Ahmedabad, Mar 21: The India International Travel Mart opened to a vibrant and bustling start at the YMCA International Convention Centre, bringing together key stakeholders from the global travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The two-day B2B exhibition, being held from March 20–21, 2026, offers more holiday options than ever before, positioning itself as a key platform for industry networking and collaboration.
Organised by Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, the event features over 100 exhibitors representing more than 10 countries and 15 Indian states, showcasing a diverse range of destinations, travel services, and tourism experiences.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent industry leaders, including Shreeram Patel, Paras Lakhia, and Prashant Madlani, among others, highlighting strong industry support for the event.
A major highlight of this year’s edition is Tourism Malaysia as the Partner Country, showcasing a wide array of travel offerings, including leisure tourism, cultural experiences, adventure travel, and luxury hospitality. Malaysia’s participation underscores the growing tourism ties between India and Malaysia and its appeal among Indian travellers.
The exhibition floor hosts national and state tourism boards, destination management companies, airlines, hotels, resorts, and cruise operators, all engaging with travel agents, tour operators, corporate planners, and MICE specialists from Gujarat and neighbouring regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Hakhu, Director of Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said, “Ahmedabad and Gujarat represent a dynamic and growing market for travel services. IITM provides an effective platform for global tourism stakeholders to connect directly with the regional travel trade and explore new business opportunities.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rohit Hangal emphasized the importance of regional travel platforms in strengthening the tourism ecosystem. “With participation from multiple countries and Indian states, IITM Ahmedabad offers professionals an excellent opportunity to discover new destinations, build partnerships, and expand their business horizons,” he said.
The event is expected to attract a significant number of travel trade professionals, including agents, tour operators, and hospitality experts. Its B2B format facilitates focused meetings, networking opportunities, and product showcases, enabling meaningful business interactions.
Special Focus: Delhi Tourism Promotes Experiential and Night Tourism
A key highlight at IITM Ahmedabad is the participation of Delhi Tourism, which is promoting curated Heritage Walks aimed at enhancing experiential tourism and boosting night-time engagement in the capital.
These thematic walks, including popular circuits such as Connaught Place, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), Qutub Minar, and Hauz Khas, are designed to encourage cultural exploration and increase the average length of stay for visitors. Tailored for corporate groups, students, and both domestic and international tourists, these initiatives aim to strengthen Delhi’s position as a leading experiential tourism destination.
Driving Tourism Growth and Collaboration
With India’s travel and tourism sector witnessing strong growth—particularly in outbound travel, experiential tourism, MICE, wellness, and adventure segments—platforms like IITM play a vital role in fostering industry collaboration and driving business development.
The Ahmedabad edition of IITM 2026 is set to further strengthen industry linkages, promote global and domestic tourism offerings, and open new avenues for partnerships and investment, reinforcing Gujarat’s growing importance in India’s travel market.
