Kerala’s largest multi-destination travel exhibition, the India International Travel Mart (IITM), opened today in Cochin, reinforcing the city’s growing importance as a hub for travel trade and tourism business in South India. The three-day exhibition is being held from January 8 to 10, 2026, at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, and will run daily from 11:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs.
Positioned as a key B2B platform for the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, IITM Cochin brings together travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers, tourism boards, and allied service providers from across India and overseas. The exhibition aims to foster collaborations, partnerships, and new business opportunities at a time when India’s travel industry is witnessing strong post-pandemic momentum.
The expo was inaugurated in the presence of leading industry veterans and dignitaries, including Hishamuddin Bin Mustafa, Director, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board; Ekta Kabra, Additional Director, Rajasthan Tourism; Pawan Kumar Jain, Additional Director, Rajasthan Tourism; Mariyamma Jose, Chairperson, TAAI; Paulose Mathew, TAFI; Abdul Nazir, President, Tour Operators Association of India; Jose Pradeep, President, Kerala Travel Mart Society; and Rajkumar, CEO, Kerala Travel Mart Society. Also present were UC Riyaz, Convenor of the FICCI KESC Tourism Committee, along with representatives from Jammu and Kashmir Tourism.
The 2026 edition of IITM features around 150 exhibitors representing 15 Indian states and 10 international destinations, showcasing a wide spectrum of travel offerings ranging from pilgrimages and cultural circuits to adventure, wildlife, and luxury travel. Tourism Malaysia is the Partner Country for this edition, underlining the growing outbound travel interest among Indian travellers.
Aligned with global travel trends, IITM Cochin places strong emphasis on responsible tourism and wellness. Exhibitors are highlighting eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism models, and conservation-led travel experiences, encouraging sustainable practices that protect India’s natural and cultural heritage.
Tourism stakeholders from states such as Telangana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are actively promoting their destinations alongside international participants from countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, Bali (Indonesia), Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
The event also comes at a time when India’s economy in 2026 is expected to maintain robust growth, supported by infrastructure development, digital transformation, and rising domestic demand. A growing middle class, increasing disposable incomes, and changing travel aspirations—further accelerated by post-pandemic travel sentiment—continue to drive strong growth in both domestic and outbound tourism.
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.”
Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added, “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.”
The exhibition features dedicated pavilions for domestic destinations, international tourism boards, luxury and experiential travel, travel technology, and sustainable tourism solutions, offering extensive networking and deal-making opportunities for industry professionals.
With India’s outbound travel market projected to grow at a CAGR of over 11% and surpass USD 44 billion by 2032, IITM Cochin positions itself as a timely and strategic platform where India’s evolving travel story unfolds—city by city, connection by connection.
