Kerala Travel Mart 2016, the ninth edition of India’s premier destination-specific tourism event, was held from September 28 to 30 at Samudrika & Sagara Convention Centre in Kochi. With participation from over 1,500 buyers representing 57 countries, and around 265 exhibitors from across Kerala, the event maintained its position as a powerful B2B platform for promoting the state’s tourism offerings. KTM 2016 emphasized Kerala’s strengths in Ayurveda, houseboat cruises, responsible tourism, and monsoon travel, while also unveiling new products like adventure trails, village life experiences, and culinary tourism to diversify Kerala’s tourism portfolio.
One of the key highlights of this edition was its focus on emerging destinations within Kerala, such as Bekal, Malabar, and the hill regions of Idukki and Wayanad. The Mart continued to reinforce the state’s sustainable tourism strategy by promoting eco-friendly infrastructure and community-driven tourism models. Enhanced digital registration, pre-fixed appointments, and extensive familiarization (FAM) tours offered delegates a seamless and immersive experience. KTM 2016 further strengthened Kerala’s brand identity as a serene, authentic, and welcoming destination for both leisure and experiential travelers.
