The much-awaited India International Travel Mart (IITM) commenced today at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, bringing together the vibrant travel and tourism industry for a three-day showcase from 27–29 March 2027. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of eminent dignitaries, industry leaders, travel trade professionals, and media, setting the stage for one of the region’s most significant travel networking platforms.
The Guests of Honour at the inauguration ceremony included Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia; Peer Zahid Ahmad, JKAS Deputy Director, Tourism Kashmir; Sanjeev Mehra, President, SKAL International India; Manav Soni, MC Member, Travel Agents Association of India Eastern India; Debjit Dutta, Chairman, Indian Association of Tour Operators; Manas Mahapatra, President, Tourism Welfare Association; and Soma Pramanik, Coordinator – Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India.
Organised by Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., IITM Kolkata continues to strengthen its position as a premier platform connecting global tourism boards, hospitality brands, travel companies, and service providers with key buyers and consumers. This year’s edition has drawn participation from over 150 exhibitors representing more than 15 Indian states and 10 countries, reflecting the growing momentum and optimism within the travel sector.
Adding to the exhibition’s international appeal, Tourism Malaysia joins as the Partner Country, showcasing its diverse tourism offerings and reinforcing bilateral tourism ties with India. Their presence, alongside stakeholders and partners, underscores India’s importance as a key outbound market and highlights the increasing demand for experiential and cross-border travel. The Nepal Tourism Board also joins as a Partner Country, further elevating the event’s global profile.
The exhibition features a rich mix of participants, including national and international tourism boards, destination management companies, hotels and resorts, airlines, cruise operators, and travel technology providers. From luxury holidays and cultural experiences to adventure tourism, wellness retreats, and MICE offerings, IITM Kolkata presents a comprehensive snapshot of the evolving travel landscape.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said, “We are delighted to bring the India International Travel Mart to Kolkata once again. Eastern India continues to be a strong and growing market for travel, and IITM serves as a vital bridge connecting destinations with the right audience. The participation of Tourism Malaysia and Nepal Tourism Board further enhances the international profile of the event. We are confident that this edition will facilitate meaningful business engagements and open new avenues for growth.”
Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added, “Kolkata has always been an important source market for tourism, both domestic and international. IITM provides a focused platform for exhibitors to engage directly with travel trade partners as well as consumers. The strong exhibitor base is a testament to the trust the industry places in IITM as a business enabler.”
The three-day event is strategically designed to cater to both B2B and B2C audiences. The first half of each day is dedicated to travel agents, tour operators, and industry professionals, enabling structured business interactions and networking opportunities. The latter half opens to the general public, offering visitors the chance to explore a wide range of destinations, access exclusive travel deals, and interact directly with exhibitors.
Visitors can discover curated travel experiences across domestic and international destinations, gain insights into emerging travel trends, and explore special packages tailored to diverse interests and budgets. The presence of multiple Indian state tourism boards further promotes regional tourism, encouraging travellers to explore lesser-known destinations across the country.
In addition to the exhibition, IITM Kolkata hosts destination presentations and interactive sessions that provide valuable insights into emerging travel trends, innovative tourism products, and market dynamics. These sessions strengthen collaboration within the tourism ecosystem and foster knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
With Kolkata serving as a cultural gateway to Eastern and Northeastern India, the event offers the perfect backdrop for this prestigious showcase. As the global travel industry continues to witness renewed growth and transformation, IITM Kolkata is expected to drive strong footfall, meaningful partnerships, and robust business engagement over the next three days.