Ahead of the peak inbound and domestic tourism season coinciding with Dussehra and Diwali holidays, Kerala Tourism has unpacked a wide array of riveting products and packages along with its ever-green destinations and experiences, at a partnership meet here today.

“A Wonderful World” was the theme of the premier B2B and networking event held at The Lalit New Delhi, spotlighting on the state’s emergence as a never-miss experiential tourism hub, promising diverse offerings to the visitors ranging from stay at scenic destinations to immersing in unique cultural experiences.

Kerala Tourism Additional Director (General) Shri Sumit Kumar Thakur, IAS, made a presentation highlighting Kerala’s unique tourism products.

Apart from long-storied panoramic sites and attractions such as spotless beaches, breathtaking hill stations and houseboat cruises on tranquil backwaters, a slew of fresh and riveting products are also on offer, turning a visit to the state into a complete experience.

The packages highlighted Keralam as an integrated destination where travellers can have multiple experiences during a week-long itinerary that will take them across the state.

According to the latest tourism statistics and trends, there has been an all-season surge in footfalls with the first quarter of 2026 (Q1) registering a 10.98 per cent increase in domestic tourist arrivals compared to Q1 of 2025.

This round of partnership meet assumes added significance as the state government will soon be unveiling its policy framework on according industry status to tourism sector, making the state a safe, viable and sustainable investment destination for travel and hospitality industry.

“Getting industry status has been a long-pending demand of stakeholders in the sector. We expect this decision will yield a lot of investment “, said Shri. P. C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Tourism, Cinema and Cultural Affairs Minister, Government of Kerala, said in a message.

Earlier this month, the State Tourism Department had launched the ‘Brand Wayanad’ initiative, which brings to focus the natural beauty, heritage and agricultural and cultural traditions of upland Wayanad district in north Kerala, bordering with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

This goes well with the government’s policy of collaborating with other tourist destinations in the country, opening a new chapter in sustainable cooperation. As part of this strategic shift, joint tourism circuits connecting destinations with similar features, including regions like Coorg and Mysore in Karnataka, the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu and even countries like Sri Lanka, are being explored.

A string of new circuits traversing cultural, historical and spiritual landmarks have also been marked in Keralam’s tourism map.   A calendar of cultural events and traditional festivals is also available, enabling visitors to choose the place and time as per their preference.

The packages being prominently promoted include the Kochi-Muziris heritage network, which presents highly fascinating layers of Keralam’s maritime and cultural links with West Asia and the Mediterranean lands, being the centre of a thriving spice trade dating back to centuries.

The tourism infrastructure in the state has also got upgraded to make the entire ecosystem barrier-free and accessible. The integration of the tourism sector with AI and cutting-edge digital tools has made information flow accurate and seamless, making tour packages and logistics hassle-free.

In its ‘25 Best Experiences In 2026’ report, reputed global travel guide Lonely Planet featured Keralam’s culinary culture as one among the top 25 best travel experiences to enjoy in 2026, featuring Keralam as the only Indian state on this prestigious list.

The state is well-prepared to receive an increased footfall this season, on the strength of new products and packages that will take visitors through a whole set of highly fascinating places and experiences, said Shri Bju K, Secretary Tourism, Govt of Kerala.

“Our outreach campaigns across the country have received good response, and we are confident that will be reflected during the unfolding season” said Smt Anjana M, Director Kerala Tourism.

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Leading global travel app Skyscanner has officially launched its Travel Trends 2027 report, revealing next year’s top trending and best value destinations as well as showcasing the seven key trends influencing traveller behaviour and key shifts in the travel industry in the coming year.

In a fragmented and often overstimulating world, Indian travellers are increasingly seeking value not just in what they spend but what they gain. Whether that means unplugging completely, travelling for an exclusive purchase, maintaining a wellness routine on the road, celebrating together, following music and culture, or tracing history and mythology – getaways are increasingly reflecting how Indians choose to live.

