Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) on September 24 at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre, Bolgatty, Kochi. The announcement was made by Kerala’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, P.C. Vishnunadh, at a press conference today. The 2026 edition assumes added significance as it will be the first major tourism industry event following the formation of the new state government. While the inaugural ceremony will be held at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre, the business sessions and B2B meetings will take place at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island from September 25 to 27.
Addressing the media, Vishnunadh said the government is preparing a framework to implement the proposal announced in the recent state budget to grant industry status to Kerala’s tourism sector. He described KTM as an ideal platform to strengthen Kerala’s global tourism brand, noting that the state competes with international destinations rather than other Indian states. He also stressed the need to reposition Kerala’s Ayurveda and wellness offerings to enhance their appeal in global markets. KTM 2026 has already recorded an all-time high of 2,360 buyer registrations, including 610 international and 1,750 domestic buyers, with nearly three months remaining before the event. The mart has also attracted 117 media registrations, comprising 60 international and 57 domestic media representatives. This year’s edition will feature 366 exhibitors along with 25 delegates representing sponsors and government departments.
The three-day event will include structured B2B meetings, policy discussions and knowledge sessions led by national and international tourism experts. Familiarisation tours for buyers will be organised across twelve tourism circuits from September 28 to October 3, while invited domestic and international journalists will participate in dedicated pre-mart tours. A key highlight of KTM 2026 is its transition to a fully digital platform, with all registrations, meeting schedules and event management being handled through a newly developed software system and dedicated mobile application.
The organisers also highlighted the success of the recently concluded Wedding and MICE Conclave, jointly organised by KTM and Kerala Tourism, which led to key announcements, including the proposed Kerala Convention Promotion Bureau and a dedicated MICE policy. Tourism Secretary K. Biju said KTM has the potential to evolve into a global tourism trade fair with wider international participation. At the same time, Tourism Director M. Anjana noted that the event will offer valuable insights into emerging travel trends. KTM office-bearers added that focused international campaigns are underway to attract buyers from new and traditional markets, further strengthening Kerala’s position as a leading global tourism destination.