Indonesiantalk.com — TTC Travel Mart International 2025: Medan Becomes the Crossroads of Global Tourism Revival
The grand lobby of Aryaduta Hotel Medan buzzed with energy on Wednesday morning as tourism industry leaders from across the globe converged for the TTC Travel Mart International 2025—a forum that transcends the usual buyer-seller transactions of the travel trade world.
With 71 registered sellers and 150 buyers, the numbers only tell half the story. Beneath the statistics lies the pulse of a global tourism industry reinventing itself in the wake of the pandemic and amid global economic turbulence.
Medan—known for its tenacity and spirited character—proved to be an apt host. Situated strategically on the western edge of the Indonesian archipelago, the city serves as a gateway connecting tourism flows between Sumatra, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.
Inside the venue, conversations flowed seamlessly in English, Mandarin, and Malay, merging like a background symphony without a conductor. Delegations from China dominated the exhibition tables, presenting thick brochures and destination catalogs from provinces rarely seen on Indonesia’s tourism radar.
Meanwhile, representatives from Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and Singapore also joined the scene—each nation eager to capture new opportunities in a fast-evolving tourism landscape. The dynamic exchange illustrated a shifting map: Asia remains the main stage, but each country now plays with distinct strategies and ambitions.
This year, TTC Travel Mart made a calculated shift in rhythm. Traditionally held in September, the event was moved to October—a strategic decision designed to align with ITB Asia in Singapore, the region’s most prestigious tourism exhibition.
This synchronization allows participants attending Medan’s forum to continue their business journey seamlessly to Singapore, creating both logistical efficiency and a stronger international turnout.
“Event connectivity like this enhances travel efficiency and boosts global participation,” remarked a Dutch delegate while sipping a cup of teh tarik during a short break.
Medan is the second host city after Jakarta, yet the atmosphere here feels distinct—more grounded, more personal. Conversations are not only about deals but also about Lake Toba’s potential, halal tourism opportunities, and the growing MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) industry emerging in North Sumatra.
In quiet hotel meeting rooms, business agreements took shape swiftly, but the most profound exchanges were the unwritten diplomacy—the acts of understanding, trust-building, and shaping the future of tourism through simple handshakes.
The TTC Travel Mart International 2025 in Medan stands as a reflection of how global tourism is evolving—from competition to collaboration, from mere transactions to meaningful diplomacy.
Beneath the soft, cloudy Medan sky, tourism is no longer just about selling travel packages—it’s about weaving a new narrative for a world that meets, negotiates, and dreams together.
source: TTC Travel Mart Medan 2025 Mengubah Ritme Tradisinya, Klik Ini Biar Jelas – Harian Kami
