Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the event will be inaugurated by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, alongside Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with tourism ministers from the northeastern states and senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and various state governments, officials noted.
The ITM stands as an annual flagship event for the Centre, designed to promote the tourism potential of the northeastern region – recognized as the ‘Ashta Lakshmi’ of India – to both domestic and international audiences, according to the ministry.
Also read | Preparations are underway as PM Modi is set to hoist the saffron flag on Ram Temple’s main spire on Nov 25
The event aims to showcase the region’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and adventure tourism opportunities, while advocating for sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
The selection of Gangtok as the venue for this edition underscores the ministry’s dedication to establishing the northeast as a favored destination for eco-tourism, wellness, culture, and adventure, officials stated.
Hosting the event in Gangtok is particularly significant, as Sikkim has garnered acclaim both nationally and internationally for its model of sustainable and responsible tourism.
With its stunning landscapes, organic farming methods, spiritual heritage, and vibrant local culture, Sikkim embodies the principles of community-driven and environmentally conscious tourism that the ministry aims to promote nationwide, as stated by the ministry.
Also read | Tourism and trade anticipated to flourish with the introduction of Vande Bharat train services from UP
The mart is being organized in alignment with the ministry’s Travel for Life initiative. The ITM will see participation from around the globe, with representatives from approximately 19 countries, including Spain, Thailand, France, Russia, Germany, Vietnam, and others, it reported.
The event will unite 39 international tour operators, 50 domestic buyers, and 91 domestic sellers, among others, they confirmed.
The mart will include a variety of technical sessions, panel discussions, product presentations, and business-to-business meetings designed to foster collaboration between domestic and international tourism stakeholders.
Conversations with state tourism department officials will revolve around cinematic tourism, homestays, youth entrepreneurship, digital innovation, sustainability, and adventure tourism, officials mentioned.
Additionally, the event will showcase cultural performances and provide technical visits to significant sites in and around Gangtok, such as the Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, they added.
Product presentations will spotlight the region’s potential across various segments, including wildlife and river cruise tourism, festivals and celebrations, heritage and crafts, culinary traditions, and adventure experiences.
With its tranquil landscapes, vibrant communities, and strong commitment to sustainability, Sikkim sets the ideal stage for this significant event, symbolizing the essence of unity in diversity and the promise of responsible tourism-driven development, the statement concluded.
