The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Sikkim, inaugurated the 13th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the North Eastern Region today at the SAP Grounds, Pangthang, Gangtok. The event was graced by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, the Tourism Minister of Sikkim, and senior officials from North Eastern States and Central Ministries.
The International Tourism Mart is a flagship annual initiative aimed at promoting the North Eastern Region—referred to as India’s “Ashta Lakshmi”—as a unified domestic and international tourism destination. The Mart highlights the region’s rich offerings, from eco- and adventure tourism to wellness, spiritual, rural, wildlife, and cultural experiences. It brings together tourism businesses and stakeholders from all eight North Eastern States—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—fostering collaboration between buyers, sellers, media, and government agencies.
This year, the event returns to Sikkim for the second time in ten years. Known for its Himalayan landscapes, biodiversity, arts and crafts, organic farming, and sustainable tourism practices, Sikkim provides an ideal platform to showcase the region’s growth and future potential. The Mart reinforces the vision of positioning the North East as a vibrant, sustainable, and unified tourism destination.
The Mart has drawn 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 UAE, Mexico, and others. Around 90 domestic tour operators from 22 Indian States and Union Territories are engaging with 91 tour operators and service providers from the North East. The Ministry has also invited international and domestic influencers and travel media to enhance global visibility for the region.
The three-day event features technical sessions, panel discussions, product presentations, and B2B meetings. Key discussion areas include cinematic tourism, homestays, and strategies for strengthening tourism development in the North East. Cultural showcases, along with technical visits to important sites such as Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, will highlight the region’s cultural and natural assets. Post-event familiarization tours across the North Eastern States will give participants firsthand insights into the region’s tourism potential.
The robust participation at ITM 2025 reflects growing confidence in the North East as an emerging tourism powerhouse. The Government of India continues to boost this momentum through major investments in connectivity and infrastructure, including airports, highways, and rail networks. The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 65 projects worth over ₹3,000 crore to support comprehensive tourism development across the region.
With the North East being an ecologically sensitive region, the Ministry emphasizes responsible and sustainable tourism under initiatives such as the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Mission LiFE. Efforts include promoting plastic-free zones, waste management, renewable energy use, and local sourcing.
To support local youth and tourism professionals, the Ministry is strengthening capacity-building through CIHMs, SIHMs, and FCIs, along with digital outreach and marketing initiatives.
The 13th International Tourism Mart in Gangtok stands as a celebration of the North East’s natural beauty and cultural richness, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to developing the region as a global tourism hub through sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven growth.
