Why Thousands Are Flocking To India’s 2026 National Travel Mart In Visakhapatnam: You Must See This!

Published on February 15, 2026

The landscape of the Indian hospitality industry is currently being transformed as a monumental gathering of experts commences in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam. This year, the National Travel Mart is being hosted with the intent of positioning the state as a premier global hub for leisure and business. Organized through a collaborative effort between the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority and the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), the event serves as a critical B2B networking platform for over 700 delegates. Significant emphasis is being placed on the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29, which aims to foster sustainable growth through substantial private sector investments. As the domestic travel ecosystem converges on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the region is being showcased as a vital link in the country’s strategic tourism infrastructure.

The Secret Strategy: Is Visakhapatnam the New Global Tourism Capital?

The commencement of the two-day National Travel Mart on February 13, 2026, marks a decisive shift in how regional attractions are being marketed to the world. It was observed that the event was inaugurated at PM Palem by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography, Kandula Durgesh. During the opening remarks, the initiative was described as a catalyst for a new chapter in the economic development of the state. The primary objective is stated as the promotion of diverse sectors, including coastal, tribal, heritage, and eco-tourism.

By bringing together more than 500 buyers from across the country and 80 sellers from the local region, a structured environment for business-to-business engagement has been created. The participants include prominent tour operators, hotel owners, and travel agents from various states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. It is believed that these stakeholders act as brand ambassadors who are essential for increasing the visibility of the destination on the national map.

The Hidden Gems: Why You Need to Visit Araku and Gandikota Now!

A major highlight of the mart is the focus on the Seven Anchor Hubs identified by the government. These hubs, which include Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam, and Gandikota, are being developed under a hub-and-spoke model. This strategy is intended to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the surrounding rural and tribal areas.

Specific thematic panels have been structured to discuss the potential of these regions. For instance, the session titled Rediscovering Andhra’s Hidden Gems focused on the dramatic landscapes of Gandikota, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of India. Simultaneously, discussions regarding Sacred Trails highlighted the spiritual significance of Srisailam and the various Shakti Peethas located within the state boundaries. These presentations are designed to align the strengths of the region with the evolving trends of modern travelers who seek experiential and community-based journeys.

The 20,000 Crore Secret: How Big Money is Changing the Coastline

The financial scale of the current tourism push is unprecedented. It was revealed by Minister Kandula Durgesh that agreements worth ₹20,088 crore have been signed for 117 different projects over the past 18 months. These investments are projected to facilitate the creation of approximately 1.22 lakh jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.

Furthermore, the new tourism policy has accorded industry status to tourism projects. This designation allows for various incentives, such as subsidies, SGST reimbursements, and exemptions on stamp duty. A single-window system has also been implemented to reduce procedural delays and ensure that infrastructure projects are completed within the stipulated timelines. The goal is to increase the state’s classified room inventory from 3,500 to over 10,000 rooms by 2029, catering to the anticipated influx of high-end travelers.

The UN Spotlight: Why This Tiny Village is Winning Global Awards

Sustainability and community-led models are being prioritized as the cornerstone of future growth. During a high-level panel, Vivek Acharya, the Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, cited the success of Dudhmaras village in the Bastar district. This village was recently recognized by the United Nations as a model for sustainable rural tourism.

The integration of local communities into the tourism value chain was emphasized as a necessary step for the success of projects in Andhra Pradesh. For example, the introduction of a farm-to-table model is being encouraged, where local resorts purchase produce directly from nearby farmers. This ensures that the revenue generated by visitors flows directly into the rural economy rather than being confined to the formal hospitality sector. The Araku Valley region is currently being utilized as a pilot site for various energy-efficient technologies, including air-source heat pumps, to align with the national Net Zero vision.

The Next Big Thing: Is Caravan Tourism Finally Arriving in India?

Innovative travel experiences are being introduced to diversify the current offerings. It was announced that plans are underway to introduce caravan tourism specifically for the route between Visakhapatnam and Araku. This initiative is aimed at catering to the Gen-Z and digital-era travelers who prioritize flexibility and adventure.

Additionally, the state is positioning itself as a competitive destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and destination weddings. The picturesque coastline of Visakhapatnam is being marketed as an ideal backdrop for corporate events and luxury celebrations. The focus on these niche segments is expected to drive year-round footfall, reducing the seasonality often associated with traditional travel.

A National Movement: Can This Mart Double the Number of Tourists?

The National Travel Mart is viewed as the first step toward achieving the Swarna Andhra Tourism Vision 2047. The objective is to make the tourism sector contribute more than 20% to the state’s Gross Value Added. With the support of both the state and central governments, the focus remains on building world-class infrastructure and providing seamless connectivity.

As the event concludes, participants are being taken on familiarization (FAM) tours to experience the diverse landscapes firsthand. It is hoped that these visits will translate into new travel itineraries and strengthened business linkages. The gathering in Visakhapatnam serves as a testament to the fact that when policy, investment, and community engagement align, the potential for growth is limitless.