And despite broader consumer spending slowing and global economic tides shifting, travel appetite remains strong – with 58% of Indians planning to travel abroad more in 2027. Instead of giving up on travel, Indians are adapting how they spend, with 56% planning to spend more on flights and 44% on accommodation. At the same time, value remains central, with 67% having changed a holiday destination or considered doing so because an alternative offered better value.

“Indian travellers are entering 2027 with a stronger appetite to explore, but they are also becoming more considered about how they spend their time and money. We’re seeing a shift from simply choosing where to go towards thinking more carefully about the experience they want from a trip, whether that is switching off, discovering something new, staying active or getting better value,” said Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India.

According to Ghose, with 87% of Indians now confident using AI to plan and book travel, technology is also becoming an important part of this decision-making journey. “Tools such as Skyscanner’s Explore with AI can help travellers turn an idea into a trip, while features like Price Alerts and Drops can help them stay on top of fares and spot opportunities to travel for less. The opportunity for travellers in 2027 is to use these tools to be more flexible and intentional, without compromising on the experiences that matter most,” he added.

Combining exclusive Skyscanner proprietary data with insights into 2,000 Indian travelles and supporting data from trusted partner, the seven trends shaping travel in 2027 include:

1. Sound Bound: Music is taking Indian travellers beyond traditional concert halls, with 43% choosing carnival experiences and 38% preferring unique venues such as volcanoes, pyramids and caves for music-based experiences while on holiday. While genre leads as the biggest consideration at 27%, cultural immersion (20%) and seeing a new venue (19%) also shape music-led travel.

2. Signal Severance: Switching off is easier said than done for Indian travellers, with 43% saying it takes a little time to clear their head and stop checking their phone, while only 23% switch off immediately at the start of their journey. Yet going off-grid could help them reconnect with what matters, with 75% saying they would feel more connected to nature and 73% to themselves without their phones. In response, destinations offering a chance to slow down and switch off are seeing rising demand, with Pokhara (+166% YoY), Agatti (+157% YoY) and Phu Quoc (+133% YoY) emerging as top destinations for digital disconnection.

3. Gymcation: Health and fitness travel is inspiring Indian travellers to seek out destinations where staying active and prioritising nutritious choices is as easy as sightseeing. 91% are likely to book a hotel offering nutritional-performance breakfast options, while 53% actively look for fitness facilities and are willing to choose one hotel over another if its fitness offering is better.

4. Pilgra-merch: The best keepsakes are the ones you have to travel for. 80% of Indians have visited a specific destination or store to purchase a location-exclusive item, with Gen Z (84%) and Millennials (82%) particularly likely to have travelled for an exclusive purchase. Nearly half (49%) would even fly for up to three to six hours to buy something they cannot get elsewhere.

5. Sten Do Surge: As couples marry later in life and move away from traditionally gendered celebrations, the classic ‘stag’ or ‘hen’ trip is giving way to a more inclusive era of joint travel – the ‘Sten Do’. 73% Indian travellers prefer either a shared celebration or a mix of shared and separate celebrations. Fun (64%), more time together before the wedding (53%), convenience (49%) and cost savings (48%) are driving the shift.

6. Grand Odysseys: In a fast-paced world, history and mythology offer context, grounding travellers in timeless human stories. For Indian travellers, the past is inspiring the present, with 89% having had their travel plans inspired by a historic event, a classical story or myth, or both. Historical figures (61%), architectural wonders (57%) and mythological legends (52%) are among the strongest sources of inspiration.

7. Currency Chasers: Savvy Indian travellers are actively matching destinations to better value. 69% always or often consider a destination’s currency strength when booking holidays, while 67% have actually changed a holiday destination because another offered better value. Among Gen Z, that rises to 77% when including those who have changed or considered changing destination.

