European carriers are increasingly deepening engagement with India’s travel trade community as competition intensifies across long-haul international markets. ITA Airways has now reinforced its India strategy through an exclusive networking event for leading travel partners in New Delhi.
ITA Airways hosted a Travel Partners Networking Dinner on 15 May 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together travel companies, industry associations, corporate travel stakeholders, and aviation partners to strengthen collaboration and discuss future growth opportunities between India and Italy.
The event highlighted India’s importance within the airline’s international expansion strategy as outbound travel demand to Europe continues rising across leisure, business, and premium travel segments.
Travel trade engagement remains key focus
The networking evening was attended by representatives from Thomas Cook, BCD Travels, Riya Travels, Balmer Lawrie, Akbar Travels, TBO, MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Tripjack, among other travel industry stakeholders.
Senior travel trade figures, including Jyoti Mayal, former President, TAAI, and Anil Kalsi, Vice President, TAFI, were also present during the event.
Fabio Bigotti, Country Manager, Japan, India & Thailand, ITA Airways, said, “India continues to be a cornerstone of ITA Airways’ international strategy.”
He added, “This evening represents not just a gathering, but a reaffirmation of our long-term dedication to enhancing connectivity between India and Italy.”
According to the airline, the event was designed to facilitate stronger collaboration with travel partners while reinforcing ITA Airways’ position within the Indian market.
India–Europe connectivity demand grows
Priyanka Gupta, Sales Manager, India, ITA Airways, thanked travel trade partners for supporting the airline’s growth in the country.
She said, “The strength of our presence in India is built on the foundation of these partnerships. We are grateful for the trust and collaboration that our travel trade partners have extended to us.”
Representatives from the Italian Embassy in New Delhi also attended the evening, highlighting broader tourism, cultural, and economic ties between India and Italy.
The event reflects increasing airline focus on trade engagement as carriers expand international networks and strengthen distribution partnerships in India’s rapidly growing outbound travel market.
ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, is currently owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance alongside Deutsche Lufthansa AG and operates as a member of the Star Alliance network.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.