In the 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2025 held in Sikkim, a special recorded message from Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted India’s renewed commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism across the Northeast. In his inspiring address, the Minister celebrated the vibrant cultural tapestry of the eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—each rich in festivals, music, cuisine and spiritual heritage. He praised Sikkim as a land “where nature smiles,” calling it the perfect host for this year’s ITM. The Minister emphasized how the Northeast, once considered remote, has undergone a massive transformation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. From dramatic growth in air traffic to rapid expansion of hotel infrastructure, major investments have strengthened connectivity through airports, highways, railways and digital networks. He highlighted that: Air traffic in the Northeast rose from 9.8 million passengers in 2019 to 11.2 million in 2024 Over 3,000 new branded hotel keys are expected by 2030 Skill development through CIHM, SIHM and Food Craft Institutes is empowering youth and entrepreneurs Homestays, adventure tourism, spiritual circuits and tea estate tourism are boosting jobs and community incomes Assam’s inclusion in NYT’s “52 Places to Visit in 2025” proves global interest in the region Projects worth ₹3,000 crore under Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD and other flagship schemes are reviving heritage sites, improving connectivity and creating world-class tourism circuits. The Minister stressed the importance of sustainable tourism, promoting plastic-free zones, waste reduction, renewable energy, local products and community participation — positioning the Northeast as one of the world’s leading eco-friendly destinations. He concluded with a powerful message: “The Northeast is not just a destination — it is a feeling.”
