India International Travel Mart (IITM) is set to make a grand return to South India with its flagship editions in Chennai and Bangalore. IITM Chennai will take place from July 16 – 18, 2025 at the Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, followed by IITM Bangalore from July 24 – 26, 2025 at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds. These events are recognized as South India’s most prominent travel trade platforms, bringing together global and domestic players under one roof to engage in business networking, knowledge exchange, and destination promotion.
Now entering its 26th year in both cities, IITM has solidified its status as South India’s largest and most influential travel trade event. The exhibitions consistently attract participation from leading national and international tourism boards, travel operators, hospitality brands, technology providers, and key stakeholders from across the tourism ecosystem. Over the course of three days, both Chennai and Bangalore will host travel professionals, curated buyers, and exhibitors in a vibrant setting that fosters meaningful interactions, immersive workshops, and destination showcases.
With a legacy spanning more than two decades, IITM is one of India’s longest-running and most trusted travel trade shows. It has successfully completed over 100 editions across major Indian cities, consistently delivering high-value connections between the travel industry and quality buyers. .
The Chennai and Bangalore editions remain its largest, drawing impressive footfalls and strong media coverage year after year. Designed with a strong B2B focus, IITM acts as a vital link between destinations, travel companies, hospitality providers, and new travel products, making it an ideal platform for business development and market expansion
Speaking about the upcoming editions, Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director of Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said that India International Travel Mart has evolved into a landmark event in South India’s tourism calendar. He emphasized that the Chennai and Bangalore editions are more than just exhibitions—they are dynamic platforms that foster business growth, reveal new opportunities, and strengthen industry ties in one of India’s fastest-growing travel markets.
Mr. Rohit Hangal, also Director at Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, echoed these sentiments, noting that IITM continues to be a showcase of the diversity, vibrancy, and future potential of the Indian travel and tourism sector, with growing international and domestic participation.
The upcoming editions will feature dedicated zones for domestic destinations, international tourism boards, luxury travel, experiential tourism, travel technology, and sustainable tourism. These curated segments provide unmatched opportunities for collaboration, product launches, and brand positioning. With India’s tourism sector poised for unprecedented growth, the timing of IITM 2025 could not be more perfect.
India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s leading outbound travel markets. With a growing network of international airports, a young and aspirational middle class, and increasing passport ownership, India’s outbound market is booming. As of mid-December, 96 million Indians held passports, with the number expected to cross 100 million this year. Indian travelers are also among the highest global spenders per trip. The country’s outbound travel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 11% and surpass $44 billion by 2032. Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries, further enhancing travel convenience and appeal.
Chennai and Bangalore, in particular, offer high-potential markets for domestic and international tourism products. Chennai, with its spiritual and nature-focused traveler base, and Bangalore, with its tech-savvy, high-spending audience, represent key hubs for tourism-related business. These cities continue to attract interest from emerging and established tourism players looking to expand their reach and capture new traveler segments.
IITM offers much more than just exhibition space—it is a complete B2B ecosystem designed to elevate brand presence, foster strategic partnerships, and drive business outcomes. This year, special attention will be given to sustainable tourism, with exhibitors showcasing eco-friendly travel options, responsible tourism practices, and green hospitality innovations. Another major focus is emerging travel technology. Attendees can expect to see AI-driven travel planning tools, virtual reality-based experiences, contactless service solutions, and blockchain-based travel security innovations, all aimed at enhancing the future travel experience.
The event also creates strong business networking opportunities, with scheduled B2B meetings connecting exhibitors with prospective buyers, partners, and investors. These structured interactions are key to building relationships, discovering market trends, and unlocking new collaborations. For travel businesses, IITM represents a chance to strengthen market leadership by showcasing innovations and gaining real-time feedback from one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic tourism markets.
Ultimately, India International Travel Mart is where business meets opportunity. It’s a space where destinations come to life, partnerships are formed, and India’s travel story continues to unfold—city by city, connection by connection.
Tourism India is the Travel Media Partner for IITM series since its inception in 1999.
