The 13th International Tourism Mart in Gangtok underscored a powerful shift in India’s tourism industry: the Northeast is no longer a hidden gem, but an emerging high-potential tourism circuit. Backed by record connectivity upgrades, expanding hotel infrastructure and a unified focus on sustainable, circuit-based tourism, the region is positioning itself as one of India’s most promising frontiers for long-term, responsible growth.
By Surbhi Sharma
The 13th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the Northeastern region was held in Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, returning to the destination after a decade. The three-day event brought together Tourism Ministers, senior officials from all eight Northeastern states, representatives from central ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism, and key industry stakeholders. Designed as a B2B travel platform, the Mart featured business meetings, destination presentations, the Northeast Bazaar and technical visits to key cultural and tourism sites, reinforcing collaboration across the regional travel trade.
Positioning the Northeast as a unified tourism circuit
This year’s ITM highlighted the Northeast as a single, interconnected tourism circuit rather than eight standalone destinations. The focus remained firmly on eco-tourism, adventure travel, cultural experiences, homestays, wildlife, wellness and spiritual tourism. Sustainability emerged as a central theme, with the ‘Travel for Life’ initiative emphasising responsible tourism practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction and minimal use of plastics — critical for an ecologically sensitive region.
Shekhawat highlights record connectivity growth and hotel expansion
Addressing the Mart through a virtual message, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, outlined the rapid transformation underway across the Northeast’s connectivity landscape. He noted that air traffic in the region grew from 9.8 million passengers in 2019 to 11.2 million in 2024, reflecting improved accessibility and rising interest from travellers.
Shekhawat added that hotel infrastructure in the Northeast is expanding at an unprecedented pace, with more than 3,000 new branded hotel keys expected across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Nagaland by 2030. This growth, he said, signals strong investor confidence and growing participation from the travel industry in shaping the region’s future.
Reiterating the Centre’s vision, he stressed the importance of balancing growth with conservation, positioning the Northeast as a leading global example of sustainable tourism development. He described ITM as a gateway to new partnerships, markets and opportunities for the travel trade.
Arunachal Pradesh pushes for convergence and circuit-led tourism
Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, called for stronger regional convergence in tourism promotion and branding. Emphasising the need for collective marketing, he said tourism has the potential to act as a unifying force for the Northeast.
Khandu proposed joint initiatives through state tourism boards and advocated a circuit-based travel approach that integrates experiences across all eight Northeastern states. He highlighted the proposed 2,600-km Frontier Highway in Arunachal Pradesh—currently at the tendering stage and expected to be completed within five years — as a key infrastructure project that will significantly improve connectivity across the border and remote regions. Similar infrastructure momentum, he noted, is visible across the region.
Sikkim highlights sustainable tourism and premium connectivity
Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sikkim, showcased the state’s progress in sustainable and rural tourism. He shared that over 1,000 homestays have been allotted under Sikkim’s flagship homestay initiative, strengthening community participation while preserving local culture.
Bhutia highlighted multiple tourism projects completed under central schemes, including new passenger roadways at Bhaleydhunga Yangang and Pelling. He also announced that the upcoming Sivok–Rangpo railway line will significantly enhance rail connectivity, while a new premium heliport at Burtuk—offering a 26-seater helicopter service between Bagdogra and Gangtok—will cater to high-value travellers.
Looking ahead, Sikkim plans to expand into MICE, wellness, adventure, eco-tourism and destination weddings, supported by close collaboration with local tourism stakeholders. However, Bhutia stressed the urgent need for central support to upgrade NH-10 into an all-weather highway and develop alternative routes to ensure uninterrupted year-round access.
“Robust, reliable connectivity is the backbone of tourism growth,” he said, underlining infrastructure as a critical enabler for sustained development.
A unified roadmap for Northeast tourism
The 13th International Tourism Mart reinforced a shared commitment among Northeastern states to build a sustainable, inclusive and high-impact tourism ecosystem. With improving infrastructure, stronger regional collaboration and growing interest from the travel trade, the Northeast is steadily emerging as one of India’s most compelling tourism circuits—where nature, culture and community converge to create long-term value for the tourism industry.
