Kochi will host the first-ever International Spice Route Conference from Jan 6 to 8, 2026, bringing global attention to the historic commercial and cultural links between the Kerala coast and regions stretching from Asia to the Mediterranean.
Organised by the Muziris Heritage Project in collaboration with the Kerala Tourism Department, the landmark international conference will celebrate the shared maritime and cultural heritage of the Spice Route and explore its relevance in today’s global context. The three-day event will be held at the historic Bolgatty Palace, Ernakulam, a site deeply connected to centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange.
Long before modern trade networks emerged, ports along the Malabar Coast—particularly the legendary port of Muziris—served as thriving hubs connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Powered by monsoon winds, the Spice Route functioned not only as a commercial network but also as a cultural corridor that facilitated the exchange of ideas, faiths, art, technology and knowledge systems.
Describing the vision behind the initiative, Mohamed Riyas, Kerala Tourism Minister, said the conference marks a new phase in the state’s heritage tourism journey. “Heritage tourism today represents a USD 600-billion global market, and the Spice Route offers Kerala a powerful and authentic narrative. By reimagining these historic connections, we are positioning Kerala as a compelling destination for heritage-focused travellers seeking immersive, culturally rich experiences.”
The conference will bring together 38 international delegates from 22 countries, along with national participants, including historians, archaeologists, academicians, diplomats, policymakers, tourism stakeholders, artists and cultural practitioners. Discussions will explore the Spice Routes as a vast, interconnected cultural ecosystem that shaped societies across continents, focusing on human narratives beyond trade and economics.
Key sessions will examine cultural exchange and diaspora, the spread of knowledge and faith across oceans, colonial encounters and their enduring legacies, and the evolution of maritime technologies and logistics. Complementing the academic sessions, delegates will experience Kerala’s living heritage through curated Muziris heritage trails, a traditional sea voyage, a visit to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025–26, and performances such as Kerala Jewish songs and Chavittu Nadakam.
The International Spice Route Conference underscores Kerala’s intent to tap into the growing global demand for high-value, experiential and culturally immersive tourism, positioning the state as a living crossroads of world heritage and maritime civilisation.