TravTalk India Online Magazine
Global Panorama Showcase (GPS) organised a two-day event in Kochi (Kerala) to empower the travel fraternity through knowledge sharing and provide networking opportunity to generate business. More than 500 buyers and 40 exhibitors participated in the event, which also saw the launch of GPS iConnect app.
Surbhi Sharma
Global Panorama Showcase (GPS), spearheaded by its Founder & MD Harmandeep Singh Anand and CEO Raju Akolkar, once again returned to Kochi recently, bringing together travel industry professionals from across India and beyond. Now in its eighth year, GPS has become a vital platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and business growth. The two-day event, held at Crowne Plaza Kochi, offered a wealth of opportunities for the attendees, with over 500 buyers, 40 exhibitors taking part. It also saw the launch of a cutting-edge technology, designed to transform how industry professionals connect and operate.
GPS iConnect
A highlight of the event was the introduction of GPS iConnect app, an innovation that Anand sees as a revolutionary tool for the travel industry. Available on both iOS and Android, GPS iConnect empowers users to seamlessly connect with industry professionals, not only at GPS but also at global trade events and client meetings. “With over 50,000 users already engaged since the inception of GPS in 2013, the app is the future of networking,” he said. The app integrates contact sharing, allowing users to access exhibitors, buyers, and suppliers at any event worldwide—all in a paperless, digital format.
As the industry shifts towards digitisation, GPS iConnect eliminates traditional business cards and manual registrations, simplifying how attendees interact and share information. “The app is easy to use. It saves time and resources, letting attendees focus on making valuable connections. We are excited to bring this innovation to Kochi, especially as the industry continues to move in this digital direction,” he shared.
Global connections
Explaining the selection process of exhibitors participating at the event, Anand said, “The exhibitor selection process for GPS Kochi is uniquely tailored to the regional market needs, offering products and services that provide growth opportunities for travel businesses. From tourism boards to DMCs (Destination Management Companies) and technology providers, the event showcases a range of suppliers who empower travel professionals to increase revenues and elevate their services.” Among this year’s participants were South Africa and Spain Tourism, as well as innovative tech products like DoubleTick for WhatsApp communication and ITQ for visa services.
Industry knowledge
This year’s GPS event placed a strong emphasis on education and industry empowerment. “With the travel industry constantly evolving, GPS aims to help attendees stay informed and adaptable. Through 13 engaging sessions, attendees can explore a wide range of topics, from destination education on South Africa and Spain to the latest in travel technology, including future-oriented solutions like NDC for airlines and TTP for India’s Char Dham Yatra,” Anand said.
A centrepiece of this year’s educational offerings was the Edwin programme, in collaboration with South Africa and Spain Tourism, which enables attendees to experience these destinations first-hand, deepening their understanding and fostering stronger client relationships. Akolkar said, “We want to ensure that our attendees are well-equipped to meet their clients’ needs and the app is designed to make that possible.”
