Kaziranga to Host 12th International Tourism Mart Highlighting North East’s Rich Heritage

Kaziranga: The 12th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) is set to take place from November 26 to 29, 2024, in Kaziranga, Assam. Organized annually by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the event aims to showcase the immense tourism potential of the North Eastern region to both domestic and international audiences.

The Mart will bring together stakeholders from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim, fostering collaboration between tourism businesses, entrepreneurs, and other key players in the industry. The venue, Kaziranga National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its one-horned rhinoceroses—underscores the region’s natural and cultural wealth.

During a media briefing, Director General of Tourism, Mugdha Sinha, revealed that the event will host approximately 400 participants, including international and domestic tour operators, hoteliers, homestay owners, influencers, senior government officials, and international students. The three-day event will feature a wide range of activities, such as:

• State Presentations and B2B Meetings: Facilitating business interactions among stakeholders.
• Cultural Showcases: Live music, cultural evenings, and traditional food demonstrations.
• North East Bazaar: A display of the region’s arts, crafts, and local products.
• Technical Visits: Trips to notable sites, including Charaideo Moidam (India’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hathikuli Tea Estate, and the Orchid and Biodiversity Park.

This year’s ITM emphasizes eco-friendly practices in line with the Ministry’s “Travel for Life” initiative. Measures include minimizing environmental impact, adopting energy-efficient practices, eliminating single-use plastics, and using shuttle services for transportation. The event aims to harmonize tourism with conservation, leaving a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the community.

Kaziranga’s ITM offers international students and global influencers an opportunity to experience the unique heritage of the North East firsthand. The region’s vibrant ethnic communities, rich biodiversity, and ancient traditions promise to provide an unforgettable experience, positioning the North East as a premier destination for sustainable and cultural tourism.

This year’s Mart is not just a celebration of tourism but a commitment to showcasing the North East’s potential while preserving its natural and cultural assets for generations to come.