Trending & Best Value Destinations

Skyscanner’s experts have highlighted the key travel behaviours and destinations shaping Indian travel in 2027, with international travel appetite remaining strong and travellers increasingly seeking experiences that offer better value, wellness, culture and discovery.
For Indian travellers looking to make the most of their holiday budgets in 2027, value is a key consideration. Their top trending destinations are Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Rupsi in India, Okinawa in Japan, Malvan, India,, Tirana in Albania, Podgorica in Montenegro, Sandakan in Malaysia, Pokhara in Nepal, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

For Indian travellers, top 10 best value destinations list include Jaisalmer, Tashkent, Kozhikode, Jodhpur, Baku in Azerbaija, Cebu in Philippines, Krabi in Thailand, Gaya in India, Phuket in Thailand and Christchurch in New Zealand.

Travel Trends 2027 research suggests that rising costs are not stopping Indians from getting away, but they are making for smarter spenders. A strong 58% plan to travel abroad more in 2027, while 56% plan to spend more on flights and 44% on accommodation. Value is also reshaping destination choices, with 67% having changed a destination because an alternative offered better value.

AI is becoming a travel companion for Indians, with more than half planning to turn to AI for destination research, 1 in 2 using it to compare flights, accommodation and prices, and almost 2 in 5 using it to book flights. At the same time, accuracy remains a key consideration for more than half of travellers.

When it comes to trip inspiration, screens are playing an increasingly important role for Indian travellers, with YouTube (78%) and Instagram (69%) leading, while 30% are already turning to AI chatbots and tools for travel inspiration.
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The introduction of Journey+ responds to growing passenger demand for greater flexibility and the ability to personalise their travel experience. The first phase brings together a range of optional services under the Journey+ subbrand, allowing passengers to tailor different aspects of their journey based on their individual travel needs.

Under Phase 1, passengers will have access to five Journey+ services:

Journey+ Premier, offering priority check-in and baggage handling for Domestic passengers, In addition to priority check-in and baggage handling, International passenger can also enjoy priority boarding service;

Journey+ Bags, allowing passengers to purchase additional baggage in advance at preferential rates;

Journey+ Relax, providing access to selected Maldivian lounges;

Journey+ Upgrade, offering International passengers the opportunity to upgrade to a higher cabin class on select international flights, subject to availability.

Journey+ Bites, a convenient pre-ordered onboard snack, and beverage combo for Domestic passengers.

“Maldivian Journey+ has been developed around the evolving needs of our passengers and their desire for greater choice and flexibility when they travel with us,” said Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian. “Many of these services have been requested by our passengers for some time, and with Journey+, we are bringing them together under one service that allows customers to personalise their journey based on what matters most to them. This is only the first phase, and we look forward to introducing more services and options as Journey+ continues to evolve.”

Journey+ services can be purchased through the Maldivian Call Centre, Viber, WhatsApp, Ticketing Office, Passenger Sales Agents (PSA) and General Sales Agents (GSA), with services available for purchase up to 24 hours before departure.

The launch represents the first phase of Maldivian Journey+, with additional services planned as part of Phase 2, including seat selection and other options aimed at giving passengers greater control over their travel experience.

With Journey+, Maldivian continues to enhance its passenger experience by providing customers with greater flexibility to shape their journey around their individual preferences, while delivering on its commitment to convenient, comfortable and customer-focused travel.

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Air Cambodia is strengthening its connectivity between India and Cambodia with the introduction of a third weekly direct flight from Delhi to Phnom Penh, effective 17 December 2026. The additional Thursday frequency will complement the existing Tuesday and Saturday services, offering travellers greater flexibility and more opportunities to explore Cambodia.

With the new frequency, Air Cambodia will now operate three direct flights per week between Delhi and Phnom Penh; every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

More flexibility. More opportunities. Closer to Cambodia. The additional service is expected to further support growing leisure, business and tourism travel between India and Cambodia, while providing Indian travellers with a convenient direct connection to Cambodia’s capital and access to the country’s diverse tourism experiences.

