KOCHI, September 2026: Kerala is gearing up to host the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2026, with more than 3,000 domestic and international tourism buyers registered for the major travel trade event. The four-day programme will begin in Kochi on September 24 and bring together travel buyers, tour operators, hospitality companies, destination management companies and tourism stakeholders from India and overseas.

The formal inauguration of Kerala Travel Mart 2026 will take place on September 24 at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, with Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan scheduled to inaugurate the event. The exhibition and business meetings will be held from September 25 to 27 at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island.

More Than 3,000 Buyers Registered

The latest figures indicate strong participation from both international and domestic markets. More than 3,000 buyers have registered, including around 790 international buyers and 2,210 domestic buyers. The participation is being described as a record turnout for the Kerala Travel Mart.

The event will also feature 383 tourism sellers, along with stalls representing government institutions. More than 45,000 business-to-business meetings have been scheduled, creating opportunities for Kerala's tourism industry to connect with travel companies and buyers from different markets.

Global Tourism Industry Comes Together in Kochi

KTM 2026 is expected to provide a major platform for Kerala's tourism industry to promote its diverse tourism products, including beaches, backwaters, hill stations, Ayurveda, wellness tourism, adventure tourism, heritage experiences, responsible tourism and hospitality services.

The participation of international buyers also provides Kerala's tourism enterprises with opportunities to develop new business partnerships and strengthen existing connections in overseas markets.

Reports indicate that buyers from a wide range of international markets are participating, while domestic buyers from different parts of India are also attending the event.

Business Meetings and Tourism Seminars

The three-day business programme from September 25 to 27 will include B2B meetings, tourism seminars and discussions involving tourism policymakers and industry experts.

The large number of pre-scheduled meetings highlights the importance of KTM as a business platform for Kerala's tourism sector. The event is expected to facilitate discussions on new tourism products, market opportunities and changing traveller preferences.

Post-Mart Tours to Showcase Kerala Destinations

The Kerala Travel Mart experience will continue beyond the Kochi event. Post-mart familiarisation tours are scheduled from September 28 to October 3, covering 12 regions of Kerala.

These tours will give participating buyers an opportunity to experience Kerala's destinations and tourism products directly. Such familiarisation programmes are intended to help international and domestic travel companies understand the state's tourism offerings and incorporate them into future holiday programmes. 

A separate pre-mart tour has also been organised for invited media representatives, giving travel journalists an opportunity to experience selected destinations before the main event.

Focus on New Tourism Destinations

The KTM 2026 edition also comes as Kerala Tourism prepares to expand its destination portfolio. Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh has announced a plan to develop 100 new tourism destinations over the next five years, with an objective of developing around 20 destinations each year.

The government plans to identify new destinations in consultation with tourism-industry stakeholders and undertake infrastructure development at selected locations.

Digital Kerala Travel Mart

Another feature of KTM 2026 is the increased use of digital technology. Event-related processes, including registration, B2B meetings and seminars, are being managed through a digital platform, according to reports on the event.

The technology-enabled approach is expected to make it easier for buyers and sellers to manage appointments and participate in the business programme.

Strengthening Kerala's Global Tourism Presence

Kerala Travel Mart has become an important meeting point for the state's tourism industry and international travel trade. The 2026 edition is expected to provide Kerala with another opportunity to showcase its destinations, tourism experiences and hospitality products to a large network of travel professionals.

With more than 3,000 registered buyers, hundreds of tourism sellers and tens of thousands of scheduled business meetings, KTM 2026 is set to place Kochi at the centre of Kerala's tourism trade activity from September 24 to 27.

The event is also expected to generate new business opportunities for hotels, resorts, tour operators, houseboat operators, homestays, destination management companies and other tourism service providers across Kerala.