Part of: National Current Affairs · See also: UPSC syllabus · UKPSC syllabus
The 14th International Tourism Mart 2026 (ITM) is under way in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from 29 to 31 October. The Union Ministry of Tourism organises it with Arunachal Pradesh and the other North Eastern States. On 30 October, the mart also hosted a regional meeting of North East tourism ministers. Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat chaired it. Notably, the ITM has returned to Tawang after 13 years.
Regional Meeting of North East Tourism Ministers
Tourism ministers and officials from all eight North Eastern States attended. They discussed development priorities, regional cooperation and tourist facilitation. In addition, officials presented Dekho Apna Desh 2.0, which promotes lesser-known destinations. They also discussed the National Digital Tourism Stack for bookings and market access for local guides and homestays. Moreover, the agenda covered the live concert economy. Finally, they discussed simpler and faster Restricted Area and Protected Area Permits, keeping security in mind.
Inauguration and Shekhawat’s Message
The inaugural programme on 29 October opened the North East Bazaar with cultural shows. Besides Shekhawat, MoS Suresh Gopi, MoS Sukanta Majumdar and Chief Ministers Pema Khandu and Prem Singh Tamang attended. Shekhawat said the ITM “is not merely a tourism marketplace; it is a platform for building partnerships”. Furthermore, Khandu said Arunachal received about one lakh tourists in 2013 and about 10 lakh now.
Buyers, Sellers and B2B Meetings
This edition drew 43 international buyers from 22 countries, its highest-ever international turnout. Similarly, 42 domestic buyers came from 16 States and UTs, along with 81 sellers. As a result, the mart recorded 1,580 business-to-business meetings.
About the International Tourism Mart
The ITM is the Tourism Ministry’s annual flagship event for the North East. It links tour operators, entrepreneurs and government agencies. Tawang last hosted it in 2013, at the second edition. Then, Gangtok in Sikkim hosted the 13th edition in November 2025. Also, delegates make technical visits to Tawang Monastery and Urgelling Gompa, the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.
International Tourism Mart 2026: Key Facts for Revision
- Edition: 14th
- Dates and venue: 29–31 October 2026, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
- Organiser: Union Ministry of Tourism
- Regional meeting: 30 October, chaired by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
- Participation: 43 international buyers from 22 countries; 81 sellers
- 13th edition: Gangtok, Sikkim (November 2025)
Why International Tourism Mart 2026 Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, North East tourism and border-area permits often appear in exam questions. So, remember the venue, the organiser and the permit reform agenda. Also, link the ITM with Dekho Apna Desh 2.0 and the National Digital Tourism Stack. For official updates, also visit the Ministry of Tourism. Next, for a related story, read about Glaw Lake, India’s 101st Ramsar site.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.