Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) which is managed by GVK group will play host to this year’s Routes Asia event.

Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (MIAL), a joint venture between the GVK led consortium including ACSA, Bidvest and Airports Authority of India. MIAL was awarded the mandate of modernising and upgrading CSIA in April 2006. In order to achieve a global standard, MIAL has partnered with well known international experts for airport design and operations. CSIA is now, in every sense, a befitting welcome to the iconic city of Mumbai. It has been long recognised as one of the finest airports of the country and, as one of the busiest airports in South Asia, CSIA offers unmatched connectivity directly linking Mumbai to a total of 88 destinations in India and worldwide.

Mumbai, known as the commercial capital of India, holds the pulse of India’s financial, business and entertainment industries. A melting pot of cultures, communities, festivals and traditions, Mumbai is home to India’s leading business conglomerates, tourism destinations and film industry.

The city has remarkable presence, both in the money markets and the foreign exchange markets and contributes approximately 40% of the total foreign trade in India and in 2010 6.16% of India’s total GDP was generated by Mumbai.

Home to a population of 20 million, Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra and the location of major industries such as banking and financial services, textiles, gems and jewellery, petroleum refining, oil and gas, IT, telecoms and healthcare. Mumbai is also home to the largest film industry in the world – Bollywood. Bollywood blockbusters generate huge revenues in India and the globe with all its razzle-dazzle, grand sets and slick studios, Bollywood is the hub of the Indian film and television industry. To find out more about this year’s Host, please click here.

Tour Programme

Mumbai is a fascinating destination and we recommend all delegates make time to explore the city. In addition to the core business elements of Routes Asia our Host, CSIA, have kindly arranged a complimentary tour of the new terminal T2 at the airport and also the following city tours for delegates attending Routes Asia.

Mumbai City of Dreams

An excursion which gives an insight to Mumbai’s past and present. Delegates will have the opportunity to visit all the most prominent monuments and sights of the city. Visit the Mani Bhavan museum which was once the residence of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi when he stayed in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934. This will be followed by a photo stop at Hanging Gardens from where you can get an excellent view of the city. Visit Iskcon Temple followed by a drive through the business districts of South Mumbai passing by monuments built during the British era; the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Victoria Terminus), Mumbai University and High Court.

Mumbai by Night

Mumbai never sleeps...people are out and about at all hours, and as the lights come on the city sparkles as if bedecked in jewels. On this evening drive you will see the transformation. This tour is a good time to see Gateway of India, the city's most famous landmark; an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It was originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England but today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure.

Marine Drive is Mumbai's seaside promenade; its graceful curve sweeps from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill, the whole stretch is popular for strolling. On reaching Marine Drive, you will board your Horse carriage ‘Buggy’ and enjoy the ride to the Chowpatty Beach.

All tours are subject to availability so book early to avoid disappointment. For more information and details on how to book your place on any of these tours click here.