Kolkata, Mar 27: The much-awaited India International Travel Mart (IITM) commenced at the iconic Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, bringing together the vibrant travel and tourism industry for a three-day showcase from 27th to 29th March 2027. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of eminent dignitaries, industry leaders, travel trade professionals, and media, setting the stage for one of the region’s most significant travel networking platforms.
The Guests of Honour at the Inauguration ceremony included Mr. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia Mr. Peer Zahid Ahmad, JKAS Deputy Director, Tourism Kashmir Mr. Sanjeev Mehra, President, SKAL International India Mr. Manav Soni, MC Member, TAAI, Eastern India; Mr. Debjit Dutta, Chairman, IATO; Mr. Manas Mahapatra, President, Tourism Welfare Association and Ms. Soma Pramanik, Coordinator – ADTOI
Organized by Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., IITM Kolkata continues to strengthen its position as a premier platform connecting global tourism boards, hospitality brands, travel companies, and service providers with key buyers and consumers. This year’s edition has drawn participation from over 150 exhibitors representing more than 15 Indian states and 10 countries, reflecting the growing momentum and optimism within the travel sector.
Adding to the international appeal of the exhibition, Tourism Malaysia is Partner Country for this edition, showcasing their diverse tourism offerings and reinforcing bilateral tourism ties with India. Their presence with their stakeholders underscores the importance of India as a key outbound market and highlights the increasing demand for experiential and cross-border travel.
The exhibition features a rich mix of participants including national and international tourism boards, destination management companies, hotels and resorts, airlines, cruise operators, and travel technology providers. From luxury holidays and cultural experiences to adventure tourism, wellness retreats, and MICE offerings, IITM Kolkata presents a comprehensive snapshot of the evolving travel landscape.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said,
“We are delighted to bring the India International Travel Mart to Kolkata once again. Eastern India continues to be a strong and growing market for travel, and IITM serves as a vital bridge connecting destinations with the right audience. The participation of Tourism Malaysia and Nepal Tourism Board as Partner Countries further enhances the international profile of the event. We are confident that this edition will facilitate meaningful business engagements and open new avenues for growth.”
Sharing his thoughts, Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added,
“Kolkata has always been an important source market for tourism, both domestic and international. IITM provides a focused platform for exhibitors to engage directly with travel trade partners as well as consumers. The strong exhibitor base of over 100 participants from across India and abroad is a testament to the trust the industry places in IITM as a business enabler.”
The three-day event is strategically designed to cater to both B2B and B2C audiences. The first half of each day is dedicated to travel agents, tour operators, and industry professionals, enabling structured business interactions and networking opportunities. The latter half opens its doors to the general public, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of destinations, avail exclusive travel deals, and interact directly with exhibitors.
Visitors can discover curated travel experiences across domestic and international destinations, gain insights into new travel trends, and access special packages tailored to diverse interests and budgets. The presence of multiple Indian state tourism boards further promotes regional tourism, encouraging travelers to explore lesser-known destinations across the country.
In addition to the exhibition, IITM Kolkata also hosts destination presentations and interactive sessions, providing valuable insights into emerging travel trends, innovative tourism products, and market dynamics. These sessions serve as a knowledge-sharing platform for industry stakeholders and help strengthen collaboration within the tourism ecosystem.
Kolkata, with its rich cultural heritage and strategic importance as a gateway to Eastern and Northeastern India, offers the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. IITM not only boosts tourism awareness but also contributes to the regional economy by attracting industry professionals and visitors from across the country.
As the global travel industry continues to witness renewed growth and transformation, platforms like IITM play a crucial role in driving connectivity, collaboration, and business expansion. The Kolkata edition is expected to witness strong footfall and robust business engagement over the three days.
The India International Travel Mart remains committed to promoting tourism, fostering partnerships, and creating impactful business opportunities for stakeholders across the travel and hospitality industry.