New Delhi–Phnom Penh Flight Schedule

Flight: K6-761
Route: Delhi (DEL) – Phnom Penh (KTI)
Departure: 23:30
Arrival: 06:10 +1
Days: Tue / Thu / Sat

Flight: K6-760
Route: Phnom Penh (KTI) – Delhi (DEL)
Departure: 19:15
Arrival: 22:30
Days: Tue / Thu / Sat

The flights will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 170 seats, including 8 Business Class and 162 Economy Class seats, providing travellers with both comfort and choice.

The enhanced schedule comes at an opportune time as Cambodia continues to attract increasing interest from Indian travellers seeking a destination that combines heritage, culture, beaches, adventure and contemporary experiences. From the iconic temples of Siem Reap and the cultural vibrancy of Phnom Penh to the beaches of Sihanoukville, Cambodia offers diverse experiences for leisure and holiday travellers.

The new frequency also provides greater flexibility for the travel trade, enabling travel agents and tour operators to develop more varied itineraries and packages for customers travelling between India and Cambodia.

As Air Cambodia continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, the addition of a third weekly frequency is expected to support the growing demand for direct connectivity between India and Cambodia. Aeroprime Group, the India GSA for Air Cambodia, will continue to drive market development, trade engagement and destination awareness across India.

Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director & CEO, Aeroprime Group, said: “The introduction of a third weekly frequency between Delhi and Phnom Penh marks an important step in strengthening Air Cambodia’s presence in the Indian market. India continues to be an important growth market for Cambodia, with increasing interest from travellers across leisure, business and experiential tourism segments. The additional Thursday service will provide greater flexibility to travellers and the trade, while making Cambodia more accessible from Delhi. We look forward to further strengthening the India–Cambodia travel corridor and creating greater opportunities for tourism and business between the two countries.”

Spokesperson from Air Cambodia, “India is an important market for Air Cambodia, and the introduction of our third weekly service from Delhi reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity between the two countries. With flights now operating every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, travellers will have greater flexibility to plan their journeys to Cambodia. We see strong potential in the India market, particularly across leisure, tourism and business travel, and this additional frequency will help us serve this growing demand while bringing Cambodia closer to Indian travellers.”

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The launch also marked the formal announcement of the chapter’s leadership, with Mr. D.N. Singh appointed as Chapter Chairman and Mr. Avneesh Pathak appointed as Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Chapter. The new leadership was felicitated during the programme, which brought together senior tourism officials, industry leaders, hospitality and travel professionals, association members and distinguished guests.

The event was attended by Mr. Amit Gupta, Assistant Director, India Tourism, and Mr. Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, who were felicitated by the GAEHP leadership in recognition of their contribution and support to the tourism industry.

The ceremonial lamp lighting and Ganesh Vandana marked the formal inauguration of the new chapter, symbolising knowledge, positivity and the beginning of a new journey for GAEHP in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing the gathering were Mr. Pranav Bansal, Hon. Secretary, GAEHP; Mr. P.P. Khanna, National Advisor, GAEHP; Mr. Rajesh Arya, President, GAEHP; Mr. Amit Gupta, India Tourism; and Mr. Dinesh Kumar, Uttar Pradesh Tourism.

The launch event was also attended by GAEHP Office Bearers and team members, including Ms. Babita Sharma, Ms. Pratibha Arora, Mr. Dilip Rajput, Mr. Harjinder Singh and Mr. Sandip Shaw, who joined the programme and extended their support to the Uttar Pradesh Chapter.

The speakers highlighted the need for stronger industry partnerships, professional networking and collective efforts to promote tourism, hospitality and business events. They also emphasised the importance of bringing industry stakeholders together to create meaningful opportunities and contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism ecosystem.

A special felicitation was presented to Mr. D.N. Singh, recognising his contribution and long-standing association with the industry.

