Event to showcase Northeast’s eco-tourism and cultural diversity; delegates from 19 countries to attend
Ziraat Times News Desk
Gangtok, November 12: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is set to host the 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the North Eastern Region from November 13 to 16, 2025, in Gangtok, Sikkim, with the aim of showcasing the region’s immense tourism potential to global audiences.
The event will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in the presence of Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Tourism Ministers of other North Eastern states, along with senior officials from the Central and State Governments.
An annual flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, the International Tourism Mart is designed to highlight the “Ashta Lakshmi” — the eight states of the Northeast — as a diverse and sustainable tourism destination. The 2025 edition will focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and eco-tourism, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transforming the region into a global tourism hub.
Hosting the Mart in Gangtok holds special importance, given Sikkim’s national and international recognition for sustainable and responsible tourism. With its organic farming practices, pristine landscapes, and vibrant community-led tourism model, Sikkim exemplifies the Travel for Life initiative promoted by the Ministry.
This year’s Mart will see participation from 19 countries, including Spain, Thailand, France, Russia, Germany, and Vietnam, bringing together 39 international tour operators, 5 global influencers, 50 domestic buyers, 20 domestic influencers and travel media, and 91 domestic sellers.
The four-day event will feature B2B meetings, technical sessions, panel discussions, and product presentations aimed at promoting collaboration between domestic and international stakeholders. Discussions will focus on cinematic tourism, homestays, youth entrepreneurship, sustainability, digital innovation, and adventure tourism.
Cultural showcases will highlight the rich performing arts and traditions of the Northeast, while technical visits to major sites such as Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology will give participants a glimpse into Sikkim’s heritage. Post-event familiarization tours will also be organized across the North Eastern states to offer first-hand experiences of the region’s cultural and ecological wealth.
Officials said the ITM 2025 not only celebrates the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy of the Northeast but also reflects the government’s vision of promoting the region as a sustainable and globally competitive tourism destination.
