ITM-2013 puts NE on world map

The International Tourism Mart in Guwahati was not just the first-of-itskind event in East India that saw the participation of 79 delegates from 23 countries, but it also got the Minister for Tourism, K Chiranjeevi to shake a leg. gives details...

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA Never

has the North East witnessed an event of this magnitude! These were the words that were very often heard at the International Tourism Mart in Guwahati. On from January 18-20, the three-day mart was attended by 79 delegates from 23 countries including ASEAN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Japan, Korea, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, UK and USA. The overseas delegates included Deputy Tourism Minister from Lao PDR, Executive heads of National Tourism Organisations from Cambodia, Singapore, Bangladesh and Bhutan, tour operators, hoteliers and media representatives. In a bid to facilitate business opportunities, the delegates from abroad engaged in oneon-one meetings with sellers from the North Eastern region Sikkim and West Bengal. Besides foreign delegates, domestic buyers from other parts of the country also participated at the event.But it was not just the trade talk, the cultural evening also saw the Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), K Chiranjeevi, Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Tourism and other dignitaries shake a leg at the event. A cultural evening replete with performances from artistes of the various states of the North East, Sikkim and West Bengal ensured that the delegates also got a taste of the unique cultural heritage of various states. In Dewan’s words, the seamless cultural programmes presented during the evenings showcased ‘a new North East’. Not just that, even the breakfast, lunch, tea breaks and dinner were hosted by each of the nine states familiarising the delegates with the unique cuisine of each state.During the three-day event, the states made presentations showcasing what they have to offer to tourists across all segments. From January 21 to 28, post-mart FAM tours have also started.