Tuesday, July 29, 2025
The India International Travel Mart (IITM), a premier B2B travel exhibition, successfully concluded its Chennai and Bangalore editions in July 2025, underlining its pivotal role in the promotion of domestic and international tourism in India. Celebrating its 26th edition, IITM has firmly established itself as one of the largest travel events in South India, providing an indispensable platform for business networking, knowledge exchange, and destination promotion.
The event brought together key stakeholders from across the global travel industry, including national and international tourism boards, hospitality brands, travel operators, and technology providers. Both editions of IITM were marked by active participation, with the Chennai edition held from 16-18 July 2025 at the Chennai Trade Centre and the Bangalore edition taking place from 24-26 July 2025 at Tripura Vasani, Palace Grounds.
A High-Profile Gathering of Industry Leaders
The IITM Chennai edition was inaugurated by Thiru T. Christuraj, the Director of Tourism for the Government of Tamil Nadu. Distinguished guests at the event included Sri. Mr. Venkatesan D, Regional Director, India Tourism; Smt. T. Devaki, Chairperson of the Travel Agents Association of India; Sri Kamaleshwaran, President, SKAL International Chennai; and others.
The Bangalore edition was inaugurated by Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Education, Rural Works, Parliamentary Affairs, and Libraries for the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Notable guests at the event included Shri Neelu Sharma, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Tourism; Sri Ranphoa Ngowa, IFS, Secretary Tourism for the Government of Arunachal Pradesh; and other esteemed officials and industry leaders.
A Record-Breaking Participation
The IITM Chennai and Bangalore editions collectively saw participation from over 800 exhibitors, including representatives from more than 25 Indian states and 20 international destinations. These events became dynamic hubs for meaningful B2B engagements, where travel professionals, tourism boards, destination management companies (DMCs), hotel chains, airlines, and travel startups came together to collaborate, forge partnerships, and exchange valuable insights.
The event’s focus on business networking and knowledge-sharing was a central feature, with numerous workshops, seminars, and showcases designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of those within the tourism ecosystem. From luxury travel solutions to sustainable tourism practices, participants were exposed to the latest trends and innovations driving the future of global travel.
Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director of Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s success, stating: “This year’s editions of IITM in Chennai and Bangalore have exceeded expectations in terms of participation, partnerships, and buyer engagement. The interest from both the domestic and international tourism communities is a testament to India’s growing outbound and domestic travel potential.”
Reaffirming IITM’s Legacy and Impact on the Tourism Industry
India International Travel Mart has been a significant player in India’s tourism landscape for over two decades. Its evolution has been in line with the changing dynamics of the global tourism market. IITM’s role extends beyond being a mere exhibition; it serves as a platform for launching new destinations, travel products, and services.
The event featured specialized pavilions dedicated to various aspects of the tourism industry, including domestic tourism, international tourism boards, experiential travel, travel technology, and sustainable travel solutions. These sectors played a key role in the discussions and collaborations that took place during the event.
With over 100 editions held across major cities in India, IITM has become synonymous with B2B engagement and trade, making it an essential part of the tourism calendar. The event’s focus on connecting suppliers and buyers has made it an unmissable event for industry professionals.
Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director of Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, also added: “The enthusiasm of participants and the quality of trade interactions reaffirm IITM’s growing relevance and impact in the B2B space. As India surges forward in both domestic and outbound travel, IITM remains committed to being the key catalyst in this transformative journey.”
What Makes IITM Stand Out
The success of IITM lies in its ability to address the evolving needs of the tourism industry, offering a unique combination of business networking and knowledge exchange. IITM’s commitment to serving as a crucial bridge between tourism boards, destination management companies, and travel professionals has been a defining feature of its long-running success.
With its ongoing commitment to promoting tourism in both emerging and established markets, IITM will continue to serve as a vital catalyst for tourism growth in India. As the next editions of IITM are scheduled to take place in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad in the coming months, there is anticipation for even greater opportunities for collaboration and networking.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
The India International Travel Mart has proven that it remains a key player in shaping the future of travel and tourism in India. With its extensive legacy, exceptional industry participation, and unwavering commitment to promoting tourism, IITM will continue to be the go-to event for stakeholders in the tourism sector. As India increasingly becomes a hub for both domestic and international travelers, IITM will undoubtedly play an instrumental role in boosting the country’s travel trade and tourism profile on the global stage.
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