Kochi: Kerala is getting ready to host the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2026, one of India's largest tourism and hospitality trade events, from September 24 to 27 in Kochi.

The four-day event is expected to provide a major platform for Kerala's tourism industry to connect with international and domestic travel buyers, tour operators, hospitality companies, destination management companies and other tourism stakeholders.

The inauguration will be held on September 24, while the main business-to-business (B2B) meetings and exhibition will take place from September 25 to 27 at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island. The inaugural ceremony is scheduled at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre, Bolgatty, according to the Kerala Travel Mart Society.

Record Buyer Participation

KTM 2026 is expected to witness one of the strongest international and domestic buyer participations in the event's history.

More than 3,000 buyers had registered by August, including 790 international buyers and 2,210 domestic buyers. As many as 382 tourism sellers had also completed stall bookings, while government institutions will participate through around 30 additional stalls.

The scale of business engagement is also significant, with around 40,000 B2B meetings already scheduled. The meetings are expected to create opportunities for Kerala's hotels, resorts, tour operators, homestays, houseboats, Ayurveda centres, destination management companies and other tourism enterprises to establish new business partnerships.

Showcasing Kerala's Diverse Tourism Products

KTM 2026 will showcase Kerala's diverse tourism experiences, with particular emphasis on leisure and culture, wellness and Ayurveda, responsible tourism, adventure tourism and experiential travel. The event will also highlight emerging opportunities in MICE tourism and destination weddings.

The event is designed not merely as an exhibition but as a business platform where tourism buyers can interact directly with Kerala's tourism suppliers and explore new products and destinations.

Digital Platform for Business Meetings

A major feature of this year's Kerala Travel Mart is the move towards a fully digital event-management system. Registration, scheduling of B2B meetings and access to seminars and knowledge sessions will be managed through digital platforms. A dedicated mobile application will also provide participants with real-time information and updates during the event.

Post-Mart Tours to Promote Kerala Destinations

The event will extend beyond Kochi through a series of post-mart familiarisation tours designed to give participating buyers first-hand experience of Kerala's tourism products.

These tours will cover different tourism circuits and destinations across the state, allowing international and domestic buyers to experience Kerala's beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife destinations, Ayurveda and cultural attractions before promoting them to their respective markets. The KTM organising committee has planned circuits covering destinations including Kochi, Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon and other parts of Kerala.

Strengthening Kerala's Position in Global Tourism

The Kerala Travel Mart Society, established in 2000, has positioned KTM as a major platform connecting Kerala's tourism industry with the global travel trade. The 2026 edition comes at a significant time as Kerala seeks to expand its international tourism markets and promote new experiences beyond its traditional destinations.

With thousands of buyers and sellers expected to participate, KTM 2026 is set to generate significant business opportunities for Kerala's tourism and hospitality sector and further strengthen the state's position as a leading international tourism destination.

Kerala Travel Mart 2026 will therefore be more than a tourism exhibition—it will be a major business platform connecting Kerala's tourism industry with markets across India and the world.