The 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2025, held in Gangtok, Sikkim from January 13 to 16, concluded successfully, bringing together major tourism stakeholders from India and abroad. The event served as a key platform for dialogue, collaboration, and promotion of diverse tourism destinations, with strong participation from industry representatives, government bodies, and international delegates.
A delegation from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by its president M. Vinod, participated actively throughout the four-day programme. The delegation also included members Saikat Biswas and Bhugneshwari, who joined various interactions, presentations, and networking sessions aimed at strengthening Andaman’s visibility on the global tourism map.
This year’s ITM witnessed significant attendance, featuring more than 200 international delegates from 19 countries and around 100 domestic delegates from 25 States and Union Territories. Stakeholders engaged in extensive discussions on tourism potential, market trends, investment opportunities, and the need for collaborative strategies to enhance regional and national tourism growth.
The AATO team focused on promoting Brand Andaman, showcasing the islands’ distinctive tourism offerings, and engaging with global tourism professionals, tour operators, and travel companies. The delegation used the platform to explore new avenues for positioning the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a world-class destination known for its natural beauty, adventure opportunities, cultural diversity, and sustainable tourism practices.
One of the key highlights of ITM 2025 was the B2B Session organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The session enabled direct interactions between tourism buyers, sellers, and industry experts, offering an opportunity for the AATO delegation to present Andaman’s tourism strengths and seek new partnerships. The structured networking environment helped stakeholders from multiple countries evaluate Andaman’s potential for increased tourist traffic and collaborative ventures.
Speaking after the event, AATO president M. Vinod expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) for extending the opportunity to participate in the International Tourism Mart. He also thanked the Government of Sikkim, particularly the Sikkim Tourism Department, for their hospitality and seamless coordination throughout the event, which ensured smooth conduct of sessions, meetings, and cultural showcases.
The concluding sessions of ITM 2025 emphasised expanding regional tourism circuits, strengthening inter-state coordination, and leveraging international interest to promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices across the country. Delegates highlighted the need for improved connectivity, diversified tourism products, and enhanced marketing strategies to attract global travellers.
For the AATO delegation, participation in ITM 2025 marked a valuable milestone, offering exposure to new markets, strengthening professional networks, and generating prospects for collaborative tourism promotion. The insights gained and connections established during the event are expected to support long-term efforts to enhance the international presence of Andaman Tourism.
