Archive · 15 Nov 2025
13th International Tourism Mart Held in Sikkim to Boost Northeast Tourism
Imagine a big meeting where people from all over India and many countries come to Sikkim.
They are talking about how to make traveling to Northeast India, which is called 'Ashta Lakshmi,' more popular.
They discussed making movies there, helping local people earn money by hosting tourists in their homes (homestays), and making it easier for visitors to get special permits for certain areas.
The goal is to show everyone how amazing this part of India is for tourism.
This year, they are also focusing on being kind to the environment, like using less energy, not wasting food, and avoiding plastic.
It's like a travel show to invite more people to visit and learn about this special region.
The 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) commenced in Gangtok, Sikkim, organized by the Union tourism ministry.
Key discussions included promoting film tourism, the economic benefits of homestays, and streamlining Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Protected Area Permit (PAP) procedures.
The event aims to position Northeast India as a prime global tourist destination, known as 'Ashta Lakshmi'.
ITM serves as a B2B platform for domestic and international tourism stakeholders, with delegates from 19 countries attending.
This year's mart emphasizes sustainable tourism, including energy efficiency, zero food waste, avoiding single-use plastics, and community-based tourism initiatives.
- Who
- Union Ministry of Tourism, senior officials from central government and northeastern states, tourism industry stakeholders, delegates from 19 countries
- What
- The 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) focused on showcasing tourism potential, film tourism, economic benefits of homestays, and streamlining permit procedures for sensitive areas.
- When
- Began on Friday (November 15) and will continue until November 16
- Where
- Gangtok, Sikkim
- Why
- To promote the Northeast region ('Ashta Lakshmi') as a premier global tourism destination, foster business-to-business connections, and emphasize sustainable tourism practices.
- Event Name
- 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM)
- Location
- Gangtok, Sikkim
- Dates
- November 15-16
- Organizing Ministry
- Union Ministry of Tourism
- Attending Delegates
- Central government officials, eight northeastern states, tourism and hospitality industry stakeholders, representatives from 19 countries