Context:

The 12^th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) is set to take place between 26th to 29th November, 2024 in Kaziranga, Assam.

About the International Tourism Mart (ITM)

• It is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• It is a premier platform for showcasing Northeast India’s vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich heritage.
• It aims to promote sustainable development and unlock the immense tourism potential of Northeast India.
• The event is held in rotation among the eight Northeastern states.
• The first-ever ITM was held in January 2013 in Guwahati, Assam.

The 12^th edition of ITM

• Objective: Highlight Northeast India’s unique charm, promote sustainable tourism and position the region as a gateway to Eastern and Southeastern Asia.
• Participation: About 400 participants, including domestic and international tour operators, hoteliers, homestay owners, influencers, opinion leaders, and government officials.
• Features: It will include state presentations, B2B meetings, panel discussions, cultural evenings, live music, food demonstrations, and a North East Bazaar.
• Technical visits for participants to iconic sites like Charaideo Moidam (India's newest UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kaziranga National Park (celebrating 50 years as a National Park), Hathikuli Tea Estate, and the Orchid and Biodiversity Park will be organised. 
• Sustainable tourism: Aligned with the Ministry of Tourism’s Travel for Life initiative, ITM 2024 will emphasize sustainability, employing energy-efficient practices, eliminating single-use plastics, and providing shuttle services to minimize environmental impact.

Government initiatives to boost tourism in Northeast India

• Swadesh Darshan 2.0: To promote cultural, adventure, and eco-tourism. It includes the Gangtok Cultural Village, Meghalayan age Cave Experience, and Waterfall Trails Experience. 
• PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive): For development of pilgrimage and heritage tourism infrastructure to sites like the Kamakhya Temple in Assam and Zunheboto in Nagaland. 
• UDAN-RCS scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik - Regional Connectivity Scheme) 4.0: Aims at enhancing air connectivity to Northeast India, the hilly states, and the islands.  
• Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development: To enhance tourism-related infrastructure across Northeast India. ₹44.44 crore was allocated for the development of 22 viewpoints across Northeastern states
• Assistance for Organizing fairs / festivals/ tourism related events: Financial assistance of up to ₹80 lakh per state and ₹50 lakh per UT provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.  
• Travel for LiFE Initiative: To promote sustainable tourism in the country.