The 12th Edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) was inaugurated today by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in the picturesque setting of Kaziranga, Assam. The event was graced by the presence of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma as well. Along with them was the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu. In his inaugural address, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the Northeast’s rich legacy, cultural diversity, and natural wealth. Moreover he also went on emphasizing the region’s unique cuisine, crafts, […]
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Inaugurates 12th International Tourism Mart
The 12th Edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) was inaugurated today by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in the picturesque setting of Kaziranga, Assam. The event was graced by the presence of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma as well. Along with them was the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu.
In his inaugural address, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the Northeast’s rich legacy, cultural diversity, and natural wealth. Moreover he also went on emphasizing the region’s unique cuisine, crafts, and biodiversity. He noted that the ITM provides a prime platform to showcase the extraordinary heritage of Northeast India to the global audience.
The International Tourism Mart is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of Northeast India’s cultural, ecological, and economic potential. Moreover with strong participation from the government, industry leaders, and global influencers, the event is set to play a pivotal role in boosting tourism in this unique and vibrant region. These exhibitions are helping it to reach new heights in the years to come.
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The minister underscored the significance of hosting the ITM in Kaziranga. This also pointed out that it not only reflects the growing prominence of the Northeast on the national stage. Furthermore it also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Kaziranga being declared a national park. Over the last decade, the park has seen remarkable growth. Currently it is expanding from 400 to 1,300 square kilometers, a symbol of the region’s accelerating development. This event not only celebrates Kaziranga’s legacy but it also provides a platform to explore the vast tourism potential of the Northeast.
Minister Shekhawat, said, “The region holds immense potential and this Mart serves as a gateway to enhance it.”
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the event’s role in offering international students and global influencers an immersive opportunity to explore the Northeast’s beauty and culture. He added that the ITM not only promotes tourism as an industry but also as a transformative force for cultural exchange, ecological preservation, and economic development in the region.
The event will run from November 26th to 29th, 2024, in Kaziranga. The event highlights the diverse topography, rich flora and fauna, and vibrant ethnic communities of Northeast India. With Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, as the backdrop, the event promises to showcase the region’s unparalleled natural and cultural treasures.
In line with the celebrations, the Assam Tourism Development Corporation launched a Coffee Table Book titled Guwahati and Around. The book offers a comprehensive look at the rich heritage and culture of Guwahati and its scenic surroundings, capturing the essence of the region through stunning visuals and insightful narratives.
The ITM 2024 also celebrates the recent UNESCO recognition of the Moidams of Charaideo as the 43rd World Heritage Site of India. This acknowledgment, along with the 50-year milestone of Kaziranga’s national park status, marks significant achievements in Northeast India’s tourism and cultural heritage.
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The ITM 2024 features a variety of activities designed to engage and inspire stakeholders in the tourism industry. These include presentations by state governments, B2B meetings, panel discussions on topics such as innovation, youth entrepreneurship, digitalization, and women empowerment. There are also case studies on adventure tourism, wildlife conservation, and the promotion of homestays. Cultural evenings, food demonstrations, live music, and a Northeast Bazaar provide additional avenues for interaction.
Participants will also take part in technical visits to key sites such as the Charaideo Moidams, Rangghar, Kaziranga National Park, Hathikuli Tea Estate, and the Orchid and Biodiversity Park. Post-event FAM tours will further explore the Northeast’s tourism offerings.
A strong focus on sustainability runs through this year’s ITM, aligning with the Ministry of Tourism’s Travel for Life initiative. The event aims to minimize environmental impact and employs energy-efficient practices to ensure a green footprint.
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The ITM 2024 has drawn significant participation from around the world, with over 30 countries represented. Notable attendees include 15 international influencers from 11 countries, 24 international tour operators from 16 nations, and 20 international students from 17 countries. Additionally, 46 domestic buyers, 7 domestic influencers, and 101 domestic sellers are attending, ensuring vibrant discussions and networking opportunities.
The event serves as a crucial platform for international and domestic tourism stakeholders to come together, explore collaboration opportunities, and share insights on the tourism potential of Northeast India.
