Kerala Travel Mart 2026 Set to Strengthen Kerala’s Global Tourism Position
Kochi will once again become the centre of India’s travel trade industry as the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) opens from September 24–27, 2026, bringing together tourism stakeholders from across the world. Widely regarded as India’s largest B2B tourism networking platform, this year’s edition is expected to reinforce Kerala’s positioning in the global travel marketplace while showcasing the state’s evolving tourism strategy.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the event on September 24 at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre, Bolgatty. Business appointments, exhibitions and networking sessions will be held at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island from September 25 to 27.
Minister’s Address
Addressing the media ahead of the event, Kerala Tourism and Culture Minister P.C. Vishnunadh described KTM as a vital platform for expanding Kerala’s international tourism footprint. He noted that the state competes with global destinations rather than other Indian states, making sustained international engagement essential for maintaining Kerala’s competitive edge.
The minister also revealed that the government is working on implementing its budget proposal to grant industry status to Kerala’s tourism sector, a move expected to strengthen investment and accelerate tourism-led economic growth.
Highlighting future priorities, Vishnunadh emphasised the need to reposition Kerala’s Ayurveda and wellness tourism offerings to align with changing global travel preferences. He added that despite geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, Kerala continues to witness encouraging growth in inbound arrivals, particularly from Gulf countries, where travellers are increasingly choosing the state’s monsoon experiences.
Alongside wellness tourism, the state is sharpening its focus on promoting Kerala’s cultural heritage, performing arts and culinary traditions—segments that continue to differentiate the destination in an increasingly competitive international market.
Record Industry Response
The industry’s response to KTM 2026 has been exceptionally encouraging. Nearly three months before the event, organiser registrations have already crossed those of previous editions, with 2,360 buyers confirming participation. The registrations include 610 international buyers and 1,750 domestic buyers, reflecting strong confidence in Kerala as a preferred tourism destination and business market.
Media participation has also witnessed significant growth, with 117 journalists—including 60 international and 57 domestic media representatives—already registered to cover the event.
The exhibition will feature 366 exhibitors, supported by 25 delegates representing various government departments and sponsoring organisations.
A Fully Digital Kerala Travel Mart
One of the defining features of this year’s edition will be KTM’s complete digital transformation. From delegate registration and appointment scheduling to business meetings and event management, the entire exhibition will operate through a dedicated digital platform and mobile application, offering a seamless networking experience for buyers and sellers.
The event will host three days of structured B2B meetings, policy discussions and knowledge sessions featuring leading tourism professionals and international experts.
To provide buyers with firsthand destination experiences, KTM has also planned post-event familiarisation tours from September 28 to October 3, covering 12 tourism circuits across Kerala. Separate pre-mart familiarisation programmes have been curated for invited domestic and international media.
Expanding Opportunities Beyond Leisure Tourism
The success of the recently organised Wedding and MICE Conclave, conducted jointly by KTM and Kerala Tourism, has further strengthened Kerala’s ambitions in the business events segment. The conclave concluded with key announcements, including plans to establish the Kerala Convention Promotion Bureau and introduce a dedicated policy for the MICE sector, signalling the state’s intent to become a leading destination for meetings, conferences, incentives and destination weddings.
Tourism Secretary K. Biju observed that KTM has the potential to evolve into a truly global travel trade fair with participation from countries worldwide, opening new business opportunities for Indian tourism enterprises.
Tourism Director M. Anjana noted that the mart offers industry stakeholders an important platform to understand emerging travel trends, forge partnerships and explore new market opportunities.
Meanwhile, KTM organisers said focused international promotional campaigns are underway to attract buyers from new source markets while strengthening participation from traditional markets, ensuring broader global engagement for the upcoming edition.
With record buyer registrations, an expanded international outreach programme and a fully digital format, KTM 2026 is poised to reaffirm Kerala’s position as one of India’s most influential tourism destinations and one of Asia’s leading travel trade platforms.
