Gangtok, November 14 (IPR): The 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the North East Region began its first day in Gangtok today with a series of parallel programmes, ahead of the formal inaugural session scheduled for later this evening.
The day’s event included a meeting between the Ministry of Tourism and the State Tourism Departments of the NE Region at a local hotel in Pangthang, Gangtok, focusing on improving coordination and strengthening tourism-related initiatives across the region.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Mr Suman Billa, Joint Director, MoT, GoI, Mr Harikishore S, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Mr Balbir Singh, officials from the Ministry of Tourism and State Tourism Departments of the eight NE states, along with tourism stakeholders.
The first session of the meeting centred on film tourism under the theme “Cinematic North East – Policy Pathway to Promote Film Shooting Destinations.”
Indian Cine Hub made a presentation, followed by a briefing from Madhya Pradesh Tourism on their Film Tourism Policy and its benefits during the session.
In Session 2, AirBnB made a presentation on homestays, highlighting how homestay tourism can help local communities and create new income opportunities.
Subsequently, Session 3 featured a discussion with the Ministry of Home Affairs on Restricted Area Permit/Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP).
Officials clarified procedures and addressed concerns related to tourist access in certain areas of the region.
Thereafter, the Session 4 concluded with an open house discussion wherein the state governments of the NE states shared insights on best practices, suggestions, and ideas for improving and promoting tourism in their respective states.
Principal Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, Mr CS Rao, alongside Principal Chief Engineer cum Secretary, Mr Neeraj Pradhan, highlighted potential avenues to simplify procedures for visitors, improve access to select tourist locations, and ensure safe and sustainable growth.
It maybe mentioned here that the ITM is an annual event of the Ministry of Tourism that promotes the tourism potential of India’s North Eastern Region. The 13th edition is being held from 13th to 16th November 2025 in Gangtok, Sikkim.
The two-day event will feature B2B sessions, presentations, the North East Bazaar, and technical visits to important cultural sites.
This year’s ITM is being organised with a strong focus on responsible tourism under the Travel for Life initiative, promoting energy efficiency, zero food waste, and avoiding single-use plastics.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK
