Sikkim is set to spotlight its tourism potential as the capital, Gangtok, prepares to host the 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) from 13 to 16 November. The event will draw delegates from all Northeastern states and 18 countries, strengthening the state’s profile as a growing centre for sustainable and high-altitude tourism.
Tourism Minister T. T. Bhutia said chief ministers, tourism ministers and major stakeholders from the Northeastern states, along with nearly 300 international delegates, would participate in the four-day gathering. The International Tourism Mart is being organised by the Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Bhutia added that the inclusion of the North Eastern Bazar at this year’s ITM would give local entrepreneurs a prominent platform. “The inclusion of the North Eastern Bazar in the ITM will serve as a platform to showcase and promote local products,” he said.
Additional Chief Secretary C. S. Rao said delegates from 18 countries are confirmed to attend the event.
Tourism secretary Neeraj Pradhan said the event would serve as a meaningful bridge between local innovation and global markets. “The International Tourism Mart will provide a meaningful platform to promote local products, ideas, and innovations,” he said. He added that engagement with global participants offered “a unique opportunity for local stakeholders to present their work and enhance Sikkim’s visibility on the global tourism map.”
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The ITM, held annually by the Union Ministry of Tourism, has played a central role in promoting the Northeast as a unified destination. Each edition brings together tourism businesses, government agencies, travel buyers, sellers, and media stakeholders for collaboration, networking and destination marketing. The previous edition, held in Kaziranga, highlighted wildlife and eco-tourism; this year’s edition is expected to focus on community-led tourism, mountain hospitality and cross-border travel circuits.
Sikkim’s turn as host comes at a time when the state is pushing new initiatives, including digital nomad villages, sustainable trekking routes and rural tourism clusters aimed at diversifying its visitor base. The four-day mart is expected to amplify these efforts while drawing global attention to the region’s cultural, ecological and adventure tourism appeal.
With senior leaders, global delegates and local entrepreneurs converging in Gangtok, officials expect the 13th ITM to strengthen Sikkim’s foothold in the global tourism ecosystem.
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