International Tourism Mart Kicks Off in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
The 14th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM), organized by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern States, commenced today in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Running from October 29 to 31, 2026, this three-day event aims to highlight the tourism potential of the eight North Eastern States and bolster business links with both domestic and international tourism sectors.
Inaugural Session Highlights
The opening ceremony featured notable dignitaries, including Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture; Shri Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas; Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER); and key representatives from North Eastern States. In his address, Minister Shekhawat emphasized that the ITM has transformed into a vital platform for forming tourism partnerships and fostering new business opportunities.
Spotlighting Regional Tourism Potential
Highlighting the extraordinary attributes of the North East, Shekhawat noted the region’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and spiritual traditions as key features that create unique opportunities for adventure and experiential tourism. He specifically mentioned the potential for growth in adventure tourism, music festivals, and concert tourism, which could attract diverse visitor segments and stimulate longer stays, consequently benefiting local economies.
Enhanced Connectivity and Infrastructure
The Minister reiterated the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity, improving tourism infrastructure, and enriching visitor experiences across the North Eastern Region. He pointed out various initiatives, including support for tourism through domestic and international fairs, festivals, and capacity-building programs aimed at providing employment for local youth.
Record Participation in ITM
At a pre-event press conference, Shekhawat announced that the 14th ITM has attracted a record number of 43 international buyers from 22 countries and 42 domestic buyers from 16 states and union territories. This significant turnout reflects the growing interest in promoting the lesser-known destinations of the North East. The Minister noted a remarkable increase in domestic tourist visits to the region, rising from 9.56 million in 2019 to an impressive 15.1 million in 2025, marking growth of about 58%.
Sustainable Tourism Development
Emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism, he provided insights into various governmental projects aimed at enhancing tourism facilities. This includes 16 projects funded under Swadesh Darshan 1.0, and several others worth hundreds of crores under other initiatives such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD. Additionally, the Ministry has been proactive in establishing ten tourism routes as part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme–UDAN.
Innovative Products and Cultural Showcase
During the inaugural session, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Suresh Gopi, underscored the potential for innovative tourism offerings, including cultural, adventure, and community-based experiences. He highlighted initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh 2.0 and the National Digital Tourism Stack intended to bolster the visibility of lesser-known destinations and enhance market access for local tourism providers.
North East Bazaar and Cultural Programs
The event also featured the opening of North East Bazaar, designed to showcase traditional handicrafts and cultural products. Attendees enjoyed a cultural program that celebrated the vibrant traditions of the North Eastern States.
Future Discussions on Tourism
The Mart will include presentations by all eight North Eastern States and structured B2B meetings. A Regional Meeting of Tourism Ministers is scheduled for October 30, 2026, to address tourism development, regional collaboration, and new opportunities in the sector.
This year’s edition marks a significant return to Tawang after 13 years, as the city previously hosted the ITM in 2013. The event aims to solidify tourism partnerships, promote lesser-known destinations, and establish the North Eastern Region as a premier destination for sustainable tourism experiences.
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