Kerala Travel Mart 2026 (KTM 2026), the 13th edition of Kerala’s flagship tourism trade event, concluded on a strong note, bringing together tourism businesses, international buyers and industry stakeholders as the state looks to expand its presence in global experiential tourism.

Held over four days, the event generated 58,000 business to business (B2B) meetings, including 45,000 pre scheduled meetings and around 13,000 additional meetings. The scale of business interactions highlighted the continued demand for Kerala as a destination for leisure, wellness, adventure and experience driven travel.

Beyond business meetings, KTM 2026 focused on some of the key developments shaping the future of tourism. Discussions during the event examined changing traveller preferences, artificial intelligence, personalised travel services and the growing influence of consumer reviews on the hospitality and tourism industry.

Artificial intelligence emerged as one of the key themes at KTM 2026. The event examined how AI is transforming different aspects of tourism, from the way travellers search for destinations to how travel experiences are planned and delivered. At the same time, discussions underlined the importance of human interaction in creating travel experiences that can understand and respond to individual traveller needs.

Kerala’s established strengths in Ayurveda and wellness tourism also remained an important focus at the event. The state’s growing adventure tourism sector and other emerging tourism segments were also highlighted as areas with potential to attract new markets and traveller groups.

More than 1,500 buyers from India and overseas attended KTM 2026, along with delegates representing a wide range of tourism businesses. The event recorded its highest ever participation of international buyers, with 380 buyers and representatives from 59 countries.

The United States had the largest international delegation with 38 representatives, followed by the UK with 35, Russia with 30 and the UAE with 23. Germany sent 18 representatives, while France had 17. Malaysia and Spain each had 15 representatives, followed by South Africa with 14 and Oman with 13.

According to the organisers, the international participation reflects Kerala’s continued appeal in West Asian and European tourism markets, while also pointing to opportunities for the state to strengthen its reach across established and emerging source markets.

The B2B meetings and exhibition were held from September 25 to 27 at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Wellington Island. The exhibition featured 383 stalls representing tourism enterprises, along with 25 stalls from government institutions, including Kerala Tourism, Tamil Nadu Tourism and India Tourism.

Seminars held during KTM 2026 brought together national and international experts to discuss the changing nature of travel and hospitality. Sessions examined how evolving traveller expectations, personalised services, artificial intelligence and online consumer reviews are influencing the way destinations and tourism businesses engage with visitors.

Speakers also called for Kerala to broaden its tourism offerings and create more comprehensive, personalised travel experiences that go beyond its established backwater tourism image and traditional attractions. The discussions reflected a wider shift in global tourism, where travellers are increasingly looking for experiences tailored to their interests, preferences and travel motivations.

The valedictory session of KTM 2026 was inaugurated by Shri Sumit Kumar Thakur, Tourism Additional Director (General). Former KTM President Shri E. M. Najeeb thanked the entire KTM team for the successful conduct of the event.

KTM President Shri Jose Pradeep presided over the session. S Padmavathy, Assistant Director, India Tourism, KTM Secretary Shri S. Swaminathan, former KTM Presidents Shri Baby Mathew, Shri Jose Dominic, Shri Riyas Ahmed and Shri Abraham George, KTM Joint Secretary Shri Jobin Joseph, Vice-President Shri C. Harikumar, Treasurer Shri Jibran Asif and CEO Shri Rajkumar S. were among those present.

KTM 2026 was inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri V. D. Satheesan on September 24, while the KTM Expo was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Shri P. C. Vishnunadh.

With its strong international participation, record number of business meetings and discussions around the future of travel, KTM 2026 provided a platform for Kerala’s tourism industry to connect with global markets and explore new opportunities. The event also highlighted the need for Kerala to keep evolving its tourism products as travellers seek more personalised, diverse and experience led holidays.

Read More: Events & Updates