Dec 30:- The Indian Chamber of Commerce is set to bring one of the most significant tourism and hospitality gatherings to Eastern India as the Hospitality and Tourism Conclave opens in Siliguri on January 16 and 17, 2026 at ITC Fortune. The East is entering a phase of accelerated tourism expansion, supported by improved connectivity, a stronger domestic travel base and a visible rise in investment interest from hotel brands, operators and entrepreneurs. With more than five hundred delegates expected to attend, along with national industry leaders, hospitality exhibitors and stakeholders, the conclave aims to provide the region with a unified platform at a time when Eastern India’s influence on the national tourism map is steadily rising.

The two day programme will bring together hotel owners, brand representatives, developers, designers, tourism boards, technology firms, marketing professionals and F&B entrepreneurs for discussions that reflect the changing structure of the hospitality business. Sessions will focus on the future of tourism in the East, evolving hospitality models such as villas, hostels and hybrid assets, owner and brand alignment, the growing importance of direct booking and revenue strategies, and the role of technology, OTAs and artificial intelligence in shaping guest journeys and business performance. The agenda also includes conversations around branding and marketing, design led commercial outcomes, the emergence of strong regional brands from Eastern India, scaling F&B businesses and curated networking sessions, culminating in an awards and gala evening.

The conclave comes at a time when North Bengal, Sikkim and the wider Eastern Himalayan belt are witnessing sustained hotel development activity. Improved airports, enhanced highway connectivity and more consistent year round travel demand have positioned the region as one of the most promising tourism corridors in the country. Through this conclave, ICC aims to encourage collaboration among owners, investors, operators and policy stakeholders so that the region can convert its current momentum into long term and sustainable growth.

The Hospitality and Tourism Conclave 2026 is presented by MakeMyTrip and powered by Yanolja Cloud Solution, with support from leading hospitality, travel, technology and destination partners. The strong backing from industry sponsors underlines the growing confidence in Eastern India as a high potential tourism and hospitality market.

Sumit Mitruka, Chairman of the ICC Hospitality and Tourism Committee, said the conclave reflects the changing ambition of the East. “Eastern India is at an important point in its tourism journey. There is a clear rise in demand for nature driven, wellness oriented and design focused travel. Opportunities for owners, brands and entrepreneurs are expanding rapidly. This conclave is intended to bring all stakeholders together so that the region can move forward with a shared vision. The East deserves greater national attention and this forum aims to help accelerate that shift.”

The conclave is being supported by ICC North Bengal Chairman Harsh Berlia and Vice Chairman Gopal Dalmia, both of whom have played a key role in shaping the business and tourism ecosystem of the region. ICC has invited stakeholders from across the hospitality and tourism value chain to participate in the two day event in Siliguri.