Cochin Hosts India’s Biggest International Travel Mart in 2026, Featuring Key Destinations from Malaysia, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jammu And Kashmir, and More

Published on January 9, 2026

By: Paramita Sarkar

The India International Travel Mart (IITM) kicked off in Cochin on January 8, 2026, at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthra, bringing together over 150 exhibitors from 15 Indian states and 10 international destinations. The event, which runs until January 10, 2026, is set to be the largest-ever showcase of the Indian travel and tourism sector, highlighting the country’s expanding tourism industry and global appeal. The event presents a unique opportunity for industry professionals to network, explore new partnerships, and engage in discussions on sustainable tourism and wellness.

What Is IITM 2026?

The India International Travel Mart (IITM) is an annual exhibition that serves as a critical business platform for stakeholders in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Held at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the event has attracted an extensive list of participants, including travel agencies, hoteliers, tour companies, and destination marketers. The 2026 edition of the event is being touted as the largest yet, with 150 exhibitors from 15 Indian states like Rajasthan, Kerala, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as international participants representing destinations like Malaysia, Bali, and Thailand.

Where Are the Key Destinations Showcased?

The exhibition is a visual and informational treat for attendees, offering an immersive experience into the best of Indian and international tourism. Leading destinations include:

• India: Rajasthan, Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Meghalaya, Delhi, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh.
• International: Malaysia is the Partner Country, while Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan are also prominently featured.

The show offers a glimpse into a variety of tourism categories, including pilgrimages, adventure travel, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and wellness travel. With Tourism Malaysia as the partner country for this year’s event, there is a special focus on eco-tourism and sustainable travel, promoting responsible tourism practices.

Why Is IITM Important for the Travel Industry?

As one of India’s largest travel exhibitions, IITM provides tourism professionals with the chance to form collaborations, create partnerships, and develop joint ventures that will define the future of Indian tourism. With representatives from key tourism boards, travel tech companies, and eco-friendly initiatives, IITM 2026 encourages networking and knowledge sharing.

In addition to the international and domestic exhibitors, IITM features specialized pavilions showcasing luxury travel, experiential tourism, and travel technologies that are reshaping the travel sector. For those interested in sustainable tourism, the event includes discussions and exhibits that focus on eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism, and conservation efforts aimed at preserving India’s natural and cultural heritage.

What Are the Key Highlights of IITM 2026?

The 2026 edition of IITM promises to be a landmark event in the tourism industry, offering participants:

• Over 100 exhibitors representing 15 Indian tourism destinations and 5 international countries.
• Focus on sustainable tourism, with dedicated showcases on eco-friendly travel solutions, community-based tourism, and wellness tourism.
• Partnership opportunities for tourism boards, tour operators, and hospitality providers.
• Diverse travel packages, offering everything from pilgrimages and adventure tourism to cultural pursuits and wildlife safaris.
• Rajasthan and Odisha are the Partner States, while Telangana, Meghalaya, Delhi, and Punjab are featured as highlight states.

The event also shines a spotlight on India’s outbound travel market, which has seen impressive growth. The country is now home to over 96 million passport holders, with the number expected to exceed 100 million in 2026. According to industry reports, India’s outbound travel market is set to surpass $44 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of over 11%.

How Is India’s Economy Affecting the Tourism Sector?

India’s robust economic growth in 2026, bolstered by the government’s focus on infrastructure development, digital transformation, and manufacturing under initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’, is contributing to the surge in domestic and international travel. The country’s growing middle class, higher disposable incomes, and changing cultural views have all led to increased demand for travel experiences.

With more than 7.2% of India’s population holding passports, there is a noticeable increase in the desire for both domestic and international travel. As tourism rebounds from the aftermath of the pandemic, the Indian travel market is experiencing a paradigm shift, with a focus on sustainable travel and new experiences that cater to the diverse tastes of the modern traveler.

What Will the Future of IITM Look Like?

Looking forward, IITM is expected to grow even further, with more international participants and an even wider variety of destination offerings. The event will continue to serve as a catalyst for business collaborations, partnerships, and new opportunities in the tourism sector. As India’s travel industry continues to expand, IITM will remain at the forefront of innovation and collaboration, helping both domestic and international players tap into the immense potential of the Indian market.

Conclusion:

The India International Travel Mart 2026 in Cochin is set to be a milestone event for the Indian and global travel industry. With 150 exhibitors, a diverse array of destinations, and a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism, this exhibition provides an invaluable platform for networking, collaborating, and discovering new opportunities in the travel market. As India’s economy continues to rise and outbound travel surges, IITM is poised to be a key player in shaping the future of the tourism industry, both in India and across the globe.