Atout France debuts its luxury B2B showcase “France Excellence” in Mumbai

600+ meetings reported to take place over two days between buyers & exhibitors.

Atout France – France Tourism Development Agency organised the very first edition of its dedicated luxury B2B showcase - France Excellence - in Mumbai from November 11-13.

A delegation of 13 key stakeholders representing the diversity of France’s luxury travel offering interacted with 50 members of the Indian travel trade fraternity over 2 days of pre-scheduled meetings. Over 600 meetings reported to take place over these two days enabling the buyers and exhibitors to establish connections and discuss business opportunities.

This first edition of the showcase commenced with a presentation for the delegation on the Indian luxury travel landscape and the ever-evolving profile of the Indian traveller and trends prevalent in the country.

The opening dinner was held at the Pavillion by Quorum and commenced with a luxury travel panel “Decoding Luxe à l’Indienne”. Convivial networking amongst industry stakeholders and the French business community followed the knowledge session. Other highlights of the evening included astrologer Sheetal Shaparia taking guests through a wine reading session followed by spirited conversations around Lillet cocktails by Pernod Ricard.

Sharing her thoughts, Sheetal Munshaw, Director, Atout France India, said, “India is evolving as is our strategy for the market over the last few years. Focusing on the luxury segment encompassing the aspirational luxury seeker to the legacy luxury dweller is a natural choice for France that resonates with this audience. In the post Covid era, we find more discerning travellers seeking authenticity and out of the ordinary experiences. A platform such as this brings key stakeholders from both sides together, culminating in stronger conversations and deeper connections. Having strategic partners from the luxury sector across segments lends a holistic and insightful perspective on consumer personas, consumer behaviour and expectations. The aim was to familiarise our ecosystem with the codes of Indian luxury and be better prepared to receive Indian guests and showcase French art de vivre."