Kochi, September 2026: Kumarakom is attracting growing attention from overseas travel professionals at the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2026, with international buyers showing strong interest in the destination's backwaters, wellness experiences and responsible tourism initiatives.

The interest comes as KTM 2026 records its highest-ever international participation, with 380 buyers from 59 countries attending the tourism trade event in Kochi. The United States has sent the largest contingent with 38 buyers, followed by the United Kingdom with 35, Russia with 30 and the United Arab Emirates with 23.

According to KTM organisers, overseas buyers are looking beyond conventional sightseeing and are increasingly interested in experiences that combine nature, culture, wellness and local lifestyles. Ayurveda and traditional wellness, heritage tourism, responsible tourism, backwater experiences and eco-friendly travel are among the products attracting attention at this year's mart.

Kumarakom fits the emerging international travel trend

Kumarakom's mix of Vembanad Lake, backwater cruises, village experiences, traditional cuisine, and responsible tourism positions the destination well for this changing international demand.

Unlike a holiday focused solely on resort accommodation, Kumarakom offers visitors opportunities to experience the landscape and everyday life of the backwater region. Itineraries for travellers seeking more immersive holidays can incorporate boat journeys through canals, village activities, local food, traditional fishing, and agricultural experiences.

Kumarakom has also been recognised by Kerala Tourism as an important Responsible Tourism destination, with community participation forming a significant part of its tourism model.

International interest extends beyond established destinations

The strong overseas participation at KTM 2026 is also creating opportunities for destinations beyond Kerala's traditional tourism centres.

KTM officials said international buyers are showing interest not only in established destinations such as Fort Kochi, Kumarakom, Munnar and Wayanad, but also in lesser-known places that can offer distinctive experiences. This expanding interest could help distribute tourism activity to a wider range of destinations and local communities.

For Kumarakom, this creates an opportunity to position the destination not simply as a backwater holiday location, but as a multi-experience destination combining nature, culture, wellness and responsible tourism.

Global exposure for Kumarakom

The latest interest from international buyers follows a series of initiatives that have increased Kumarakom's exposure to overseas audiences. Earlier this month, a 38-member delegation of content creators representing 19 BRICS countries visited Kumarakom and experienced its backwaters, village life and local cuisine.

Such international exposure, combined with direct business meetings at KTM, could help travel companies in different countries include Kumarakom in new Kerala itineraries and holiday packages.

The destination's established reputation in backwater tourism, together with its responsible tourism credentials and growing range of experiential products, gives Kumarakom several opportunities to respond to the changing preferences of international travellers.

With KTM 2026 bringing together hundreds of overseas buyers and Kerala tourism businesses, Kumarakom is receiving another important platform to showcase its backwaters and community-based tourism experiences to the global travel market.