The newly appointed Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Chapter, Mr. Avneesh Pathak, was also felicitated on taking up his new responsibility. His appointment, along with the leadership of Mr. D.N. Singh, is expected to provide a strong foundation for the chapter’s activities and industry engagement across the state.

The event also featured a special felicitation of Mr. Sushil Singh of Jatak Travels, acknowledging his contribution to the travel fraternity.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Dilip Rajput, Joint Secretary, GAEHP, followed by a commitment from the association to build stronger industry connections and undertake meaningful initiatives across Uttar Pradesh.

A New Platform for the Uttar Pradesh Tourism & Hospitality Industry

The launch of the GAEHP Uttar Pradesh Chapter represents a significant step towards creating a stronger and more inclusive professional platform for stakeholders across the travel, tourism, events and hospitality ecosystem.

The chapter will focus on industry networking, knowledge sharing, professional engagement, collaboration with government tourism bodies and creating new business opportunities for its members and industry partners.

With Varanasi serving as the launch venue, the new chapter begins its journey at a time when Uttar Pradesh continues to emerge as an important destination for domestic and international tourism, cultural travel, spiritual tourism, business events and hospitality.

GAEHP looks forward to working closely with tourism authorities, industry associations, hospitality businesses, travel professionals and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and create greater opportunities for the sector.

The launch marks a new chapter for GAEHP in Uttar Pradesh, with a shared vision of connecting professionals, fostering collaboration and contributing to the growth of travel, tourism, events and hospitality across the state.

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The 13th edition of the biennial mart brought together tourism businesses, international and domestic buyers, government representatives, hospitality companies, travel professionals and media, reinforcing Kerala’s position as one of India’s leading experiential tourism destinations.

The inaugural ceremony at Grand Hyatt Kochi, Bolgatty, was formally inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. P.C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinema, presided over the function, while M. Liju, Minister for Cooperation and Excise, attended as Guest of Honour. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, delivered the keynote address.

Kerala Tourism Secretary K. Biju presented the state’s tourism vision, while Kerala Tourism Director M. Anjana released the Sellers Directory. The event also brought together senior political, civic and tourism officials, as well as former presidents of the Kerala Travel Mart Society, reflecting the continuity and institutional strength behind KTM. Jose Pradeep, President of the Kerala Travel Mart Society, welcomed the gathering, while S. Swaminathan, Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks. A cultural programme jointly organised by the Department of Tourism and KTM added a distinctive Kerala touch to the opening evening.

A Major B2B Platform

The business programme was the heart of KTM 2026. B2B meetings and the exhibition were held from September 25 to 27 at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island.

The mart recorded more than 3,000 buyer registrations, including 1,200 hosted buyers and 300 non-hosted buyers from India and overseas. The exhibition featured 383 seller stalls representing tourism enterprises and 25 government stalls. More than 45,000 business meetings were scheduled, creating opportunities to promote Kerala, build partnerships and attract investment into the tourism sector.

For buyers, KTM offered an opportunity to discover not only established destinations but also Kerala’s expanding portfolio of wellness, responsible tourism, MICE, weddings, adventure, culture, nature and luxury experiences.

The event also generated significant media interest, with 138 media representatives—71 international and 67 national journalists—registered to cover the mart.

A Destination Built Around Experiences

Kerala’s greatest tourism advantage is its ability to offer multiple experiences within a relatively compact geographical area. A visitor can explore historic Kochi, cruise the waterways of Kumarakom or Alappuzha, travel into the tea-covered hills of Munnar, explore the forests of Thekkady and finish with Ayurveda and a beach stay.

Few destinations combine heritage, nature, wellness, adventure, cuisine and leisure so seamlessly.

This diversity is increasingly relevant to international travellers seeking meaningful experiences rather than conventional sightseeing. Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission has strengthened community-based tourism involving village life, agriculture, fishing, handicrafts, traditional cuisine and local storytelling. The result is a deeper connection between visitors and the communities they encounter.

