Where travel business meets opportunity, the much-anticipated India International Travel Mart (IITM) opened in Cochin, marking another significant milestone in India’s travel and tourism calendar. Being held from 8 to 10 January 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthra, IITM Cochin brings together the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity under one roof, reaffirming its position as Kerala’s largest multi-destination travel exhibition.
Celebrating 25 years of empowering travel partnerships, IITM continues to serve as a vital platform connecting destinations, businesses and decision-makers from across India and overseas. The Cochin edition is expected to attract a wide cross-section of travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, destination management companies and tourism boards, offering a dynamic environment for networking, collaboration and new business opportunities in a rapidly evolving travel marketplace.
The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of several industry veterans and dignitaries, reflecting the strong institutional support behind the event. Among those present were representatives from Tourism Malaysia, Rajasthan Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, as well as senior leaders from key travel trade bodies including TAAI, TAFI, FICCI KESC, Kerala Travel Mart Society and the Tour Operators Association of India, underscoring IITM’s relevance as a unifying platform for the industry.
This year’s IITM Cochin features over 150 exhibitors representing 15 Indian states and more than 10 international destinations, highlighting an expansive range of travel offerings spanning pilgrimage, adventure, culture, wildlife, wellness and experiential tourism. Tourism Malaysia joins as the Partner Country for the 2026 edition, while several Indian states actively promote their destinations, products and services to both trade visitors and consumers.
The timing of IITM Cochin aligns with India’s broader economic outlook for 2026, as the country continues its trajectory as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Structural reforms, infrastructure development and digital transformation, combined with a growing middle class and rising disposable incomes, are significantly boosting travel demand. Post-pandemic travel behaviour has further accelerated this momentum, with travellers increasingly seeking new experiences, international exposure and curated journeys.
India’s outbound travel market, in particular, continues to witness remarkable growth, driven by improved air connectivity, new airports, expanded visa access and a rapidly growing passport-holding population. Indian travellers are now recognised among the world’s highest spenders per outbound trip, reinforcing the importance of platforms like IITM in facilitating international tourism partnerships.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director of Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, organisers of IITM, noted that the Cochin edition has evolved into a landmark gathering for South India’s travel trade. He emphasised that IITM is more than an exhibition, describing it as a powerful business platform that enables discovery, dialogue and long-term partnerships in one of India’s most promising travel markets.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director of Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, stated that IITM Cochin continues to grow in scale and influence, with increased participation from across India and international markets. He highlighted that the exhibition reflects the diversity, vibrancy and immense potential of the travel and tourism sector, while offering unmatched opportunities for networking and collaboration.
With dedicated showcases for domestic destinations, international tourism boards, luxury and experiential travel, travel technology and sustainable tourism solutions, IITM Cochin once again reinforces its role as a catalyst for growth and innovation. As India’s travel story unfolds city by city and connection by connection, IITM remains at the heart of shaping the future of travel in the region.
