CM Pema Khandu meets Tourism Minister to push Arunachal's ITM bid
Synopsis
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu met Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 10 July 2026 to push for hosting the International Tourism Mart in the state and to discuss expanding adventure tourism. The meeting reflects the Northeast's growing centrality in India's inbound tourism strategy.
Key Takeaways
CM Pema Khandu met Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 10 July 2026 to discuss tourism development in Arunachal Pradesh .
The meeting focused on two priorities: promoting adventure tourism and securing the International Tourism Mart (ITM) for Arunachal Pradesh.
The ITM is an annual Ministry of Tourism flagship event held since 2013 that rotates across Indian states to boost regional visibility.
Arunachal Pradesh has previously been covered under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, which mapped adventure and eco-tourism circuits in the state.
The push aligns with India's Act East Policy , which pairs Northeast connectivity investment with destination promotion.
An official confirmation of the ITM hosting decision is awaited from the Ministry of Tourism.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu met Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday, 10 July 2026, to discuss expanding adventure tourism in the state and to press the case for hosting the upcoming International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Arunachal Pradesh.
Context
Sharing the update on social media, CM Khandu wrote: 'Met Hon Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji, discussed on promoting adventure tourism and also hosting the upcoming International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Arunachal Pradesh.' The post was accompanied by two photographs from the meeting, underlining its official character.
Arunachal Pradesh — India's northeasternmost state bordering China, Bhutan and Myanmar — is among the most biodiversity-rich regions in South Asia and has been actively positioned as a destination for eco- and adventure tourism by successive state governments. CM Khandu, in office since 2016, has consistently prioritised tourism alongside infrastructure and connectivity as economic pillars for the border state.
Policy Backdrop
The International Tourism Mart is a flagship annual event of India's Ministry of Tourism, organised since 2013, that brings together international buyers, travel media and influencers to showcase Indian destinations. The event rotates across states, giving host regions a platform for global visibility and direct engagement with inbound tourism stakeholders.
Arunachal Pradesh has previously benefited from central schemes such as Swadesh Darshan (launched 2014-15), which identified thematic tourism circuits in the state including adventure and eco-tourism routes. The broader push for tourism in the Northeast aligns with the Act East Policy, under which the central government has paired improved road and air connectivity with destination promotion across the region.
Stakeholders and Impact
A successful ITM hosting in Arunachal Pradesh would benefit local tourism operators, homestay owners and indigenous cultural performers who stand to gain direct exposure to international buyers. Local communities in adventure-tourism hubs — river-rafting corridors along the Siang and Kameng rivers, trekking routes in Tawang and the Mechuka valley — could see increased footfall and economic activity in the months following the event.
Union Minister Shekhawat, who oversees national tourism policy and promotion campaigns, holds the authority to finalise the ITM venue. His engagement with CM Khandu signals active dialogue between the state and the centre on tourism development, though formal confirmation of the hosting decision has not yet been announced.
What's Next
The key development to watch is an official announcement from the Ministry of Tourism confirming Arunachal Pradesh as the ITM host, along with any new central funding allocations or tourism infrastructure projects for the state under the next tourism action plan. Hosting the mart would mark a significant milestone for the state's ambitions to move beyond domestic tourism and attract international visitor flows.
Point of View
Signalling that its access barriers have been sufficiently eased to host international stakeholders. The meeting also reflects a broader pattern in which Northeast chief ministers actively court central ministries to translate Act East Policy rhetoric into tangible economic events. The adventure tourism focus is strategically sound: Arunachal's rivers, high-altitude trails and cultural diversity are genuine differentiators in an increasingly competitive domestic and international tourism market.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Tourism Mart (ITM) and why does it matter for Arunachal Pradesh?
The International Tourism Mart is India's Ministry of Tourism flagship annual event, held since 2013, that connects international buyers and travel media with Indian destinations. Hosting it would give Arunachal Pradesh direct global exposure and could significantly boost inbound tourism inquiries for the state.
What did CM Pema Khandu discuss with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat?
CM Pema Khandu met Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 10 July 2026 to discuss promoting adventure tourism in Arunachal Pradesh and to make the case for the state hosting the upcoming International Tourism Mart.
What adventure tourism options does Arunachal Pradesh offer?
Arunachal Pradesh offers river rafting on the Siang and Kameng rivers, high-altitude trekking around Tawang and the Mechuka valley, and wildlife and birdwatching experiences, all supported by the state's exceptional biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Has Arunachal Pradesh received central tourism funding before?
Yes. Arunachal Pradesh was included in the Swadesh Darshan scheme launched in 2014-15, under which adventure and eco-tourism circuits in the state received central funding and development support.
When will it be confirmed that Arunachal Pradesh will host the ITM?
As of 10 July 2026, no official confirmation has been issued. The Ministry of Tourism is expected to make a formal announcement on the ITM venue as planning for the event progresses.