The Timeless Magic of the Backwaters

The backwaters remain Kerala’s most recognisable tourism experience, but the product continues to evolve. The waterways of Vembanad and Ashtamudi, along with the state’s canals, lagoons and rivers, can be explored through luxury houseboats, traditional kettuvallams, private boats and intimate canoe journeys.

Travellers can move through villages, observe fishing communities, walk beside paddy fields and experience a quieter side of India. Kumarakom offers an upscale interpretation of the backwater experience, while Alappuzha remains one of the best-known gateways. Kollam and Ashtamudi provide quieter and more immersive alternatives.

The backwaters appeal to different markets: romance for honeymooners, discovery for families, privacy for luxury travellers and rich visual opportunities for photographers.

Heritage That Comes Alive

Kerala’s cultural story is equally compelling. Fort Kochi and Mattancherry reflect centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange through churches, synagogues, mosques, colonial architecture, cafés, galleries and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.

Yet Kerala’s heritage extends beyond monuments. Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kalarippayattu and Theyyam allow visitors to experience living traditions. Festivals such as Onam and Thrissur Pooram, along with Kerala’s celebrated snake-boat races, add further colour to the state’s cultural identity.

For the international travel trade, these traditions create opportunities for specialised culture, heritage, photography, food and festival itineraries.

Ayurveda and the Wellness Traveller

If the backwaters represent Kerala’s visual identity, Ayurveda is one of its strongest international tourism propositions.

Kerala has established a global reputation for Ayurveda, yoga, meditation and holistic wellness. Today’s wellness traveller, however, expects more than treatments. Kerala can combine traditional practices with luxury accommodation, healthy cuisine, nature, yoga, meditation and personalised programmes.

A holiday can combine Kochi, Munnar or Kumarakom with an extended wellness retreat, or be designed entirely around rejuvenation, Ayurveda and slow living. The combination of natural surroundings and established wellness traditions gives Kerala a strong competitive advantage as wellness becomes an increasingly important part of international travel.

From Destinations to Curated Journeys

One of Kerala’s biggest opportunities is the shift from standard packages to personalised, thematic itineraries.

A Luxury Kerala Journey can combine Kochi, Kumarakom, Munnar, Thekkady and Kovalam. A Wellness Journey can bring together Ayurveda, yoga, healthy cuisine and nature. A Culture and Heritage Journey can connect Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur.

A Slow Kerala itinerary could focus on Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Kuttanad and Marari, while an Adventure and Nature circuit could link Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad and Bekal.

Kerala’s beaches, backwaters, resorts, heritage venues and cultural experiences also create strong possibilities for destination weddings and celebrations. This flexibility gives the state considerable potential among luxury FITs, MICE groups, honeymooners, wellness seekers and repeat visitors.

Hospitality and Cuisine Strengthen the Proposition

KTM 2026 also provided a platform for hospitality partners to showcase Kerala’s accommodation diversity, ranging from heritage and urban properties to hill resorts, backwater hotels and nature-based stays. Among the partner properties and institutions associated with the event were Abad Fort, Clouds Valley Leisure Hotel, Cardamom County, Backwater Ripples, Bolgatty Palace, Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort, and Kerala Forest Development Corporation.

Kerala’s culinary identity adds another dimension. Seafood, Malabar biryani, appam and stew, puttu, vegetarian Sadya, coconut-based curries and spice-rich preparations offer travellers a cuisine deeply connected to the state’s land and history.

Cooking classes, spice plantation visits, market tours, farm-to-table experiences and meals with local families can transform food from an element of a holiday into a central travel experience.

Taking the Experience Beyond the Mart

The value of KTM continues after the exhibition. Selected participants were offered post-mart familiarisation tours covering 12 major destinations from September 28 to October 3.

Such programmes are particularly valuable for a destination as diverse as Kerala. Buyers may recognise names such as Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom and Alappuzha, but experiencing the destinations firsthand helps them understand how these places can be combined into compelling itineraries.

