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Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2026, the 13th edition of the state’s major tourism and hospitality trade event, begins in Kochi on September 24 and will continue until September 27. The event is bringing together tourism businesses, travel professionals, domestic and international buyers, and media representatives to promote Kerala as a diverse travel destination.
The opening ceremony is scheduled at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, with Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan listed as the chief guest.
Tourism Minister P. C. Vishnunadh will deliver the presidential address, while Cooperation and Excise Minister M. Liju will attend as guest of honour. Business sessions will take place from September 25 to 27 at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island.
KTM 2026 has recorded substantial participation from the travel trade. Organisers have registered 800 international buyers and 2,250 domestic buyers, with 1,500 buyers expected to participate as hosted and non-hosted buyers.
Around 383 sellers have completed stall bookings, while 25 stalls representing government institutions will also participate. More than 45,000 business meetings have been scheduled during the event.
The mart is designed to connect Kerala’s hotels, resorts, tour operators, houseboats, homestays, wellness providers and other tourism businesses with buyers from India and overseas.
This year's event is also looking to expand Kerala’s international visitor base by engaging markets across Europe, the Middle East, North America, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and selected African countries
“Twenty tourism destinations would be developed every year, with new destinations being identified in consultation with tourism industry stakeholders. The government would undertake infrastructure development in these destinations.” - P. C. Vishnunadh, Kerala Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinema.
KTM 2026 will showcase established and emerging tourism experiences, including wellness and Ayurveda, responsible tourism, adventure, rural experiences, plantation tourism, cruise tourism, MICE and weddings.
The event will also feature discussions on inclusive and accessible tourism, changing customer expectations, social responsibility and technology in tourism.
The mart has also adopted a more digital approach, with registration, appointment scheduling, B2B meetings, accommodation and transport arrangements being managed through digital systems.
Post-mart tours covering 12 regions of Kerala are scheduled from September 28 to October 3, extending the event’s tourism promotion activities beyond the trade sessions.
