Global Travel Market Expo 2026 Gets Underway

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
More than 1000 tour operators from the country and abroad showcased unique tourism products at the expo that opened here today as part of the second edition of South India’s prestigious travel and trade event Global Travel Market (GTM 2026).

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Andhra Pradesh, Kandula Durgesh inaugurated Global Travel Mart Expo 2026 at Golden Palace Convention Centre near Amaravila at Neyyattinkara here.

Durgesh said Andhra Pradesh is eager to replicate the best practices from Kerala’s tourism sector. “We are really fascinated by the wellness centres, coastal tourism activities and cruise experiences in Kerala. South Indian States can join together to showcase different tourism activities to the world and it will be a unique experience for tourists,” he noted.

Durgesh suggested creation of a common platform for the tourism activities of all States to showcase the distinct tourism experiences India has in store for the world. The Minister also announced that Andhra Pradesh will be hosting the next edition of GTM.

Over 1000 domestic and international buyers and 300 corporate buyers are participating in the expo to generate new sales leads, launch new products, network with key decision-makers, increase brand awareness, and gather market intelligence.

The B2B travel and trade exhibition is organised by South Kerala Hoteliers Forum (SKHF), Thiruvananthapuram Chamber of Commerce and Industries (TCCI), Thavass Ventures, and Metro Mart, in association with Kerala Tourism and India Tourism.

Being held in multiple venues of the state capital and suburbs, the June 3-5 event is envisaged as a platform for exhibitors and buyers to build business partnerships with key global players in the travel and tourism industry.

On the occasion, Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, made a presentation on ‘Swarna Andhra Vision 2047’.

SN Reghuchandran Nair, President, TCCI, welcomed the gathering. Siji Nair, CEO, GTM; EM Najeeb, President, CKTI, and Padmarani, Chief Marketing Officer, Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, were also present at the expo inaugural ceremony.

The three-day event showcases a string of tourism circuits by connecting the major tourism centres of South Kerala. It will also feature a project to introduce Ayurveda to global tour operators.

At the expo, more than 200 stalls showcase innovative tourism products, and leading experts from the travel and tourism industry will be addressing sessions on various topics. Corporate networking sessions with participation by company representatives will also be held.

Apart from B2B and B2C meets, the event provides an opportunity for participants to network, negotiate, find the right collaborators, conduct business, and gather new insights. In addition to showcasing a range of tourism products and services, the travel expo will provide an opportunity to connect with key players in the southern region’s travel and tourism industry.

The event has over 200 stalls set up by major hoteliers and resorts, tourism boards and organisations, airlines, hotel suppliers, travel agents, tour operators, travel tech innovators, etc.

GTM 2026 features a dedicated HoReCa Pavilion to showcase products and solutions for hotels, restaurants, cafes and the catering industry. The pavilion will serve as a focused platform for business networking and sourcing. Besides, the Travancore Experience Zone showcases the adventure, culinary, culture, food, hospitality, literature, social activities and many specialties of Travancore.

Also, pavilions featuring six themes, including inbound travel operators to Kerala, outbound travel operators (both B2B and B2C), Ayurveda, yoga and wellness operators, resorts, retreats and hospitals, wedding tourism, corporate road show, homestays and serviced villas, are also part of the travel expo.

The expo is open to the public on June 5.