International tourism market is being organized in Shillong, Meghalaya from November 21 to 23
The International Tourism Mart is an annual event held on a rotational basis.
International tourism market: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is organizing the 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart in Shillong, Meghalaya from November 21 to 23, 2023. The International Tourism Mart is an annual event held by the Ministry in one of the North Eastern States on a rotational basis with the aim of providing a wider platform to the stakeholders in the North East to interact with their counterparts from both the country and overseas markets, and to create awareness about the tourism potential of the North East Region (NER) and to highlight its unique tourism products, rich biodiversity, unique intangible heritage including local traditions, dance forms, arts, crafts and handlooms, for a domestic and international audience.
The International Mart will also be a unique event as it is planned as a green event by adopting low carbon options in line with the action points formulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India for the implementation of the LiFE’s mission and sensitizing tourism stakeholders and generating greater awareness of its objectives. SUP (Single Use Plastic) will not be used, a digital and paperless route will be followed and a tree plantation action will be taken.
The previous editions of this Mart have been held in Guwahati, Tawang, Shillong, Gangtok, Agartala, Imphal, Kohima and Aizwal. Shillong will be hosting this event for the second time since its inception. About 100 delegates, including domestic and international, would participate in the event.
The event will include an exclusive session dedicated to business meetings between local stakeholders in the Northeast and domestic and international buyers. The eight Northeastern States would present updates on their new destinations and new opportunities in their states. Knowledge sessions and panel discussions with panelists from both government and private sectors would deliberate on the progress and development of connectivity in the region.
Air connectivity in the North East has increased dramatically in recent years. Currently, there are more than 16 airports serving tourist destinations in the northeastern region. The Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under their RCS-UDAN scheme. As part of this collaboration, 53 tourist routes have become operational, of which 10 routes are exclusive to the Northeast region. The three Vistadome trains operating in the northeastern region have not only contributed greatly to connectivity but also to increasing tourist appeal.
To take forward Travel for LiFE, a sectoral program initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, under the aegis of Mission LiFE, the Ministry is working with all stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem, including state governments, industry, destinations and tourists. The Travel for LiFE program aims to position India as a leader in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism and using tourism as a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This Mart also supports the action points formulated by MoEF for organizing national and international conferences.