Mega international tourism mart begins in Manipur

IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 24: The 5th International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Manipur has been inaugurated. Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh inaugurated the event in the presence of Union Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi in Imphal, today.
The ITM is organized by the Union Ministry of Tourism in association with the north eastern states and the state of West Bengal.
Inaugurating the event, Okram Ibobi Singh said that the International Tourism Mart would provide a good platform to promote tourism in the state of Manipur besides for neighbouring states in the region. He said that the timing of the event, during the 10-day long Sangai Festival organised by the state’s government of Manipur, brings more opportunity to showcase the varied cultural and natural heritage of the state.
The chief minister also said that the event was the first ever at which the state was seeing the presence of such a large presence of tourism stakeholders from abroad. This will lay the foundation for promotion of tourism of Manipur, he said. He stressed on the need for developing air connectivity to the state especially bringing in International flights to Imphal.
Delivering the special address, Union Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi affirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Tourism to develop and promote tourism in the north east region. He touched upon the various initiatives of the ministry to promote tourism infrastructure in the region.
For the north eastern states, he said, the ministry has sanctioned 12 projects worth Rs. 1070.07 crore covering all the eight states under the centre’s flagship scheme, the Swadesh Darshan.
Acknowledging the support extended by the government of Manipur, the host state, and through the roles of other participating state governments, Vinod Zutsh urged the states to ‘synergise’ their efforts toward integrated and holistic development and promotion in the region.
The 5th International Tourism Mart is spread over three days. It is seeing the participation of 48 international delegates comprising tour operators and media persons from Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, UK and USA.
Also, the event has the participation of 80 tour operators from eight north eastern states and West Bengal besides domestic buyers (tour operators) from different regions of the country.
The Tourism departments of eight north eastern states and West Bengal have put up colourful exhibitions at the venue. These states are also highlighting their rich and varied cultures and distinct cuisines.