Chennai hosts ‘India International Travel Mart’

Chennai, 16 July 2025:

South India’s premier travel and tourism showcase, the India International Travel Mart (IITM), opened its doors today at the Chennai Trade Centre. The three-day B2B and B2C event, being held from 16–18 July 2025, brings together leading names from the travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors under one roof.

Organized by Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, the event serves as a significant platform for the travel trade industry to network, collaborate, and explore new business opportunities. With participation from over 25 Indian states and more than 10 international destinations, IITM Chennai 2025 is showcasing a wide range of tourism products – from leisure, adventure, and wellness travel to MICE, destination weddings, and responsible tourism.

The grand inauguration ceremony was attended by top dignitaries from the Government of Tamil Nadu, leading industry associations, travel influencers, and trade professionals. The Guests of Honour at the inauguration included Thiru Dr K. Manivasan, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary to Government – Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Thiru T. Christuraj, IAS, Director of Tourism, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Sri. Mr. Venkatesan D, Regional Director, India Tourism, Smt. T Devaki – Chairperson, Travel Agents Assc. of India, Thiru. CK Raja, Chairman, Travel Agents Federation of India, Thiru. Sundar S – Executive Director, South India Hotel and Restaurant Association, Thiru. Kamaleshwaran – President, SKAL International, Chennai, Sri Pankaj Ravish- General Manager, IRCTC, Sri Pawan Kumar Gupta – Vice President, South India MICE Assc., Sri. Ashok Kumar P, Chairman, ADTOI.

As IITM celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, the occasion forms an important business platform. Travel agencies, hoteliers, tour companies, and other industry stakeholders can interact and network resulting in collaborations, partnerships, and joint ventures.

IITM features 220+ exhibitors representing over 8 international destinations and 20 Indian states, showcasing diverse travel options like pilgrimages, adventures, culture, wildlife, and more. From Indian rhinoceros to Rajasthan’s festivals to Odisha’s heritage sites, the event enriches holiday choices. Emphasizing on the upcoming holiday season, the ‘India International Travel Mart’ offers networking opportunities for the travel industry to expand portfolios and conduct business. The event will be the perfect platform for Travel Agents looking for partners from across different genres from religious travel, adventure, family holidays and honeymoons or to even those, who are looking for conference destinations for their companies etc.

In his address, Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said:
“Chennai has always been a key market for both domestic and international tourism. Through IITM, we aim to create a dynamic platform that connects the industry and travellers with emerging destinations and trends in the evolving global travel landscape.”

This year’s edition also features curated sessions on digital transformation in travel, sustainability in tourism, and emerging outbound markets from South India. Visitors can look forward to exclusive deals, destination showcases, and travel packages offered by participating tourism boards, travel companies, hotel chains, and travel tech platforms.

India International Travel Mart – Chennai continues to play a vital role in shaping travel aspirations and strengthening business ties between stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem.

The tourism stakeholders from over 20 Indian states such asKarnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and many more along with international participants representing over 8 countries likeSri Lanka, Malaysia, Kenya, Vietnam, Thailand, UK,Nepal, Dubai, Turkey, Singapore, Bhutan, Indonesia, etc.will be seen aggressively marketing their destinations, products, and services.

Sphere TravelMedia Director, Sanjay Hakhu, added: “India has emerged as a key player in the travel industry, offering opportunities for leisure and business travel. The IITM Event, with over ten thousand B2B visitors over three days, showcases our commitment to advancing travel. It serves as a hub for idea exchange, partnership building, and innovation. The growing outbound travel market in India presents vast possibilities, with more Indians seeking unique global experiences. The B2B Travel Exhibition aims to connect global destinations with diverse Indian travellers, paving the way for future international travel growth from India.”