A quiet backwater village, a walk through a tea plantation or a traditional cultural performance can transform the way a destination is presented and sold.

KTM 2026 and Kerala’s Global Ambition

The significance of KTM lies in bringing Kerala’s diverse tourism experiences together under one professional B2B platform. The 2026 edition demonstrated the state’s broader tourism proposition—responsible tourism, wellness, MICE, weddings, adventure, culture, nature and luxury alongside its established attractions.

The event also reflected the industry’s growing use of technology, with registration, business meetings, seminars and other processes supported by a new software system and mobile application.

But the numbers and technology tell only part of the story. At its heart, KTM is about relationships: buyers meeting sellers, travel professionals discovering new possibilities and Kerala presenting itself directly to the global marketplace.

Kerala’s enduring appeal does not rest on one attraction but on the way its experiences connect—the slow movement of a houseboat through palm-fringed waterways, the aroma of spices in a traditional kitchen, the drama of Kathakali, the energy of Theyyam, mist over a Munnar tea estate, an Ayurvedic treatment beside the sea or an unhurried conversation in a village.

That is what Kerala Travel Mart 2026 communicated to the global travel industry. Kerala is no longer simply selling destinations. It is selling stories, emotions, wellness, culture, authenticity and experiences that can be tailored to individual travellers.

The opportunity for the travel trade is clear: present Kerala not merely as a list of places, but as a collection of experiences that encourage longer stays, higher-value travel and repeat visitation.

Kerala has already earned its reputation as “God’s Own Country.” The next chapter is about showing the world that it is also a destination for the future of global travel—deeply authentic, remarkably diverse and endlessly experiential.

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On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Hemant Mediratta, Founder of TA Circle and one of the leading voices in India’s luxury hospitality and tourism industry, launched TA Circle, a new industry initiative created to give back to India’s luxury travel advisor community.

Built around a simple idea, TA Circle brings together professionals creating a community that gives its members access to luxury hotels, tourism boards, destinations and experiences, allowing them to discover new products, experience them first-hand, gain product knowledge and build stronger relationships with the brands and destinations they recommend to their clients.

Launched at Mélange as part of the World Tourism Day celebrations, TA Circle has already brought together more than 500 travel advisors and professionals.

These include professionals actively promoting and selling luxury travel, as well as those who are passionate about luxury experiences and want to learn, discover and gain a deeper understanding of the products and destinations available to their clients. TA Circle has also brought together more than 60 luxury hotels and tourism boards, with additional brands and destinations expected to join the community in the coming months.

Hemant Mediratta, Founder of TA Circle, said: “TA Circle is our way of giving back to the people who make luxury travel possible. India has an incredibly passionate and diverse community of travel advisors, and they are often the ones who know their clients, destinations and products most intimately. We wanted to create a space that recognises their importance, brings the community together and gives them greater access to the global luxury travel industry. Launching it on World Tourism Day felt particularly appropriate because, ultimately, tourism is about the people who make these connections happen.”

The platform brings advisors and travel professionals closer to luxury hotels, tourism boards, destinations and experiences, creating opportunities for product education, destination discovery, experiential learning and direct industry engagement. For participating suppliers, TA Circle provides a focused platform to introduce their products and destinations to professionals who curate luxury holidays, celebrations, weddings and MICE travel, as well as to those looking to deepen their knowledge of the luxury travel landscape.

Alexia Laine, Director, Courchevel Tourism Board, said: “India’s luxury travel advisors play an increasingly important role in how travellers discover and experience destinations such as Courchevel. Strong relationships with the travel trade are essential for us, and TA Circle creates a useful space for destinations and advisors to exchange knowledge, discover opportunities and build meaningful connections. We are pleased to be part of an initiative that puts the travel community at its centre.”

TA Circle’s early response reflects the value of creating a dedicated platform that brings India’s luxury travel professionals closer to the brands and destinations shaping the global luxury travel industry. Its long-term ambition extends beyond simply connecting buyers and suppliers, focusing instead on making luxury travel more accessible, informed and discoverable for the professionals who recommend and represent it.

