Gangtok: The 13th edition of the flagship event International Tourism Mart (ITM) is scheduled to be held from 13 to 16 November 2025 in Gangtok, Sikkim. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, this event seeks to shine a spotlight on the tourism potential of the North‐Eastern region, often described as India’s “Ashta Lakshmi”.
Background of International Tourism Mart 2025
The ITM is an annual flagship trade-and-promotion event organised by the Ministry of Tourism to bring together domestic and international tourism stakeholders to showcase regional tourism offerings.
This year, holding the event in Sikkim is particularly meaningful since the state is known for its strong credentials in sustainable and responsible tourism: organic farming, pristine landscapes, spiritual heritage and vibrant local culture.
Importance of International Tourism Mart 2025
- The event will host participation from approximately 19 countries, including Spain, Thailand, France, Russia, Germany and Vietnam.
- It brings together 39 international tour operators, 5 international influencers, 50 domestic buyers, 20 domestic influencers and 91 domestic sellers.
- The agenda covers technical sessions, panel discussions, product presentations and B2B meetings. Themes include cinematic tourism, homestays, youth entrepreneurship, digital innovation, sustainability, and adventure tourism.
- For the hosting region, the Mart offers a vital platform to bolster the North East’s brand as a preferred destination for eco-tourism, wellness, culture and adventure.
Key Challenges to Watch
- Ensuring seamless coordination among multiple stakeholders (state departments, logistics, accommodations, connectivity). As reported, officials emphasised the need for preparedness in infrastructure, safety and services.
- Balancing the tourism surge with sustainability, maintaining Sikkim’s reputation for responsible tourism while managing higher visitor footfall, foreign delegates and media.
- Ensuring that tourism benefits reach local communities, homestays, youth entrepreneurs – and not just large operators.
- Infrastructure and last-mile connectivity in the North East remain a constraint when hosting large-scale international events.
Implications of International Tourism Mart 2025
- For India’s tourism sector: A successful ITM positions the North Eastern region more firmly on the international tourism map, opening up new source markets and increasing foreign participation.
- For local economy: Hosting international tour operators and media in Gangtok will create business linkages, exposure for local products (crafts, handloom, culture), and possibly boost homestay and adventure tourism segments.
- For sustainability: The focus on responsible tourism means Sikkim’s model could be replicated across the region, strengthening India’s global image in sustainable travel.
- For branding: The event reinforces the North East’s brand as “nature + culture + adventure”, helping diversify India’s tourism offerings beyond mainstream circuits.
Way Forward
- Post-event familiarisation tours (fam trips) have been planned for international and domestic participants to explore destinations across North East states — this will help convert leads into bookings.
- Strengthen digital innovation and youth entrepreneurship in tourism and leveraging digital platforms, influencer marketing and start-ups will be key to sustaining momentum.
- With upcoming film projects and content creation, destinations in the North East can gain visibility globally.
- Investment in road, air, rail links and better homestay ecosystem will support scaling tourism activities.
- Ensure tourism growth benefits local communities, protects the environment and respects cultural heritage.
Read Also: How IFS Officer C.S. Rao Is Transforming Sikkim Into a Model of Green and Sustainable Tourism
