International Tourism Mart Organized at Shillong, Meghalaya

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The Ministry of Tourism is hosting the 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart in Shillong, Meghalaya, from 21st to 23rd November 2023.

The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy. It was attended by Tourism Ministers from North-Eastern states, senior officials, representatives from state governments, and heads of tourism and hospitality associations. Approximately 100 delegates, both domestic and international, are participating in the event.

About the International Tourism Mart

The International Tourism Mart is a yearly event organized by the Ministry on a rotational basis in one of the North Eastern States.

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Objective

The primary aim is to offer a broader platform for stakeholders in the North East to engage with counterparts from within the country and overseas markets. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness about the tourism potential of the North East Region (NER) by showcasing its unique tourism products, rich biodiversity, and distinctive intangible heritage, including local traditions, dance forms, arts, handicrafts, and handlooms, to both domestic and international audiences.

Earlier Editions of the International Tourism Mart

Previous editions of this Mart have been hosted in various North Eastern States, including Guwahati, Tawang, Shillong, Gangtok, Agartala, Imphal, Kohima, and Aizwal. Shillong is hosting this event for the second time since its inception.

Sessions

The International Tourism Mart will feature an exclusive business meeting session facilitating interactions between North Eastern stakeholders and domestic and international buyers. The eight North Eastern States will showcase updates on new destinations and opportunities within their regions. Knowledge sessions and panel discussions, involving both government and private sector representatives, will delve into advancements and developments in connectivity across the region.

Connectivity to NER

In recent years, air connectivity in the North East has significantly expanded, with over 16 airports providing access to tourist destinations. Collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, particularly under the RCS-UDAN Scheme, has resulted in 53 operational tourism routes, including 10 exclusively for the North East. The introduction of three Vistadome trains has not only improved connectivity but also enhanced the region’s tourism appeal.

Sustainable Development

As part of the Travel for LiFE program, initiated under the Mission LiFE, the Ministry of Tourism is collaborating with stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem, including state governments, industry partners, destinations, and tourists. This program aims to position India as a leader in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, utilizing tourism to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Mart aligns with the action points outlined by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for organizing national and international conferences.

Significance of the International Tourism Mart

The International Tourism Mart is set to be a unique and eco-friendly event, aligning with low-carbon options as per the action points formulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, for the implementation of Mission LiFE. The event aims to raise awareness about environmental objectives by avoiding the use of single-use plastic (SUP), adopting a digital and paperless approach, and organizing a tree plantation drive.

Development of Tourism Infrastructure and Tourism Promotion in NER

Promoting tourism in the North East Region has been a key focus of the Ministry of Tourism. Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, 16 projects have been sanctioned in the North East States, with a total investment of Rs. 1309.00 crores. The revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 is now developing 15 tourist destinations in the North East, aiming for sustainable and responsible development with a focus on the needs of both tourists and destinations.

Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism, through the PRASHAD Scheme, has sanctioned 8 projects with a total investment of Rs. 256.45 crores. These projects aim at the integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations in the North East States. To enhance infrastructure along highway networks, the Ministry has also sanctioned the development of 22 viewpoints, investing Rs. 44.44 crores. This includes the creation of commercial spaces, logistic parks, and traveler facilities like wayside amenities (WSA) in the North East Region. Many projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 1.0 and PRASHAD Scheme have already been completed and dedicated to the nation.

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