Cochin began hosting the much-anticipated ‘India International Travel Mart (IITM) from 17–19 January 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Held at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthara, this premier travel and tourism exhibition promises to showcase a diverse range of domestic and international destinations, services, and innovations. With participation from leading tour operators, travel agencies, state tourism boards, and international Destination Management Companies, IITM Cochin is poised to become a hub for fostering connections, promoting tourism, and unveiling new opportunities in the industry.
As IITM celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the occasion forms an important business platform. Travel agencies, hoteliers, tour companies, and other industry stakeholders can interact and network, resulting in collaborations, partnerships, and joint ventures.
The expo was inaugurated in the presence of Industry Veterans and dignitaries from the travel industry, which included Mr. Sejoe Jose, Regional Chairman, IATO, Mr. UC Riyaz, Governing Board Member, ICPB; and Vice President, SKAL International, Cochin, Ms. Mariyamma Jose, Chairperson, Travel Agents Assc. Of India, Mr. K Rajkumar, CEO, Kerala Travel Mart Society; and Mr. Ashraf, Secretary, TAAI (Kerala Chapter)
IITM features 100+ exhibitors from 15 Indian states and five international destinations, showcasing diverse travel options like pilgrimages, adventures, culture, wildlife, and more.
The event will be the perfect platform for travel agents looking for partners from across different genres from religious travel, adventure, family holidays, heritage, and honeymoon destinations, or even those who are looking for conference destinations for their companies, etc.
As the world embraces sustainable practices, IITM takes strides to promote responsible tourism and wellness. The exhibition demonstrates eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism projects, and conservation efforts to protect India’s natural and cultural heritage. It encourages travellers to tread lightly and leave a positive footprint on the destinations they visit.
The tourism stakeholders from over 15 Indian states such as Telangana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and many more, along with international participants representing over ten countries like Turkey, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bali, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, etc., will be seen aggressively marketing their destinations, products, and services.
The Indian economy in 2025 is poised for robust growth, driven by a combination of structural reforms, technological advancements, and strong domestic demand. With the government’s focus on infrastructure development, manufacturing, and digital transformation under initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India,’ India is expected to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The anticipated growth in the global economy, coupled with India’s young demographic and rising middle class, will further fuel consumption and investment.
The growth of the middle class, higher disposable incomes, and a paradigm shift in cultural views have all contributed to the recent spike in tourism. In addition, the pandemic’s aftermath has spurred a desire for travel as people look for novel experiences and a break from their daily routines, strengthening the travel industry’s adaptability and resilience.
Much of the Indian travel business is derived from domestic travel, which also helped the sector recover from its pre-pandemic lows. Indians progressively discovered the cultural and geographical diversity within the nation’s borders, from the tranquil Himalayan landscape to the vibrant coastal areas, greatly fuelling the domestic travel sector.
Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere TravelMedia, said, “Welcome to the heart of innovation and collaboration in the travel industry. This exhibition is a gateway to shaping the future of travel through new opportunities and partnerships. Let us explore new horizons, forge lasting connections, and inspire the world of travel. The B2B Tourism Exhibition celebrates collaboration, resilience, and excellence in the industry, bringing together top minds to pioneer sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and new partnerships. Together, we are creating a future where travel is connected, sustainable, and extraordinary, setting the stage for unprecedented growth and advancement in the industry.”
Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere TravelMedia, added: “India has emerged as a key player in the travel industry, offering opportunities for leisure and business travel. The IITM Event, with over ten thousand B2B visitors over three days, showcases our commitment to advancing travel. It serves as a hub for idea exchange, partnership building, and innovation. The growing outbound travel market in India presents vast possibilities, with more Indians seeking unique global experiences. The B2B Travel Exhibition aims to connect global destinations with diverse Indian travellers, paving the way for future international travel growth from India.”
Highlights
The time has come to explore new destinations and enjoy the sensations of the world as the Indian passport continues to gain popularity! The IITM is a fantastic way to connect, network, and conduct business since it draws partners from all over the world.
- The biggest multi-destination travel exhibition in Cochin
- Gujarat Tourism is the Partner State, while Lakshadweep and Chandigarh are the Feature States
- The biggest variety of holiday packages of over 1000 destinations in India and abroad.
- This year, find more than 100 exhibitors showcasing 15 Indian tourism destinations and five international destinations participating, making it one of the highlights of your search for that perfect travel partnership.
- View ‘Incredible India’ with all its amazing hues and peerless vibrancy.
- Add more to your travel and tourism portfolio
- Adventure, International Destinations, Visas, Pilgrimage, Cultural Pursuits, Wildlife, Conferences, Wedding Destinations
- The event is in a B2B format and only open to trade visitors.
As India International Travel Mart continues to inspire travel professionals and industry partners alike, we are excited to announce the forthcoming editions for 2025. The next editions are as follows:
IITM Kolkata: 14 – 16 February 2025
IITM Ahmedabad: 7 – 9 March 2025
IITM Chennai: 16 – 18 July 2025
IITM Bangalore: 24 – 26 July 2025
IITM Delhi: 24 – 26 September 2025
IITM Mumbai: 9 – 11 October 2025
IITM Pune: 27 – 29 November 2025
IITM Hyderabad: 4 – 6 December 2025
Each edition promises to bring unparalleled opportunities to explore the best in travel, hospitality, and tourism, further solidifying IITM’s legacy as India’s premier travel trade exhibition.