Gangtok, November 15 (IPR):
The 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the Northeast Region concluded today with a vibrant cultural extravaganza at the Sikkim Armed Police Ground, Pangthang, marking the end of a three-day celebration of tourism, culture and regional collaboration.
The closing ceremony was graced by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, along with MLA cum Advisor, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr Sudesh Kumar Subba.
A key highlight of the evening was the felicitation of representatives from all eight Northeastern states — Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam and Mizoram — for their presentations delivered during an earlier session of the Mart. Those felicitated included:
• Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, Mr CS Rao
• Arunachal Pradesh Director Tourism and Special Secretary Land Management, Ms Yashaswini B
• Tripura Secretary, Tourism Department, Mr Uttam K Chakma
• Nagaland Secretary, Cabinet Cell and Tourism Department, Mr Nchumbemo Lotha
• Manipur Joint Secretary Tourism, Ms Elangbam Sonia
• Meghalaya Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Mr Philip F Tariang
• Commissioner cum Secretary to the Government of Assam, Mr Diganta Barah
• Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Government of Mizoram, Ms Rachel Lalrinhlui
The evening featured a grand cultural showcase presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, with performances that highlighted the distinctive rhythms, colours and traditions of the Northeastern region. The programme celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the eight states, reflecting unity in diversity.
Delivering the closing remarks, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, Mr Gyan Bhushan, expressed gratitude to all participants and stakeholders. He stated that the Mart had been highly productive, with fruitful B2B interactions and valuable insights emerging from the sessions.
He extended special thanks to the Government of Sikkim for its exemplary hospitality and seamless coordination, noting that the success of the ITM would not have been possible without the state’s dedication and warmth.
Also present were Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, Mr CS Rao; Principal Chief Engineer cum Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr Neeraj Pradhan; Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Ms Hondala Gyaltsen, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim.
The event also witnessed participation from officials of the Ministry of Tourism, representatives of Tourism Departments from all eight Northeastern states, industry partners and invited delegates.
As the curtains fell on the 13th ITM, the event reaffirmed the growing prominence of the Northeast as a cultural and tourism powerhouse, strengthened by collaboration, shared vision and the region’s unmatched natural and cultural wealth.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK
