India International Travel Mart Bengaluru 2026 Begins With A Grand Tourism Push As Karnataka Welcomes Global Travel Leaders, Hospitality Experts And Industry Giants To Build New Partnerships

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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July 27, 2026 11:35 GMT+5:30

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The India International Travel Mart (IITM) Bengaluru 2026, recognised as one of South India’s leading B2B platforms for the travel and tourism industry, officially opened today at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. The prestigious event was inaugurated by Mr. KJ George, Honourable Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka.

The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent representatives from the tourism, hospitality, aviation and travel sectors. Key dignitaries present at the inauguration included Dr. V Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Secretary, Government of Karnataka; Mr. Shivaprasad PR, IAS, Managing Director of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) Ltd.; Mr. Sivaram Babu, IFS, Managing Director of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.; Mr. K Syamaraju, President of SIHRA and Karnataka Tourism Society; Mr. Amish Desai, MC Member of TAAI; Ms. Jyoti Varma, Country Manager – India, Global Business Travel Association; Smt. Sanjeevi Singh, Chairperson – South India, ETAA; Mr. Mahalingaiah, Chairman of IATO; and Mr. Ganesh Basavaraj, Vice President of Karnataka Tourism Forum.

Running from 23 to 25 July 2026, the three-day travel exhibition has created a major networking platform for the global tourism community. The event brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including tourism boards, state tourism authorities, international destination representatives, hotels and resorts, airlines, cruise operators, destination management companies, travel technology firms, tour operators, travel agents and other tourism service providers from India and international markets.

IITM Bengaluru 2026 aims to strengthen business partnerships, promote new travel experiences and showcase emerging tourism opportunities while connecting industry professionals under one platform. The exhibition highlights Karnataka’s growing role as a key destination for tourism investment, innovation and global travel collaborations.

The event has emerged as a dynamic networking and business hub for the travel industry, offering professionals a valuable opportunity to introduce innovative products, build stronger industry connections and discover new growth prospects within one of India’s rapidly expanding travel markets.

A strong presence of buyers from Bengaluru and major feeder regions such as Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, Belagavi, Davanagere, Shivamogga, Salem, Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupati and several other South Indian cities is adding further momentum to the event, with wide participation from key travel stakeholders.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Sri K.J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and
Tourism, Government of Karnataka, said, “Tourism continues to be a significant
contributor to Karnataka’s economy, creating employment, promoting
entrepreneurship and showcasing our rich cultural and natural heritage. Platforms
such as the India International Travel Mart play a vital role in connecting
destinations with the industry, encouraging collaborations and enhancing
Karnataka’s position as a preferred tourism destination. I congratulate the
organisers for bringing together the tourism fraternity under one roof and wish the
event every success.”
Tourism Secretary, V Ram Prasath Manohar added “the sector plays a larger role
than attracting visitors, and contributes immensely to employment generation,
investment and economic development. Our goal is to position Karnataka as
India’s preferred tourism destination by fostering strong partnerships between the
government, investors and the tourism industry.”
Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia &
Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., organisers of IITM, said: “Bengaluru has always been one of
India’s most dynamic travel markets, making it an ideal destination for the India
International Travel Mart. IITM continues to provide a highly effective business
platform where exhibitors can engage directly with quality travel buyers, tour
operators, corporate planners and industry professionals. The enthusiastic
response from exhibitors and buyers reflects the growing confidence and
optimism within the travel and tourism sector.”

The exhibition brings together more than 850 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of tourism offerings from across India and around the world. The event presents diverse travel segments, including domestic and international destinations, luxury holidays, leisure travel, pilgrimage tourism, adventure experiences, wellness retreats, MICE tourism, cruises, hospitality solutions, travel technology, insurance services and other supporting sectors.

Alongside the exhibition, the India International Travel Mart (IITM) Bengaluru will host a comprehensive programme featuring business networking opportunities, destination showcases, product unveilings and B2B meetings. These platforms allow exhibitors, travel professionals and buyers to build valuable partnerships, explore new business possibilities and strengthen connections across the global tourism market.

For more than 20 years, the India International Travel Mart has grown into one of the country’s most recognised and reliable travel trade platforms. The event has played a key role in connecting tourism businesses with quality buyers from major domestic and international markets. The Bengaluru edition is expected to create fresh commercial opportunities while contributing to the continued growth and development of India’s travel and tourism industry.

