Kerala Travel Mart 2006, the fourth edition of the state’s flagship B2B tourism event, was held from September 27 to 30, 2006, in Kochi. The Mart continued its upward trajectory, with over 180 Kerala-based exhibitors and nearly 1,000 buyers from more than 45 countries. This edition saw an increased interest from emerging markets such as China, Russia, and Eastern Europe, reflecting the growing global appeal of Kerala as a tourism destination. The event provided a comprehensive platform for showcasing Kerala’s tourism products—from luxury resorts and Ayurveda retreats to houseboats, eco-lodges, and heritage homestays.
KTM 2006 placed a special emphasis on Responsible Tourism, aligning with Kerala’s vision of sustainable and community-driven travel development. The Mart also featured workshops and panel discussions on global tourism trends, destination marketing, and innovation in hospitality. With its professional organization and strong government backing, KTM 2006 reaffirmed its position as India’s most influential destination-specific travel mart. It not only boosted inbound tourism but also helped shape policy dialogues and business models around quality, sustainability, and local stakeholder engagement in Kerala’s tourism sector.
