The vibrant city of Ahmedabad today witnessed the grand opening of the India International Travel Mart (IITM) 2026 at the YMCA International Convention Centre, bringing together key stakeholders from the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The two-day B2B travel exhibition, scheduled from March 20–21, 2026, serves as a dynamic platform for tourism boards, travel operators, hoteliers, destination management companies, and service providers to connect with travel trade professionals from across western India.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent industry leaders, including Shreeram Patel, Hon. Secretary General of the Travel Agents Association of India; Paras Lakhia, Hon. Treasurer, TAAI; Prashant Madlani, Chairman, TAAI – Gujarat Chapter; Bijal Shah, Secretary, Travel Agents Federation of India (Gujarat Chapter); Munjal Fitter, President, Tour Operators and Travel Agents Association of Gujarat; Ashok Dhoot, EC Member of the Indian Association of Tour Operators; Jane D’Cruz from Tourism Malaysia; Kalpesh Shah, Secretary, GTAA; Kunal Kothari, President, Tour Operators Association of South Gujarat; and Nilesh Barot, Vice President, Tour Operators and Travel Agents Association of Gujarat.
Organised by Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, IITM has established itself as one of India’s leading travel trade networking platforms. The Ahmedabad edition features over 100 exhibitors representing more than 10 countries and over 15 Indian states, offering an expansive showcase of destinations, travel services, and tourism experiences to the growing travel trade community in the region.
This year’s edition highlights Tourism Malaysia as the Partner Country, presenting a diverse portfolio of tourism offerings, including leisure travel, cultural experiences, adventure tourism, and luxury hospitality. Malaysia’s participation underscores the strengthening tourism ties between India and Malaysia while positioning the destination as an attractive option for Indian travellers. The exhibition floor features national tourism boards, state tourism departments, destination management companies, airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise operators, and travel service providers, all showcasing their offerings to travel agents, tour operators, corporate travel planners, and MICE specialists from Ahmedabad and neighbouring markets.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said, “Ahmedabad and Gujarat represent a dynamic and growing market for tourism and travel services. Through IITM, we aim to create an effective networking and business platform where global tourism stakeholders can engage directly with the travel trade in this region. The participation of international tourism boards, including Tourism Malaysia, along with a wide representation of Indian states, makes this edition particularly exciting and promising.”
Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added, “The India International Travel Mart has consistently catalysed tourism business development across India. By hosting the event in Ahmedabad, we aim to tap into the strong travel demand emerging from Gujarat and neighbouring markets. With participation from over 10 countries and more than 15 Indian states, the exhibition provides travel professionals with an excellent opportunity to explore diverse destinations, forge partnerships, and expand their business horizons.”
The event is expected to attract a significant number of travel trade professionals, including travel agents, tour operators, corporate travel planners, and hospitality professionals. Its B2B format enables focused meetings, product presentations, and networking opportunities, helping exhibitors connect with potential partners and buyers. With strong participation from global and domestic tourism stakeholders, the Ahmedabad edition of IITM 2026 is set to further strengthen travel industry linkages while opening new avenues for tourism partnerships and business growth.
Special Focus at IITM Ahmedabad – Delhi Tourism Expands Heritage Walks to Promote Experiential and Night Tourism, Enhance Length of Stay
Delhi Tourism is reinforcing its position as a leading experiential destination by curating a series of immersive heritage walks aimed at deepening cultural engagement, boosting night tourism, and encouraging visitors to extend their stay in the capital. With a growing emphasis on after-hours experiences, the department has been actively designing thematic walks scheduled during late afternoons and evenings. These initiatives are intended to unlock the charm of Delhi beyond daylight hours, offering visitors a more layered and engaging way to explore the city.
Among the flagship offerings are Dekho Apna CP covering the Connaught Place circuit, Dilli ka Dil Dekho, the Walk of Shahjahanabad through Old Delhi, and a popular Food Walk in Old Delhi. Visitors can also explore the Walk of Qutub Minar and Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the Hauz Khas walk at the Hauz Khas Complex, and Ek Shaam Shaheedon Ke Naam at the National War Memorial. Evening experiences such as Roshan-e-Dilli at the Qutub Complex, Nawabo ki Aakhari Nishani, and Dilli ka Dil aur Worship Places Walk further add to the diverse portfolio.
These thoughtfully curated walks cater to a wide audience, including corporate groups, public sector undertakings, educational institutions, resident welfare associations, students, and both domestic and international tourists, positioning Delhi as a vibrant hub for experiential and night tourism.