India, July 7 -- The 13th Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) is set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri V D Satheesan on September 24, 2026, in Kochi. This edition is particularly significant as it marks the first major tourism event under the new state government.
Event Highlights
- Inaugural Ceremony: Grand Hyatt Convention Centre, Bolgatty.
- Business Meets: September 25-27 at Sagara & Samudrika Convention Centres, Willingdon Island.
- Tours: Pre-mart tours for journalists and post-event tours (Sept 28-Oct 3) across 12 geographic tracks.
- Digital Transformation: All registrations, B2B meetings, and processes fully digitized via new software and mobile app.
Participation
- Buyers: Record 2,599 registrations (663 international, 1,936 domestic).
- Media: 133 registrations (69 international, 64 domestic).
- Sellers: 366 exhibitors plus 25 delegates in sponsorship/government stalls.
Strategic Focus
- Government preparing framework to grant industry status to tourism.
- Emphasis on rebranding Ayurveda and wellness tourism.
- Highlighting Kerala's cultural heritage, performing arts, and cuisine as unique strengths.
- Rising inbound arrivals from Arab countries, drawn to Kerala's monsoon tourism.
Innovations
- Wedding & MICE Conclave success leading to the creation of the Kerala Convention Promotion Bureau and a dedicated policy.
- KTM positioned as a platform to reposition Kerala's tourism brand globally, competing with international destinations rather than other Indian states.
Tourism leaders believe KTM could evolve into a global trade fair, unlocking new opportunities for Indian tour operators and enterprises.
This year's KTM feels like a turning point-combining policy innovation, digital transformation, and global outreach.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.