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The 13th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the North Eastern Region, is being organized jointly by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India along with the State Government of Sikkim. It is being inaugurated today, 14th November at the SAP Grounds, Pangthang, Gangtok. Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Tourism Minister of Sikkim along with Tourism Ministers and senior officials from the other North Eastern States and Central Ministries including the Ministry of Tourism, participated in the inaugural session.
The International Tourism Mart is a flagship annual event of the Ministry of Tourism, aimed at showcasing the tourism potential of the North Eastern Region, the “Ashta Lakshmi” of India, to both domestic and international audiences as a unified tourism destination. The Mart highlights the diversity of the region’s offerings ranging from eco-tourism and adventure tourism such as trekking, river rafting, and paragliding, to wellness, spiritual, rural, wildlife, and cultural heritage tourism. The event serves as a vital platform for bringing together tourism businesses and entrepreneurs from the eight North Eastern States, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim to foster collaboration and interaction among buyers, sellers, media, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
This year, the 13th edition of ITM is being organized in Sikkim, known for its diverse Himalayan topography, rich flora and fauna, unique arts and crafts, pristine natural beauty, organic farming practices, and sustainable way of life. The Mart is being hosted in the State for the second time, after a gap of ten years, providing an excellent opportunity to highlight the significant progress and development achieved by Sikkim over the past decade. The State is widely recognized as a model for sustainable and responsible tourism. During the event, the focus remains on positioning the entire North Eastern Region as a unified and vibrant tourism destination.
The Mart is witnessing participation from 39 international travel stakeholders representing 19 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and others. In addition, approximately 90 domestic tour operators from 22 States and Union Territories across India have converged in Gangtok to develop stronger business connections with 91 tour operators and service providers from all eight North Eastern States. In addition the Ministry of Tourism has also invited International and Domestic Influencers and Travel Media to popularize the NE region across the globe
The Mart will feature a series of technical sessions, panel discussions, product presentations, and B2B meetings aimed at fostering collaboration between domestic and international tourism stakeholders. Discussions with State Tourism Officials will focus on cinematic tourism, homestays and other relevant issues concerning development & promotion of tourism in the NER.
The event will also include cultural showcases reflecting the rich artistic and performing traditions of the North East, along with technical visits to major sites in and around Gangtok such as the Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Product presentations will highlight the region’s potential in diverse segments such as wildlife and river cruise tourism, festivals and celebrations, heritage and crafts, culinary traditions, and adventure experiences. Post-event familiarization tours will be organized for international and domestic participants to various destinations across the North Eastern States to provide first-hand experience of the region’s cultural and natural wealth.
The enthusiastic participation of domestic and international stakeholders at this year’s ITM reflects the growing confidence in the North East’s tourism potential. To further strengthen this momentum, the Government of India has made significant investments to enhance connectivity and infrastructure across the region. These include the development of airports, expansion of highways, and enhancement of rail connectivity through capital link projects to State capitals. The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 65 projects worth over ₹3,000 crore across the North Eastern States under various schemes, reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to comprehensive tourism development in the region.
Recognizing that the North East is an ecologically sensitive region, the Ministry has ensured that tourism-related activities are conducted in harmony with nature, with a focus on initiatives such as the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Mission LiFE. The Ministry continues to promote eco-friendly practices, including the establishment of plastic-free zones, responsible waste management, renewable energy adoption, and the use of local produce to support sustainability.
To develop human resources and empower local youth, the Ministry regularly implements capacity-building and skill development programmes through Central Institutes of Hotel Management (CIHMs), State Institutes of Hotel Management (SIHMs), and Food Craft Institutes (FCIs) established across the region. Several initiatives have also been launched to leverage digital platforms for the promotion and marketing of North East tourism and to raise awareness about digital marketing and outreach opportunities.
The 13th International Tourism Mart at Gangtok represents not only a celebration of the North East’s natural splendour and cultural vibrancy but also a reaffirmation of the Government’s vision to transform the region into a global tourism hub. The event underscores India’s enduring commitment to responsible, inclusive, and community-driven tourism, reflecting the spirit of unity in diversity that defines the North Eastern Region.
