July 3, 2026 TnH Global

Kerala Travel Mart 2026 Sets the Stage for Kerala’s Next Phase of Global Tourism Growth

Kerala is preparing to welcome the global travel trade as the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) returns this September with record participation, a renewed policy focus and an ambitious vision for the state’s tourism future.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate KTM 2026 on September 24 at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre, Bolgatty, Kochi. The event assumes added significance as the first major tourism industry gathering following the formation of Kerala’s new government, reflecting the state’s commitment to strengthening tourism as a key economic driver. Business sessions and B2B meetings will continue from September 25 to 27 at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island.

Announcing the event, Kerala’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, P.C. Vishnunadh, said the government is working on implementing the proposal announced in the recent state budget to accord industry status to the tourism sector. He described KTM as a strategic platform that reinforces Kerala’s position in the global marketplace, noting that the state competes with leading international destinations rather than domestic tourism markets. The minister also highlighted plans to reposition Kerala’s renowned Ayurveda and wellness offerings to better align with evolving global travel preferences.

The enthusiasm surrounding KTM 2026 is already evident. Nearly three months before the event, the mart has recorded an unprecedented 2,360 buyer registrations, including 610 international buyers and 1,750 from across India. Media participation is equally impressive, with 117 accredited journalists—60 international and 57 domestic—expected to cover the event. The exhibition will bring together 366 exhibitors, supported by delegates representing sponsors and government agencies.

Widely regarded as India’s premier tourism networking platform, KTM 2026 will feature structured B2B meetings, policy discussions and knowledge sessions led by distinguished tourism experts from India and overseas. The programme is designed to foster new partnerships, explore emerging market opportunities and facilitate meaningful dialogue on the future of travel.

Following the business sessions, international and domestic buyers will embark on curated familiarisation tours across twelve tourism circuits from September 28 to October 3, offering immersive experiences of Kerala’s diverse tourism products, from backwaters and beaches to heritage, wellness and nature-based experiences. Invited journalists will also participate in specially curated pre-mart media tours.

This year’s edition also marks KTM’s digital transformation. For the first time, registrations, appointment scheduling and event management will be integrated through a dedicated software platform and mobile application, delivering a seamless experience for exhibitors, buyers and delegates.

The organisers also highlighted the momentum created by the recently concluded Wedding and MICE Conclave, jointly organised by KTM and Kerala Tourism. The conclave resulted in key initiatives, including the proposed Kerala Convention Promotion Bureau and the formulation of a dedicated MICE policy, signalling the state’s intent to expand its footprint in the lucrative business events segment.

Tourism Secretary K. Biju said KTM has the potential to evolve into one of Asia’s leading tourism trade events through greater international participation and stronger industry engagement. Tourism Director M. Anjana noted that the mart will provide valuable insights into emerging travel trends while creating new opportunities for stakeholders across the tourism value chain. Meanwhile, KTM organisers confirmed that focused international marketing campaigns are underway to attract buyers from both established and emerging markets, further strengthening Kerala’s standing as one of the world’s most compelling travel destinations.

With record buyer registrations, a future-focused agenda and renewed government support, Kerala Travel Mart 2026 is poised to reinforce the state’s reputation as a global tourism powerhouse while opening new avenues for business, investment and international collaboration.