IITM Kolkata 2026 opens with key industry leaders in attendance
Over 150 exhibitors from more than 15 Indian states and 10 countries are participating in India International Travel Mart (IITM) Kolkata, presenting a diverse array of travel options spanning leisure, adventure, culture, wellness, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and experiential tourism, with the event catering to both industry professionals and the general public.
In a press statement, the organisers of IITM say that the exhibition includes national and international tourism boards, destination management companies, hotels and resorts, airlines, cruise operators, and travel technology providers. It presents a wide range of offerings from luxury holidays and cultural experiences to adventure tourism, wellness retreats and MICE services, reflecting the evolving travel landscape.
It adds that the Guests of Honour at the inauguration were Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia; Peer Zahid Ahmad, Deputy Director, Tourism Kashmir; Sanjeev Mehra, President, SKAL International India; Manav Soni, MC Member, TAAI, Eastern India; Debjit Dutta, Chairman, IATO; Manas Mahapatra, President, Tourism Welfare Association and Soma Pramanik, Coordinator, ADTOI.
According to the statement, Tourism Malaysia is the Partner Country for this edition, showcasing its diverse travel offerings and reinforcing tourism ties with India. Their presence emphasises India’s importance as an outbound market and growing interest in cross-border and experiential travel.
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Sanjay Hakhu
“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,” says Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia and Exhibitions.
Rohit Hangal
“Kolkata has always been an important source market for tourism, both domestic and international. IITM provides a focussed 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,” says Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia and Exhibitions.
The statement says that the three-day event is designed for both Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumers (B2C) audiences. Mornings are dedicated to travel agents, tour operators and industry professionals for structured business interactions and networking, while afternoons welcome the public to explore destinations, access travel deals and connect with exhibitors.
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The statement adds that visitors can explore curated domestic and international travel experiences, learn about new travel trends and find packages suited to various interests and budgets. Multiple Indian state tourism boards promote regional tourism, encouraging travellers to discover lesser-known destinations across the country.
According to the organisers, alongside the exhibition, IITM Kolkata hosts destination presentations and interactive sessions that offer insights into emerging trends, innovative tourism products, and market dynamics. These sessions act as knowledge-sharing platforms for industry stakeholders and help strengthen collaboration within the tourism ecosystem.