The India Travel Trade Expo (ITTE 2010), with focus on the travel and tourism sectors, will be held in Mumbai during August 6-7.

Organised by the country's largest travel association, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the expo will showcase all segments of the sector including outbound and inbound tourism.

The second annual TAAI Travel awards (in 12 categories) will be given away on the first day in recognition of the contribution made by the airlines, hotels, Spas, etc., according to Mr Iqbal Mulla, Chairman, ITTE 2010.

In a press release, he said the two-day expo would also provide for a good forum for the industry professionals to establish new customer contacts, create space for strategic partnerships and build long- term business relationships. A special highlight, in addition to the awards, will be the CEOs' conclave on the opening day.

The sessions focussing on inbound and outbound tourism will discuss challenges faced by the industry and the inputs from these would be submitted as a white paper to the Central Government highlighting the operational problems such as service tax and airline commissions.

B2B exhibition, MICE, Medical tourism and other infrastructure related activities will form the basis of the meet.

Last year, the awards event was launched in Dubai. This year the event will have new awards across the airlines and hotel industries, said Mr Sunil Kumar Chairman, TAAI Travel Awards. TAAI has over 2,800 members in its association in the country.