Indo Arab Connect 2026 has officially opened at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Kochi on August 31st 2026 drawing international buyers and regional tourism stakeholders for meetings, networking and partnership building.
The event was inaugurated by Mr. V D Satheesan Chief Minister of Kerala. In the Inaugural speech Mr. V D Satheeshan said the Govt of Kerala has plans to implement new development projects to strengthen the states centuries old ties with Arab countries.
The state will develop an aviation hub Pilot training institutes, Repair and overhaul facilities, intan ernational convention cencentrend an oceanarium in Kochi. Cruise services are planned from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargode, said the Chief Minister.
Through the proposed project Mission Samudra, Govt have plans to connect Kerala’s coastline and make the state a port city. The state plans provide facilities for elderly people and foreigners through the initiative called Retire in Kerala.
Kerala is placing renewed emphasis on the Middle East as a key source market, signalling a more targeted and ambitious approach to international tourism growth. By deepening ties with Arab travel trade partners, expanding business networks and creating focused promotional platforms, the state is seeking to strengthen its visibility among travellers from the region and position Kerala as a preferred destination for leisure, wellness, culture and experiential travel.
Tourism Minister Mr P. C. Vishnunadh, who presided over the event, said the Indo-Arab Connect Tourism Summit wil significantly strengthen interest among Arab travellers in Kerala as a tourism destination. He reminded the hospitality given by the Arab countries to Malayali communities over generations.
In the introduction about Indo Arab Connect, Mr Ravi Shankar K V, Managing Director of Tourism India ,said The Arab travel segment has emerged as one of Kerala’s fastest-growing source markets, with the State hosting 1.22 lakh Arab tourists in 2025 and generating more than ₹3,000 crore in tourism revenue.
Indo Arab Connect 2026 provides a dedicated platform for Kerala’s tourism stakeholders to engage directly with leading travel professionals from the Arab markets. Through structured B2B meetings, industry presentations and networking opportunities, the initiative is designed to translate market interest into meaningful partnerships, increased visitor flows and sustained business opportunities
The event welcomed 160 buyers representing 10 Arab countries; the gathering highlights the state’s role as a regional convenor for tourism cooperation and promotion. 16,632 business meetings took place, and more than 100 exhibitors from India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives showcased their offerings.
Beyond immediate trade connections, the event underscores Kerala’s broader ambition to build a more integrated and globally competitive tourism ecosystem. Stronger collaboration with international partners can help Kerala diversify its source markets, develop products aligned with Middle Eastern traveller preferences and create lasting commercial relationships that contribute to the state.
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