Kolkata hosted the much-anticipated ‘India International Travel Mart’ (IITM) from February 14–16, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Held at the Hitex Exhibition Centre, this premier travel and tourism exhibition showcased a diverse range of domestic and international destinations, services, and innovations. With participation from leading tour operators, travel agencies, state tourism boards, and international Destination Management Companies, IITM Kolkata is poised to become a hub for fostering connections, promoting tourism, and unveiling new opportunities in the industry.
The Guests of Honour at the Inauguration included Mr. Owais Mushtaq, Additional Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, Mr. Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skal International, India, Mr. Manav Soni, MC. Member, Travel Agents Assc. of India, Mr. Amin Asghar, President, Skal International, Kolkata, Mr. Kaulesh Kumar, Secretary General, Assc. of Buddhist Tour Operators, Mr. Kaushik Banerjee, Chairman, Eastern India, ETAA, Mr. Prashanto Majhi, President, TAAB, Mrs. Sushmita Ghosh, Founder Member, Travel Network Meet, Mr. Manas Mohapatra, President, Tourism Welfare Assc.
As IITM celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the occasion forms an important business platform. Travel agencies, hoteliers, tour companies, and other industry stakeholders can interact and network, resulting in collaborations, partnerships, and joint ventures. IITM featured 150+ exhibitors from 15 Indian states, showcasing diverse travel options like pilgrimages, adventures, culture, wildlife, and more.
The event was a perfect platform for travel agents looking for partners from across different genres, from religious travel, adventure, family holidays, heritage, and honeymoons to even those who are looking for conference destinations for their companies, etc. As the world embraces sustainable practices, IITM takes strides to promote responsible tourism and wellness. The exhibition demonstrated eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism projects, and conservation efforts to protect India’s natural and cultural heritage. It encouraged travellers to tread lightly and leave a positive footprint on the destinations they visit.
The tourism stakeholders from over 15 Indian states, such as Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep, etc., were seen aggressively marketing their destinations, products, and services.
The Indian economy is still among the world’s fastest-growing major economies. In contrast to a 9.1% increase in the previous fiscal year, India’s GDP rose by 7.2% in the 2022–2023 fiscal year. India’s economic development continues to be robust despite the war-related disruptions in the agricultural and energy sectors, as well as an unprecedented tightening of global monetary conditions aimed at curbing decades-high inflation. Strong domestic demand and a push for governmental capital expenditures have been the main drivers of this. For FY25, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected growth of 6.3%.
Much of the Indian travel business is derived from domestic travel, which also helped the sector recover from its pre-pandemic lows. Indians progressively discovered the cultural and geographical diversity within the nation’s borders, from the tranquil Himalayan landscape to the vibrant coastal areas, greatly fuelling the domestic travel sector.
Rohit Hangal, Sphere TravelMedia Director, said, “Welcome to the heart of innovation and collaboration in the travel industry. This exhibition is a gateway to shaping the future of travel through new opportunities and partnerships. Let us explore new horizons, forge lasting connections, and inspire the world of travel. The B2B Tourism Exhibition celebrates collaboration, resilience, and excellence in the industry, bringing together top minds to pioneer sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and new partnerships. Together, we are creating a future where travel is connected, sustainable, and extraordinary, setting the stage for unprecedented growth and advancement in the industry.”
Sanjay Hakhu, Sphere TravelMedia Director, added, “India has emerged as a key player in the travel industry, offering opportunities for leisure and business travel. The IITM Event, with over ten thousand B2B visitors over three days, showcases our commitment to advancing travel. It serves as a hub for idea exchange, partnership building, and innovation. The growing outbound travel market in India presents vast possibilities, with more Indians seeking unique global experiences. The B2B Travel Exhibition aims to connect global destinations with diverse Indian travellers, paving the way for future international travel growth from India.”