Kolkata hosted the highly 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 event highlighted diverse domestic and international destinations, offering a platform for networking, collaboration, and business growth.
With participation from leading tour operators, travel agencies, state tourism boards, and international Destination Management Companies (DMCs), IITM Kolkata has strengthened its position as a hub for fostering partnerships and unveiling new industry opportunities.
Grand Inauguration with Industry Leaders
The event was inaugurated by esteemed Guests of Honour, including:
- Mr. Owais Mushtaq, Additional Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism
- Mr. Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skal International, India
- Mr. Manav Soni, MC Member, Travel Agents Association of India
- Mr. Amin Asghar, President, Skal International, Kolkata
- Mr. Kaulesh Kumar, Secretary General, Association 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 Association
A Key Platform for the Travel Industry
As IITM celebrates its 25th anniversary, it has evolved into a crucial business platform, enabling travel agencies, hoteliers, tour companies, and other industry players to connect and collaborate. The event featured 150+ exhibitors from 15 Indian states, showcasing travel options including pilgrimages, adventure tourism, cultural experiences, wildlife tourism, and heritage tours.
IITM provided an ideal platform for travel agents seeking partnerships across various travel segments, from family vacations, corporate retreats, and adventure tourism to heritage and religious travel.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism in Focus
With the growing emphasis on sustainable tourism, IITM Kolkata promoted eco-friendly travel initiatives, community-based tourism projects, and conservation efforts aimed at preserving India’s natural and cultural heritage. Travelers were encouraged to adopt responsible tourism practices and leave a positive impact on the destinations they visit.
State Tourism Boards Aggressively Promote Destinations
Tourism stakeholders from over 15 Indian states, including Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Lakshadweep, actively promoted their destinations, products, and services.
India’s Economic Growth and Its Impact on Tourism
India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with GDP rising by 7.2% in FY 2022–2023, following a 9.1% growth in the previous fiscal year. Despite global economic disruptions, strong domestic demand and government capital expenditures have sustained economic resilience. For FY 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected 6.3% growth, indicating a positive outlook for the travel and tourism industry.
Domestic Travel: The Backbone of India’s Tourism Industry
The Indian tourism sector has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with domestic travel driving much of the recovery. Travelers across India are increasingly exploring the country’s cultural and geographical diversity, from the Himalayan landscapes to vibrant coastal regions, fueling domestic tourism growth.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for India’s Tourism Industry
IITM Kolkata 2025 has once again proven to be a game-changer for the travel and tourism industry, creating new business opportunities, fostering connections, and promoting sustainable tourism. As India continues to emerge as a global travel powerhouse, platforms like IITM will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.