The recently concluded India International Travel Mart (IITM) in Kolkata has been recognized as a significant milestone in India’s travel and tourism industry. From February 14 to 16, 2025, the event gathered key stakeholders from the tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors at the Hitex Exhibition Centre, offering a platform to promote domestic and international destinations. Industry leaders, travel operators, tourism boards, and destination management companies came together to network and explore business opportunities, reinforcing India’s position as a major player in the global travel market.

A Platform for Collaboration and Business Growth

Industry professionals highlighted that IITM Kolkata has evolved into a major networking hub, where businesses in travel and tourism establish partnerships and collaborations. This year’s event marked the 25th anniversary of IITM, bringing together over 150 exhibitors from 15 Indian states to showcase tourism experiences ranging from pilgrimage and heritage to adventure, wildlife, and wellness tourism. Attendees noted that the platform was ideal for travel agents and tour operators seeking business partners specializing in family vacations, religious tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and honeymoon destinations.

Among the dignitaries present at the inauguration were representatives from various travel associations and tourism boards, including Owais Mushtaq (Additional Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism), Sanjeev Mehra (President, Skal International, India), Manav Soni (MC Member, Travel Agents Association of India), Amin Asghar (President, Skal International, Kolkata), and Kaulesh Kumar (Secretary General, Association of Buddhist Tour Operators). Their presence underscored the event’s role in strengthening relationships between states and travel businesses, ultimately promoting India’s tourism industry at both national and international levels.

Expansion of Domestic Tourism and Economic Growth

India’s rapidly growing economy has been a key factor in the expansion of domestic tourism. The country recorded a 7.2% GDP growth in the 2022–2023 fiscal year, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a 6.3% growth for FY25, highlighting India’s economic resilience despite global disruptions such as supply chain challenges, agricultural shifts, and monetary tightening policies.

As a result, domestic tourism has flourished, with travelers exploring diverse landscapes across Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep. Industry experts at IITM emphasized that domestic tourism has played a critical role in reviving the travel sector post-pandemic, with travelers seeking nature retreats, cultural experiences, and adventure-based activities within India.

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism at the Forefront

With an increasing global focus on sustainable tourism, IITM Kolkata placed strong emphasis on eco-friendly initiatives and responsible travel. Exhibitors showcased conservation efforts, community-based tourism models, and wellness retreats, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally conscious travel options. Tour operators and state tourism boards promoted their regions not only as leisure destinations but also as locations where visitors could contribute positively to local communities and ecosystems.

This trend follows a broader global movement toward sustainable tourism, where travelers seek meaningful experiences that align with ethical and environmental considerations. By incorporating eco-tourism, carbon-neutral travel options, and conservation projects, India is positioning itself as a leader in responsible tourism.

The Role of B2B Travel Exhibitions in Industry Growth

Industry leaders from Sphere TravelMedia, the organizers of IITM, acknowledged the event’s success in facilitating partnerships and fostering innovation in the travel sector. Rohit Hangal, Director of Sphere TravelMedia, described the event as a gateway to the future of travel, where new opportunities and collaborations pave the way for connected, sustainable, and extraordinary travel experiences. He emphasized that the B2B Tourism Exhibition celebrated industry resilience, technology-driven travel solutions, and progressive business strategies.

Similarly, Sanjay Hakhu, Director of Sphere TravelMedia, noted that India’s travel sector continues to evolve as a global powerhouse, offering a mix of business and leisure travel opportunities. He pointed out that over 10,000 B2B visitors attended the three-day event, reflecting the immense potential of outbound travel from India. The exhibition served as a hub for innovation, where travel companies could explore new market trends, evolving traveler preferences, and international expansion strategies.

India’s Growing Influence in the Global Travel Market

India’s outbound travel market has been experiencing remarkable growth, with more Indian travelers seeking unique global experiences. The increasing number of international partnerships and collaborations between Indian tour operators and foreign tourism boards suggests that India is emerging as a major force in international travel. Experts at the event noted that destinations looking to attract Indian tourists must tailor their offerings to cater to Indian travelers’ preferences, such as culinary experiences, luxury stays, and culturally immersive activities.

Future Implications for the Travel Industry

The success of IITM Kolkata 2025 signals positive growth for India’s travel industry. With the rise in MICE tourism, sustainable travel initiatives, and outbound tourism demand, the sector is expected to witness continuous evolution. Travel agencies and hospitality providers will likely invest in technological advancements, personalized experiences, and new-age travel solutions to meet changing traveler expectations.

As global tourism continues to rebound, platforms such as IITM Kolkata play a crucial role in strengthening partnerships, driving innovation, and ensuring the resilience of the travel industry. The next editions of IITM are expected to further amplify business collaborations, reinforce India’s position in the global tourism market, and create new opportunities for both domestic and international travel growth.

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