The Tourism Mart in Meghalaya to showcase North East's tourism potential

Photo Credit : Getty Images,

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, announced the 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart, scheduled to take place in Shillong, Meghalaya, from November 21st to 23rd, 2023. This annual event is a significant initiative aimed at creating awareness about the tourism potential of the North East Region (NER) and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

The International Tourism Mart serves as a prominent platform for North Eastern stakeholders to engage with counterparts from both domestic and international markets. The event highlights the unique tourism products, rich biodiversity, and intangible heritage of the NER, including local traditions, dance forms, arts, handicrafts, and handlooms.

This edition of the International Mart is distinguished as a green event, aligning with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change's Mission LiFE. Emphasising sustainability, the event will adopt low-carbon options, eliminate single-use plastics, implement a digital and paperless route, and include a tree plantation drive.

The Union Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy, will inaugurate the event, attended by North-Eastern Tourism Ministers, senior officials, and heads of tourism and hospitality associations. Shillong, hosting the event for the second time, anticipates the participation of approximately 100 domestic and international delegates.

The event will feature exclusive business meetings between local North Eastern stakeholders and domestic and international buyers, updates on new destinations, and opportunities in the eight North Eastern States. Knowledge sessions and panel discussions will explore advances and developments in connectivity, reflecting the region's increased air connectivity with over 16 operational airports.

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has operationalized 53 tourism routes under the RCS-UDAN Scheme, including 10 exclusively for the North East Region. Vistadome trains have further enhanced connectivity and tourism appeal.

Aligning with the Travel for Life programme, the Ministry aims to position India as a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism. The Mart supports MoEF's action points for organising national and international conferences, emphasising the importance of responsible tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism's commitment to NER's development includes 16 projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, totaling Rs. 1309.00 crores, and eight projects under the PRASHAD Scheme, amounting to Rs. 256.45 crores. Completed projects under SD 1.0 and PRASHAD schemes have already contributed to the region's tourism infrastructure and promotion.