Kochi: Kerala is gearing up to host the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2026, India’s largest tourism and hospitality business event, from September 24 to 27, 2026 in Kochi. With a record number of domestic and international buyer registrations already received, this year’s edition is expected to further strengthen Kerala’s position as one of India’s leading global tourism destinations.
Meta Description Kerala Travel Mart 2026 will be held in Kochi from September 24-27 with record buyer registrations, global tourism participation, digital B2B meetings, wellness tourism, MICE focus and new tourism policies.
SEO Slug kerala-travel-mart-2026-kochi
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The event will be inaugurated on September 24 by Kerala Chief Minister Shri V. D. Satheesan at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre, Bolgatty, while the business-to-business (B2B) meetings and industry sessions will take place at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island from September 25 to 27.
First Major Tourism Event Under the New Kerala Government
Announcing the event, Kerala Tourism and Culture Minister Shri P.C. Vishnunadh said the upcoming edition of KTM holds special significance as it will be the first major tourism industry event after the formation of the new state government.
The minister revealed that the government is preparing a framework to implement its budget announcement granting industry status to Kerala’s tourism sector, a move expected to boost investments, infrastructure development and employment opportunities.
Kerala Aims to Compete on the Global Tourism Stage
Highlighting Kerala’s international ambitions, the Tourism Minister said the state competes with global destinations rather than other Indian states.
He stressed the need to reposition Kerala’s tourism brand in an increasingly competitive international market by strengthening its unique offerings, including:
- Ayurveda and wellness tourism
- Monsoon tourism
- Rich cultural heritage
- Traditional performing arts
- Authentic Kerala cuisine
The minister also noted that international tourist arrivals continue to grow despite geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, with increasing numbers of visitors from Gulf countries choosing Kerala, particularly during the monsoon season.
Record Buyer Registrations Months Before the Event
With nearly three months still remaining before the event, KTM has already achieved an all-time record in buyer registrations.
Current registrations include:
- 2,360 Buyers
- 610 International Buyers
- 1,750 Domestic Buyers
Media participation has also witnessed impressive growth, with:
- 117 Media Registrations
- 60 International Media
- 57 Indian Media
The mart will feature 366 exhibitors (sellers) along with 25 delegates representing government departments and sponsoring organisations.
Business Networking, Tourism Policies and Global Insights
The three-day tourism mart will feature:
- International B2B meetings
- Tourism policy discussions
- Business networking sessions
- Expert seminars led by global tourism professionals
- Destination promotion initiatives
Following the event, Post-Mart Familiarisation Tours will be conducted between September 28 and October 3, covering 12 tourism circuits across Kerala. A dedicated pre-mart familiarisation programme has also been planned for invited domestic and international journalists.
KTM Goes Fully Digital
One of the biggest highlights of KTM 2026 is its complete transition to a fully digital platform.
For the first time, all major processes—including visitor registrations, exhibitor management and B2B appointment scheduling—will be handled through newly developed software and a dedicated mobile application, making the event more efficient and user-friendly.
Focus on Wedding and MICE Tourism
Kerala is also making a strong push into the lucrative Wedding Tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) segments.
Tourism officials highlighted the success of the recently organised Wedding and MICE Conclave, which resulted in key announcements, including the proposed formation of the Kerala Convention Promotion Bureau and a dedicated policy for the sector.
Kerala Targets New International Tourism Markets
Tourism Secretary Shri K. Biju said KTM has the potential to evolve into a truly global tourism trade fair with participation from countries across the world, creating new opportunities for Indian tour operators and tourism businesses.
Meanwhile, KTM office-bearers said aggressive international marketing campaigns are underway to attract buyers from emerging global markets while strengthening participation from traditional source markets.
With record buyer registrations, growing international interest and a strong focus on digital transformation, wellness tourism and MICE, Kerala Travel Mart 2026 is expected to become one of the most influential tourism business events in Asia and further reinforce Kerala’s image as a world-class travel destination.