Key Highlights of IITM Bengaluru

The growing popularity of the Indian passport has opened new possibilities for travellers seeking fresh destinations and unique experiences. IITM Bengaluru provides an ideal platform for travel professionals to discover new markets, establish partnerships and expand their tourism networks.

• The event showcases an extensive collection of holiday packages covering more than 1,000 destinations across India and overseas markets.
• More than 850 exhibitors will participate this year, presenting travel products from over 25 international destinations and 20 Indian tourism destinations, making IITM Bengaluru a major platform for discovering future travel opportunities.
• Karnataka will serve as the host state for the prestigious travel exhibition.
• Odisha Tourism, Kerala Tourism and Rajasthan Tourism will participate as Partner States, highlighting their unique tourism experiences and attractions.
• Punjab Tourism, Chhattisgarh Tourism and Madhya Pradesh Tourism will feature as Feature States, promoting their diverse cultural, heritage and natural tourism offerings.
• Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Meghalaya, Diu and Daman, and Lakshadweep will be presented as Focus Destinations, showcasing their distinctive travel experiences.
• Fly91 will participate as the Partner Airline for the event, strengthening aviation connectivity and travel opportunities.
• The exhibition will provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the incredible diversity of India, from vibrant cultures and heritage sites to breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable journeys.
• Travel agents and tour operators will gain a valuable opportunity to connect with partners representing more than 25 international destinations and over 25 Indian states.
• Industry professionals can expand their travel portfolios by discovering new products, destinations and emerging tourism trends.

The event will highlight a broad spectrum of travel categories, including adventure tourism, international holidays, visa services, pilgrimage journeys, cultural experiences, wildlife tourism, conferences, wedding destinations and premium leisure travel.

With its strong focus on networking, collaboration and innovation, IITM Bengaluru continues to serve as a major meeting point for the travel industry, bringing together destinations, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality brands, travel companies and professionals under one platform.

Sphere TravelMedia Director, Sanjay Hakhu, added: “Bengaluru has
consistently emerged as one of India’s strongest source markets for domestic,
international, leisure, pilgrimage and business travel. The city offers tremendous
opportunities for tourism stakeholders to engage with a knowledgeable travel
trade and an increasingly travel-savvy consumer base, making IITM an ideal
platform for business generation. Tourism thrives on collaboration. The India
International Travel Mart provides an environment where tourism boards,
airlines, hotels, travel agencies, technology companies and service providers can
come together to forge new partnerships, exchange ideas and create sustainable
business opportunities that benefit the entire travel ecosystem.”

Highlights:

The Indian passport is opening new doors for travellers, creating exciting opportunities to discover fresh destinations and experience the diverse wonders of the world. IITM provides the perfect platform for travel professionals to connect, build partnerships, exchange ideas, and create new business opportunities with global tourism stakeholders.

• Explore an extensive collection of holiday packages covering more than 1,000 destinations across India and international markets.
• Discover a vibrant showcase featuring 250+ exhibitors, representing more than 8 international destinations and 20 Indian tourism destinations, making IITM a major destination for travel partnerships and industry networking.
• Karnataka Tourism will take centre stage as the Host State of the event.
• Odisha Tourism, Kerala Tourism, and Rajasthan Tourism will participate as the Partner States, highlighting their unique experiences and attractions.
• Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh Tourism will be presented as the Feature States, showcasing their rich heritage, culture, nature, and tourism offerings.
• Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, and Delhi will be highlighted as the Focus States, bringing forward their diverse travel experiences.
• Experience the true spirit of Incredible India, featuring its extraordinary landscapes, traditions, colours, culture, and unmatched hospitality.
• Travel agents and tour operators will gain an exclusive annual opportunity to connect with partners from more than 25 international destinations and over 25 Indian states, expanding their business networks and travel portfolios.
• Discover new opportunities, strengthen industry connections, and add innovative travel products to your offerings.
• Explore a wide range of travel segments including adventure tourism, international holidays, visa services, pilgrimage journeys, cultural experiences, wildlife escapes, MICE tourism, wedding destinations, and unforgettable leisure experiences.