13th International Tourism Mart Showcases North East India’s Tourism Potential in Gangtok, Sikkim
The 13th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the North Eastern Region was successfully kicked off on 14th November 2025, at the SAP Grounds, Pangthang, Gangtok. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Government of Sikkim, the Mart was inaugurated in the presence of the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, the Tourism Minister of Sikkim, and senior officials from all North Eastern States and Central Ministries.
The International Tourism Mart is the Ministry’s flagship annual event that showcases the immense tourism potential of the North Eastern Region, regarded as the “Ashta Lakshmi” of India. It aims to promote the eight States—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—as a unified tourism destination for both domestic and international travellers. The Mart highlights the region’s diversity, encompassing eco-tourism, adventure activities such as trekking, river rafting, and paragliding, as well as wellness, spiritual, homestay, rural, cultural, and wildlife tourism.
This year’s Mart, hosted in Sikkim for the second time after a decade, provided a significant platform to showcase the State’s remarkable achievements in sustainable and responsible tourism. Sikkim’s unique Himalayan landscape, pristine natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, organic farming practices, arts and crafts, and community-led tourism initiatives have established it as a national model for responsible tourism. The event placed strong emphasis on positioning the entire North East as a vibrant and unified destination.
The 13th ITM witnessed enthusiastic participation from 39 international stakeholders representing 19 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Israel, the UAE, and Mexico. Additionally, around 90 domestic tour operators from 22 States and UTs engaged with 91 tour operators and service providers from across the North Eastern Region. International and domestic influencers and travel media were also invited to enhance global visibility for the North East.
The Mart featured a rich programme of technical sessions, panel discussions, product presentations, and structured B2B meetings aimed at strengthening connections between domestic and international tourism players. Discussions with State Tourism Officials centred on key themes such as cinematic tourism, homestays, and priority areas related to the development and promotion of tourism in the region.
Participants were also treated to cultural performances that showcased the artistic and musical traditions of the North East. Technical tours were organised to iconic sites in and around Gangtok, including Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Product presentations highlighted opportunities in wildlife and river cruise tourism, festivals and celebrations, crafts and heritage, cuisine, and adventure tourism. Post-event familiarisation tours to various North Eastern States have also been planned to provide delegates with firsthand experiences of the region’s natural and cultural wealth.
The strong domestic and international response to this year’s ITM reflects growing confidence in the North East as a rising tourism destination. To further accelerate this momentum, the Government of India has undertaken major initiatives to enhance connectivity and infrastructure across the region, including new airports, highway expansion, and improved rail connectivity through capital link projects to State capitals. The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 65 projects worth over ₹3,000 crore under various schemes to support holistic tourism development in the North East.
Given the ecological sensitivity of the region, the Ministry continues to prioritise sustainable and nature-friendly tourism. Initiatives under the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Mission LIFE are being promoted through plastic-free zones, responsible waste management, renewable energy use, and the encouragement of local produce.
To build local capacity, skill development programmes through CIHMs, SIHMs, and Food Craft Institutes are being implemented regularly across the region. Digital platforms are also being extensively leveraged to enhance marketing and outreach for North East tourism.
The 13th International Tourism Mart in Gangtok served as a meaningful celebration of the North East’s natural splendour and cultural vibrancy. It reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing the region as a global tourism hub driven by responsible, inclusive, and community-based tourism, embodying the spirit of unity in diversity that defines the North Eastern Region.
