Kerala Tourism has set an ambitious target of attracting five million foreign tourists and 100 million domestic visitors over the next five years, as the state looks to expand its tourism offerings across ecotourism, cruise tourism, experiential travel and emerging destinations.

Chief Minister Shri V D Satheesan announced the targets while inaugurating the 13th edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM 2026), one of India’s leading tourism and travel trade events, at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty, Kochi.

Tourism, Culture and Cinema Minister Shri P.C. Vishnunadh presided over the inaugural ceremony, while Cooperation and Excise Minister Shri M. Liju attended as the Guest of Honour. MLAs Shri Tony Chammany, Shri T.J. Vinod, Shri Mohammed Shiyas and Shri Deepak Joy, Kochi Corporation Mayor Adv. Minimol V.K. and Shri S Harikishore, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, were also present.

Kerala Tourism has already recorded strong growth in recent years. “In 2025, Kerala recorded 8,21,999 foreign tourist visits, registering an increase of 11.33 percent over 2024. Domestic tourist visits reached 2,50,58,366, clocking a growth of 12.64 percent,” Shri Satheesan said.

The figures highlight the continued importance of both international and domestic tourism to Kerala, while the new targets point towards a broader strategy to attract more visitors and distribute tourism activity across the state.

Kerala Tourism to focus on ecotourism and cruise experiences

Speaking about the state’s tourism potential, the Chief Minister highlighted ecotourism as an important area for future growth. Kerala plans to further develop forest tourism, jungle lodges, trekking and other nature based experiences while maintaining a focus on sustainability.

The move comes as travellers increasingly look for outdoor experiences, nature stays and destination experiences beyond traditional sightseeing. Kerala’s forests, backwaters, hills and diverse landscapes provide opportunities to expand these tourism segments while creating new attractions for both domestic and international visitors.

“We want to integrate all the ports and make entire Kerala into a port city. At least 50 percent of the logistics can be shifted to the sea,” he said.

The Chief Minister said port development would play an important role in the state’s tourism plans. The government has given approval for Cochin Port to establish a cruise terminal, while another cruise terminal is planned for Kozhikode. Kerala also plans to expand its cruise tourism network in a second phase, with the segment extending to 44 rivers across the state.

New convention and maritime attractions planned for Kochi

Kochi is also set to gain from new tourism and business infrastructure. Shri Satheesan announced that an international global convention centre will be developed near Kochi airport, strengthening the city’s potential as a destination for business events, conferences and MICE tourism.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Kerala’s long maritime history, particularly the significance of Muziris, and announced plans for an international maritime museum and an oceanarium in the city. These projects are expected to add new cultural and educational attractions to Kerala’s tourism landscape while showcasing the state’s historic relationship with the sea and its role in international trade.

Kerala Travel Mart 2026 records its largest participation

Tourism, Culture and Cinema Minister Shri P.C. Vishnunadh described Kerala Travel Mart as an important meeting point for the international travel industry, connecting tourism businesses, buyers, destinations and new opportunities.

With more than 3,000 buyer registrations and more than 400 seller stalls, KTM 2026 marks the largest participation in the event’s 25 year history. In 2025, foreign tourist visits to Kerala increased by 11.33 per cent compared with the previous year, while domestic tourist visits grew by 12.64 per cent.

The government is also looking to spread the benefits of tourism beyond the state’s established destinations. Shri Vishnunadh said tourism infrastructure would be strengthened across 100 destinations as part of efforts to develop new tourism locations in Kerala.

The plan is aimed at bringing more destinations into the tourism network and creating opportunities for local communities and businesses across different parts of the state.

‘Be a Malayali for a Day’ to offer immersive Kerala experiences

Experiential tourism is another major focus for Kerala Tourism. During the next Onam season, the government plans to introduce the ‘Be a Malayali for a Day’ initiative, giving visitors an opportunity to experience elements of traditional Kerala life, including local cuisine and cultural practices.

The initiative is designed around the idea of allowing tourists to experience Kerala beyond conventional sightseeing, with greater emphasis on local culture, food and everyday traditions.

The announcement comes as experiential and cultural tourism continue to become important parts of destination marketing, particularly for travellers seeking more immersive holiday experiences.

KTM 2026 brings together tourism businesses from India and abroad

The latest edition of Kerala Travel Mart has attracted more than 3,000 registrations from India and overseas, making it the biggest participation recorded in the event’s history.

The mart includes 1,200 hosted buyers and 300 non-hosted buyers, along with 383 seller stalls representing tourism enterprises and 25 stalls from various government institutions.

More than 45,000 business meetings have been scheduled during the event, with the programme aimed at generating tourism business, attracting investment and promoting Kerala as a destination in international and domestic markets.

The B2B meetings and exhibition are being held from September 25 to 27 at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island in Kochi. KTM 2026 has also introduced a new software system and mobile application, with registration, business meetings, seminars and other event procedures fully digitised.

Kerala Tourism Secretary Shri Biju. K, who made a detailed presentation at the event, said tourism destinations in Kollam would be developed to global standards. During the event, Kerala Tourism Director Ms M. Anjana released the ‘Sellers Directory’, prepared as part of the mart.

Ernakulam District Collector Ms G. Priyanka, KTDC Managing Director and Kerala Tourism Additional Director Shri Sumith Kumar Thakur, and former KTM presidents Shri Baby Mathew, Shri Jose Dominic, Shri E.M. Najeeb, Shri Riaz Ahmed and Shri Abraham George also attended the event. KTM Society President Shri Jose Pradeep welcomed the gathering, while Secretary Shri S. Swaminathan proposed the vote of thanks.

With its focus on new destinations, sustainable tourism, cruise travel, cultural experiences and improved tourism infrastructure, Kerala is now looking to broaden its tourism appeal while building on the strong visitor growth recorded in 2025.

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