Sikkim back in tourism spotlight as MoT preps to host ITM 2025 from Nov 13

- The return of Ministry's flagship event to the northeastern state represents a strategic pivot in India's ambitious plan to transform the region into a unified, world-class tourism circuit. With infrastructure and connectivity strengthening, tourism seeing an upsurge, over INR 3,000 cr invested in 65 projects and new offerings emerging across all Northeastern states, the Ministry of Tourism is betting big on this year’s ITM.   

-The 2025 event starting day after, will zero in on community-driven experiences, adventure tourism opportunities, private investment prospects, among other focus points.   

- The Chief Ministers of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, their state Tourism Ministers, alongside the Union Minister of Tourism, Govt of India are expected to attend.   

Detailed report with exclusive inputs below: 

The International Tourism Mart (ITM), formulated by the Ministry of Tourism, is returning to Sikkim after a decade. As the state preps to host the delegates from November 13–16, 2025 in Gangtok, the event marks yet another important milestone in the Ministry’s current efforts to place the Northeastern region (NER) on the tourism map as a unified and experience-rich circuit.  

Answering the queries posed by T3, the Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India shared that over the past decade, the Ministry’s consistent hosting of ITMs across all eight North Eastern states has transformed the region’s tourism landscape. Tourist arrivals have grown steadily, infrastructure has strengthened, and new circuits and products have been developed.   

“The International Tourism Mart is our flagship annual platform that brings together all eight North Eastern States to showcase their collective potential before domestic and international buyers. This year, the Ministry is hosting the Mart in Sikkim after a gap of ten years, providing an excellent opportunity to highlight the significant progress and development achieved by the state over the past decade,” said Billa. He added the focus this year is on promoting the Northeast as an integrated circuit, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural diversity, adventure tourism opportunities, and community-driven experiences.   

A major emphasis will also be on domestic tourism. As Billa highlighted, “Strengthening domestic travel in the region will help position the Northeast as a year-round destination while driving inclusive growth and balanced development across the states.”  

Notably, the event will feature dedicated B2B sessions and meetings designed to facilitate partnerships between sellers and buyers and to strengthen linkages across the tourism value chain. State Presentations by senior officials showcasing tourism products, initiatives, and new offerings and industry presentations by selected speakers around NER also included in the agenda.  

The Ministry today has also shared the list of confirmed dignitaries for the inaugural which includes the Chief Ministers of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, and the Tourism Ministers of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam, alongside the Union Minister of Tourism, Govt of India. The inaugural will happen on November 14 evening and will feature cultural performances ahead of technical visits to nearby attractions. 

In a separate state level review meeting held last month, Sikkim’s Chief Secretary R Telang had also spoken about the importance of hosting the event of this stature in Sikkim. He said that the ITM would provide an opportunity to showcase state’s tourism potential, culture, and hospitality on a national and international platform. He added that the event would strengthen tourism cooperation among the Northeastern States and open new avenues for partnership in the sector.  

Leveraging Sikkim’s community led practices  

Recognised as a pioneer in eco-tourism and organic living, Sikkim will also serve as a model for sustainable and community-led tourism practices. The Ministry plans to leverage ITM 2025 to promote these practices.   

“Sikkim’s exemplary initiatives in eco-tourism, organic living, and community-led tourism, alongside success stories from other Northeastern states will be in focus. The event will serve as a forum for knowledge exchange, where stakeholders can share innovative ideas and region-specific models of sustainable tourism,” shared Billa.   

Dedicated sessions will spotlight best practices in sustainability, grassroots tourism initiatives, local entrepreneurship, demonstrating how tourism can generate socio-economic benefits without compromising ecological balance and encourage a balanced and inclusive model of tourism development.   

Skill development is another cornerstone of the Ministry’s Northeast strategy. A range of initiatives are being implemented to enhance employability, promote entrepreneurship, and build community capacities in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The goal, started Billa, is to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local communities, especially youth and women.   

Also, a strong network of Central and State Institutes of Hotel Management (CIHMs and SIHMs), along with Food Craft Institutes (FCIs), is helping to build a trained workforce ready for the growing hospitality sector.  

Homestays have emerged as a symbol of inclusive tourism too. “These not only provide visitors with authentic cultural and traditional experiences but also ensure that tourism benefits reach grassroots communities, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across the region,” added Billa. 

Investments & Infrastructure across NER  

Speaking from a broader perspective, Billa shared that the Ministry is also taking proactive measures to attract private investment and international collaborations in the North East’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Under several key schemes, including Swadesh Darshan 1.0 & 2.0, PRASHAD, Challenge-Based Destination Development, SASCI, and Assistance to Central Agencies, 65 projects have been sanctioned across the Northeast with a total outlay of over INR 3,000 crore.  

These projects span a wide spectrum, including integrated tourism circuits and ropeways, riverfront development, spiritual tourism sites, and wayside amenities, all aimed at creating investor confidence and enhancing the region’s tourism readiness. The Ministry continues to work with state governments to streamline approval processes and promote destination-specific investment opportunities, said Billa.   

Connectivity has seen a major leap too, thanks to UDAN-supported air routes linking destinations like Gangtok (Pakyong), Tezu, Pasighat, Dimapur, and Imphal, while rail projects have expanded access to Itanagar, Agartala, and Aizawl. Enhanced highway and inter-state corridor networks, developed with support from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Ministry of DoNER, have opened remote areas to visitors.   

The diversification of tourism products, ranging from adventure and wellness tourism to culinary trails, heritage walks, and border tourism, has further expanded the region’s appeal. Destinations such as Nathula Pass in Sikkim, Dong and Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh, and Dibang Valley’s Anini have become highlights of border tourism, quoted Billa.   

“The upcoming ITM Sikkim will build upon these achievements, serving as a platform to highlight sustainable, community-led, and eco-friendly tourism models, while showcasing success stories from across the Northeast,” Billa told T3.   

ITM over the years  

ITM, in collaboration with the eight North Eastern States, serves as a flagship platform to showcase and promote the region’s vast tourism potential in both domestic and international markets. Launched in 2013, ITM is hosted on a rotational basis across the Northeast states and features B2B meetings, state exhibitions, cultural showcases, and buyer-seller interactions.   

Conceived to highlight the region’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and adventure and eco-tourism opportunities, the Mart brings together state tourism boards, private stakeholders, and global buyers to strengthen connectivity, marketing, and investment. ITM also aligns with the government’s Dekho Apna Desh initiative by promoting integrated tourism circuits, local entrepreneurship and responsible travel practices.   

Last year, the mart was held in Kaziranga, Assam and welcomed delegates from over 30 countries.