Kochi, June 15 (IANS) Kerala is eyeing a major expansion in its Middle East tourism market, with organisers of Indo-Arab Connect 2026 setting an ambitious target of attracting 3 lakh Arab tourists to the state in the coming years, with a projected economic impact of over Rs 25,000 crore.

The summit, scheduled to be held in Kochi from August 31 to September 2, is aimed at strengthening Kerala’s presence among high-value travellers from the Gulf and wider Arab world, particularly in segments such as ayurveda, medical tourism, luxury hospitality and wellness travel.

Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh, while releasing the logo of the event, said Arab countries would play a critical role in shaping the future growth of Kerala’s tourism economy.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the summit on August 31. Organised by Tourism India in association with Kerala Tourism, industry bodies and major airlines, Indo-Arab Connect 2026 is positioned as India’s largest Arab tourism trade event.

The summit will bring together around 200 tour operators from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan and Iran, along with nearly 500 domestic buyers representing tourism, hospitality, Ayurveda and medical value travel sectors.

More than 300 exhibitors are expected to participate, including stakeholders from Kerala, other southern states, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, besides ambassadors and trade representatives from nine Arab nations.

Officials highlighted that Arab travellers are strategically important for Kerala as they traditionally visit during the state’s tourism off-season between June and September, helping stabilise revenues across the year.

The segment is also considered high-value due to strong spending on accommodation, dining, shopping and premium experiences.

Following the summit, participating international tour operators will undertake familiarisation trips across Kerala from September 2 to 9 to experience the state’s Ayurveda resorts, healthcare facilities, backwater destinations and luxury tourism offerings.

The initiative comes as Kerala seeks to move beyond conventional tourism promotion and position itself as a premium destination combining wellness, healthcare and experiential travel for the Middle East market.

–IANS

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