered, I uttered WOW, it was such a grand place, and the decoration was mind-blowing.
Interactions with Tourism Boards
I started interacting with different Tourism Boards because I knew I had only 4 hrs approx. Therefore, I have to utilize my time.
I started with Turkish Airlines. They explained the routes and the Indian cities it operates. Then, I went to the Mauritius booth and enquired, “What’s the best time to visit”, the representative cleared all queries. We exchanged contacts.
Likewise, I visited different countries’ booths. Ultimately, I took their cards and exchanged contacts.
The countries I loved in OTM 2024 were:
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Taiwan
- Bhutan
There are almost 30-40 country tourism boards present at the OTM. In addition, some Indian states, hotel chains, and travel agents also.
Indeed, I had an idea in mind how I wanted the video. Thus, I was shooting alongside while roaming.
You can view the below reel.
As I was advancing from booth to booth, I collected the brochures, cards, and anything specific the country had to offer for better understanding, and to enhance the experience.
If you plan to visit OTM for the first time, I recommend carrying your visiting cards.
Otherwise, you’ll end up making the other person take his phone out and noting it down. Mainly, nobody prefers to do that.
Towards Mumbai Airport
It was almost 3 p.m.
I know if I got stuck in the traffic. Then, I would miss my flight.
So, I decided to leave and reach the airport by 3:30-4 p.m. for the 6:50 p.m. flight.
I had lunch at the airport and then waited for the boarding process.
It was my first time experiencing Akasa Air. However, I loved the in-flight lights. That kept on changing between gaps. Moreover, it gives a delicate touch to the sight.
Summary
It was a fantastic experience, going to Mumbai and meeting people from different countries! Indeed, meeting people becomes additionally wonderful when you share the same interests.