13th Kerala Travel Mart opens in Kochi; state targets five million foreign tourists in five years
24 September 2026
Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM 2026) in Kochi on 24 September 2026.
He said the state has set a target of five million foreign tourist footfall and 100 million domestic tourist arrivals in five years.
In 2025 Kerala recorded 8,21,999 foreign tourist visits, up 11.33 per cent over 2024, and 2,50,58,366 domestic tourist visits, up 12.64 per cent.
The government has approved a cruise terminal at Cochin Port, and another is planned at Kozhikode.
The CM said the government is considering acquiring permanent venues for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh said KTM 2026 had more than 3,000 buyer registrations and more than 400 seller stalls.
In plain words
KTM Kerala Travel Mart — A trade fair where Kerala's tourism sellers meet buyers from India and abroad.
IFFK International Film Festival of Kerala — The state's annual international film festival held in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kochi-Muziris Biennale — A contemporary art exhibition held in Kochi every two years.