Cochin is set to host the much-anticipated ‘India International Travel Mart’ (IITM) from 8 – 10 January 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Held at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthra, this premier travel and tourism exhibition promises to showcase a diverse range of domestic and international destinations, services, and innovations.
As IITM opens to its biggest ever showcase in Kochi, the occasion forms an important business platform. Travel agencies, hoteliers, tour companies, and other industry stakeholders can interact and network resulting in collaborations, partnerships, and joint ventures.
The expo was inaugurated in presence of Industry Veterans and dignitaries from the travel industry, which included Mr. Hishamuddin Bin Mustafa, Director, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Ms. Ekta Kabra, Addl. Director, Rajasthan Tourism, Mr. Pawan Kumar Jain, Addl. Director, Rajasthan Tourism, Mrs. Mariyamma Jose, Chairperson, TAAI, Mr. Paulose Mathew, TAFI, Mr. Abdul Nazir, President, Tour Operators Assc. of Indi, Mr. Jose Pradeep, President, Kerala Travel Mart Society and Mr. Rajkumar, CEO, Kerala Travel Mart Society, Mr. UC Riyaz, Convenor, FICCI KESC Tourism Committee, Mr. Peer Zahid Ahmad and Mr. Praveen from Jammu and Kashmir Tourism
IITM features 150 exhibitors from 15 Indian states and 10 international destinations, showcasing diverse travel options like pilgrimages, adventures, culture, wildlife, and more. Tourism Malaysia is the Partner Country for the 2026 edition of IITM.
As the world embraces sustainable practices, IITM takes strides to promote responsible tourism and wellness. The exhibition demonstrates eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism projects, and conservation efforts to protect India’s natural and cultural heritage. It encourages travellers to tread lightly and leave a positive footprint on the destinations they visit.
The tourism stakeholders from over 15 Indian states such as Telangana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and many more along with international participants representing over 10 countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Bali, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, etc. will be seen aggressively marketing their destinations, products, and services.
The Indian economy in 2026 is poised for robust growth, driven by a combination of structural reforms, technological advancements, and strong domestic demand. With the government’s focus on infrastructure development, manufacturing, and digital transformation under initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India,’ India is expected to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The anticipated growth in the global economy, coupled with India’s young demographic and rising middle class, will further fuel consumption and investment.
The growth of the middle class, higher disposable incomes, and a paradigm shift in cultural views have all contributed to the recent spike in tourism. In addition, the pandemic’s aftermath has spurred a desire for travel as people look for novel experiences and a break from their daily routines, strengthening the travel industry’s adaptability and resilience.
IITM is where India’s travel-story unfolds—city by city, connection by connection.
Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, the organizers of IITM, 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.”
Mr. 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 exhibitions will feature pavilions for domestic destinations, international tourism boards, luxury travel, experiential tourism, travel technology, and sustainable travel solutions—providing unmatched opportunities for networking and collaboration.
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