Northeast tourism potential takes centre stage at 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang
The North Eastern Region's tourism potential, growing visitor numbers and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods took centre stage as the 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) was inaugurated in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, on Thursday, October 29. Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called for transforming the region's tourism potential into business opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
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The three-day event, being held until October 31, has brought together 43 international buyers from 22 countries, marking the highest-ever international buyer participation at the International Tourism Mart. It also has 42 domestic buyers from 16 States and Union Territories and 81 sellers. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism in association with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern States, the Mart aims to strengthen tourism partnerships and showcase the region's potential to domestic and international markets.
Addressing the inaugural session, Shekhawat said the International Tourism Mart had evolved beyond a promotional platform into an important avenue for tourism partnerships and business engagement.
"ITM is not merely a tourism marketplace; it is a platform for building partnerships, generating business opportunities and creating a shared vision for the growth of tourism in the North East Region," he said.
Highlighting the growth of tourism in the region, the Minister said domestic tourist visits to the eight North Eastern States had increased from 95.65 lakh in 2019 to 1.51 crore in 2025, registering a growth of approximately 58%. He said hosting the Mart in Tawang would draw greater attention to lesser-known destinations and showcase their potential to domestic and international markets.
Shekhawat highlighted the region's rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and natural landscapes, which offer opportunities for adventure, nature-based and experiential tourism.
He particularly pointed to the potential of adventure tourism, music festivals and concert tourism to attract new categories of visitors, encourage longer stays and generate economic opportunities for local communities.
He also called for developing tourism experiences with appropriate safety standards, community participation and environmental safeguards, stressing the need to ensure that tourism growth benefits local communities while protecting the region's natural and cultural resources.
The Minister highlighted the government's continued focus on improving connectivity, tourism infrastructure and destination experiences across the North Eastern Region. He said the Ministry of Tourism was supporting tourism promotion through domestic and international travel fairs, festivals, digital platforms and familiarisation visits. Skill development initiatives are also being undertaken to create employment opportunities for local youth.
During the press conference, Shekhawat outlined the infrastructure projects sanctioned under various government schemes to strengthen tourism facilities across the region.
Under Swadesh Darshan 1.0, 16 projects worth ₹1,309 crore have been sanctioned, while Swadesh Darshan 2.0 has received 17 projects worth ₹564 crore. Nine projects worth ₹139 crore have been sanctioned under Challenge Based Destination Development, nine projects worth ₹790 crore under SASCI and nine projects worth ₹258 crore under PRASHAD.
Additionally, the Ministry has supported ten tourism routes in the North Eastern Region under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN to improve access to tourist destinations.
The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, improving visitor experiences and creating livelihood opportunities for communities across the region.
Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi highlighted opportunities to develop innovative tourism products based on the region's cultural heritage, adventure activities, festivals and community-based experiences.
He also emphasised the importance of initiatives such as Dekho Apna Desh 2.0 and the National Digital Tourism Stack in promoting lesser-known destinations, improving their digital visibility and expanding market access for local tourism service providers.
The inaugural session was attended by Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region Sukanta Majumdar, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Tourism ministers from other North Eastern States, senior Central and State Government officials, international and domestic tourism stakeholders and representatives of the travel industry were also present.
As part of the programme, the North East Bazaar was inaugurated, showcasing traditional handicrafts, handlooms and other cultural offerings from the region. A cultural programme highlighting the traditions of the North Eastern States was also organised.
The three-day Mart will feature tourism presentations by all eight North Eastern States, providing an opportunity to showcase their destinations, tourism products and experiences. Structured business-to-business meetings will also be held to facilitate interactions between buyers and sellers and encourage tourism-related business partnerships.
A Regional Meeting of Tourism Ministers of the North Eastern States is scheduled for October 30. The meeting will deliberate on tourism development, regional cooperation, tourist facilitation and emerging opportunities in the sector.
The 14th edition marks the return of the International Tourism Mart to Tawang after 13 years, with the second edition having been held in the town in 2013. The event seeks to strengthen tourism partnerships, promote lesser-known destinations and position the North Eastern Region as a destination for sustainable and experience-based tourism.