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“We look forward to welcoming more Indian travelers aboard Philippine Airlines and introducing them to the Philippines through our signature Filipino hospitality,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall. “Through Manila, they will also gain access to PAL’s wider network of destinations across Asia, North America and Australia.”

Flights from Delhi to Manila will operate as PR643 and will depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:15 AM, arriving in Manila at 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, the Manila–Delhi flight, PR642, will leave Manila every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:40 PM, reaching Delhi at 3:00 AM the following day.

From Mumbai, PR647 will depart for Manila every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7:15 AM, arriving in Manila at 5:00 PM. Manila–Mumbai flights will operate as PR646 every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, departing at 10:40 PM and arriving in Mumbai at 3:05 AM the following day. All times are local.

PAL will operate both routes using its 168-seat Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats. Passengers will enjoy a full-service journey with Indian-inspired inflight meals, including vegetarian and Jain options, beverage selections, curated entertainment, service touches suited to Indian travelers and PAL’s signature heartfelt service.

Through Manila, travelers arriving from Delhi and Mumbai can connect to Philippine destinations including Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Davao. They will also have onward options to international destinations including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Honolulu, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Tokyo Haneda and Hong Kong.

The services will also strengthen PAL’s cargo capacity, allowing shipments from India to connect efficiently through Manila to the airline’s broader domestic and international cargo network.

Indian nationals traveling to the Philippines for tourism or business may enter the country visa-free for up to 14 days, subject to applicable entry requirements.

The new Delhi and Mumbai services reinforce PAL’s role as the Philippine flag carrier, strengthening ties between India and the Philippines while connecting both countries to the world.

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The seminar, held as part of the World Tourism Day, was moderated by Sumit Kumar Thakur, MD, KTDC and ADG, Kerala Tourism.

Leading the session on the concluding day of the three-day event, Shri APM Mohammed Haneesh, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, said tour operators need to reinvent their offerings in line with the global market trends at a time when travellers are increasingly seeking unique and personalised experiences.

APM Mohammed Haneesh, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, speaking at panel discussion on ‘Digital Agenda and AI to redesign tourism’ at Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2026 in Kochi on Sunday. Also seen are:  Sumit Kumar Thakur, MD, KTDC and ADG, Kerala Tourism; Anish Kumar, CEO, The Travel Planners; Soorajith Radhakrishnan, Secretary, Wayanad Tourism Organisation; and Digital Evangelist Sarath V. Raj.

At the same time, it is important to maintain a clear distinction between personalisation and privacy, Shri Haneesh noted, cautioning against the unnecessary sharing of sensitive personal information.

Shri Anish Kumar, CEO of The Travel Planners, said that tourism businesses should optimise their content and digital presence for large language models (LLMs), while also leveraging AI tools and social media for marketing.

He also pointed to potential applications of AI in destination management, including crowd management during peak tourist seasons in destinations such as Munnar and Wayanad in Kerala.

Shri Soorajith Radhakrishnan, Secretary, Wayanad Tourism Organisation, however, cautioned that it should be ensured that AI does not dominate the tourism experience.  AI could nevertheless play an important role in destination management and heritage conservation, including helping regulate visitor access to museums housing rare artefacts to minimise the risk of damage, he said.

Digital evangelist Shri Sarath V. Raj said AI was transforming the way businesses operate and described the current phase as an “agentic AI era”, requiring the tourism industry to adapt and optimise for emerging AI-driven systems.

He said the application of AI in tourism needs to be addressed at the policy level, while highlighting its potential to enable mass personalisation of travel experiences.

KTM President Shri Jose Pradeep, immediate past president Shri Baby Mathew, and past presidents Shri Abraham George and Shri E. M. Najeeb presented mementos to the panellists.

A seminar on “Muziris as a World Tourism Heritage Destination” was also held.

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