India International Travel Mart (IITM) opened in Kochi on 8 January 2026, positioning the city at the centre of India’s travel and tourism dialogue for three days. Hosted at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the exhibition runs until 10 January 2026 and brings together stakeholders from across the travel, tourism, and hospitality ecosystem.
Celebrating 25 years of enabling travel partnerships, IITM Cochin is being billed as Kerala’s biggest multi-destination showcase, connecting destinations, tourism boards, hoteliers, tour operators, and travel technology providers under one roof.
A Platform Where Travel Business Meets Opportunity
The Cochin edition of IITM serves as a strategic business platform for travel agencies, hospitality brands, destination marketers, and tourism authorities. With networking at its core, the exhibition is designed to facilitate collaborations, partnerships, and joint ventures, reflecting the growing maturity and scale of India’s travel market.
The expo features around 150 exhibitors representing 15 Indian states and over 10 international destinations. Participants are showcasing offerings ranging from pilgrimage and cultural tourism to adventure travel, wildlife experiences, wellness, and luxury holidays.
Also read: IHCL Signs Tree of Life Resort in Sakaleshpur, Expanding Boutique Presence in Karnataka
Strong Industry Presence at the Inauguration
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of senior tourism officials and industry leaders, underlining IITM’s importance in the regional and national tourism calendar. Dignitaries present included representatives from Tourism Malaysia, Rajasthan Tourism, Kerala Travel Mart Society, TAAI, TAFI, FICCI KESC Tourism Committee, and tourism boards from Jammu & Kashmir and other states.
Tourism Malaysia is the Partner Country for the 2026 edition, while Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir are Partner States. Telangana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, and Meghalaya are among the Feature States actively promoting their tourism portfolios.
Spotlight on Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
As sustainability becomes central to global travel decisions, IITM Cochin places strong emphasis on responsible tourism and wellness-led travel. Exhibitors are highlighting eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism models, and conservation-led experiences aimed at protecting natural and cultural heritage while delivering meaningful visitor engagement.
The exhibition encourages travellers and industry stakeholders alike to adopt low-impact tourism practices that support local communities and long-term destination resilience.
Also read: India International Travel Mart Pune & Hyderabad Conclude Successful 2025 Editions
Outbound Travel and India’s Growing Tourism Economy
The event comes at a time when India’s outbound and domestic travel markets are witnessing strong momentum. Rising disposable incomes, improved connectivity, and a growing middle class are driving travel demand across segments. Industry data shared at the event highlights India as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets globally, supported by expanded visa access and increasing passport penetration.
At the same time, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are emerging as important travel hubs, creating new opportunities for destinations, hotels, and tour operators to diversify offerings.
Organisers on IITM’s Role in the Industry
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said,
“Over the years, India International Travel Mart has become a landmark event in South India’s tourism calendar. Our Cochin edition is not just an event; they are powerful platforms for driving business, discovering new opportunities, and strengthening industry relationships in one of India’s fastest-growing travel markets.”
Adding to this, Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, stated,
“We are proud to present Cochin’s largest multi-destination travel exhibition once again. With increasing participation from across India and abroad, IITM continues to highlight the diversity, vibrancy, and potential of the travel and tourism sector in the region.”
A Marketplace for India’s Evolving Travel Story
With dedicated pavilions for domestic destinations, international tourism boards, luxury and experiential travel, travel technology, and sustainable tourism solutions, IITM Cochin offers a comprehensive snapshot of where India’s travel industry is headed.
As the exhibition unfolds over three days, IITM reinforces its role as a marketplace where India’s travel story is shaped—city by city, partnership by partnership—connecting opportunity with ambition in one of the country’s most dynamic tourism markets.
