14th International Tourism Mart 2026 Hosted in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, is hosting the **14th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM)** in **Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh**, from October 29 to 31, 2026.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Event Significance: Organized in Tawang after a gap of 13 years (the 2nd edition was held in Tawang in 2013). The previous 13th edition took place in Gangtok, Sikkim, in November 2025.

- Inauguration: Union Minister for Tourism & Culture **Gajendra Singh Shekhawat**, Minister of State **Suresh Gopi**, and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh **Pema Khandu** will inaugurate the event on October 29, 2026.

- Global & Domestic Participation: Over 200 delegates, including 43 international buyers representing 22 countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia, France, South Korea), alongside domestic operators from all 8 North-Eastern states.

- Key Highlights:

- Launch of the **'North East Bazar'** showcasing local handicrafts, textiles, and culture.

- **B2B meetings** and a **Regional Tourism Ministers' Conference** chaired by the Union Tourism Minister on October 30, 2026.

- Technical visits to Tawang Monastery, Jaswant Garh War Memorial, Jang Waterfall, Tawang War Memorial, PTSO Lake, and Urgelling Gompa.

Static GK Facts:

- State of Arunachal Pradesh:

- Chief Minister: Pema Khandu | Governor: Lt. Gen. K. T. Parnaik.

- Capital: Itanagar.

- Tawang Monastery:

- The largest Buddhist monastery in India and the second largest in the world (after Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet).

- Union Ministry of Tourism:

- Cabinet Minister: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

- Minister of State: Suresh Gopi.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Where is the 14th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM 2026) being organized?

A: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Q: Who is the current Union Minister for Tourism and Culture in India?

A: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Q: Which monastery in Arunachal Pradesh holds the record for being the largest Buddhist monastery in India?

A: Tawang Monastery

Q: How many states constitute the North-Eastern region of India represented in the International Tourism Mart?

A: 8 States

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