India to hold first ever India Tourism Mart

The aim is to double tourist footfall in next three years.

To increase tourist footfalls, India will organise its first-ever India Tourism Mart (ITM) for three days from September 16. To be held at Vigyan Bhawan in the capital, it would be similar to major international travel marts organised by many countries. It is expected to provide a platform for all stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry to interact and create business opportunities, an official statement said on Monday.

The event will be organised by the Tourism Ministry, in partnership with the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) with the support of States/UTs, said KJ Alphons, Minister of State (In charge) for Tourism, during a press conference. “India with its great potential in tourism and hospitality sector needs to increase the foreign tourist footfall and reap the benefits,” he said.

The Minister added that the Tourism Ministry has been conducting road-shows abroad, releasing and theme- based promotional videos. the ITM 2018 will be a big step to attract visitors from all over the world. He said that through ITM 2018, India can showcase its many of its little-known destinations to the world, especially to emerging tourism markets like China, Latin America, and Japan.

“With this event, the government’s aim to increase the tourist footfall to double in the next three years shall be fulfilled,” he added.