Tawang to host 14th International Tourism Mart after 13 years

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is hosting the 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) from October 29 to 31, the first time the event has returned to the border town in 13 years.

The mart is organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism with the Arunachal Pradesh government and the other North Eastern states. More than 200 domestic and international tourism stakeholders are expected. Tawang last hosted the second edition in 2013, and the previous edition was held in Gangtok in November 2025.

Buyers from 22 countries

Organisers expect 43 international buyers from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, Singapore and South Korea. Domestic buyers, tour operators and sellers from all eight North Eastern states will also take part.

Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi and Chief Minister Pema Khandu were scheduled to attend the inauguration on October 29, which includes the opening of a North East Bazaar showcasing crafts, textiles and regional cuisine.

The programme

• Destination presentations by all eight states
• Business-to-business sessions on October 30
• Technical sessions on building a live-events and concert economy in the region and on easing tourist access to protected and restricted areas
• A presentation by Royal Enfield on experience-based tourism
• Visits to Tawang Monastery, Jaswant Garh War Memorial, Jang Waterfall, Urgelling Gompa and Pankang Teng Tso Lake

Shekhawat is also to chair a meeting of North Eastern tourism ministers on October 30. Familiarisation tours for international delegates start from Guwahati on November 1.

Sikkim CM in Tawang

On the eve of the mart, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang met Khandu in Tawang and offered prayers at Thongmin Gumpa for the peace and prosperity of Sikkim's people. In a social media post, Tamang called Khandu a good friend and said he looked forward to taking part in the ITM.

Khandu, who inspected the venue with tourism officials on Wednesday, said Tamang's participation would add significance to the three-day event and strengthen ties between the two states.