Mysuru: The Mysuru Travels Association (MTA) is set to organise the Mysuru Travel Mart (MTM)-2026 with the objective of promoting tourism in Karnataka and strengthening Mysuru’s position on the national and global tourism map.
The three-day tourism and hospitality event will be held from June 5 to June 7 at the Jagannath Centre for Arts and Culture (JCAC) in Vijayanagar, Mysuru. The event will be conducted daily between 10 am and 8 pm in collaboration with the Central and State Tourism Departments, Karnataka Tourism Department, Mysore Hotel Owners Association, SKAL International-Mysuru and several other organisations associated with the tourism industry.
Organisers said the travel mart aims to create a strong platform for tourism promotion, networking and business opportunities involving stakeholders from across India and abroad.
Union tourism minister to inaugurate event
According to organisers, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is scheduled to inaugurate the event on June 5 at 11 am.
The inaugural programme is also expected to be attended by Karnataka Tourism Minister H. K. Patil, District In-charge Minister H. C. Mahadevappa, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and Chamaraja MLA K. Harish Gowda.
Organisers stated that the presence of tourism industry leaders, policymakers and elected representatives would provide momentum to discussions surrounding tourism infrastructure, promotion and investment opportunities in Karnataka.
Panel discussions on tourism and development
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, MTA and FOAM President B S Prashanth said a series of panel discussions featuring tourism experts and industry stakeholders will be organised on June 6.
The discussions will focus on subjects such as “Media and Tourism”, “Film City in Mysuru” and “Tourism and Sustainable Development”.
According to organisers, these sessions are intended to explore strategies for strengthening Karnataka’s tourism sector while ensuring environmentally sustainable growth and better global visibility.
Experts from the hospitality, travel, media and tourism sectors are expected to participate in the deliberations.
Tourism and hospitality awards planned
As part of the event, organisers will also host the ‘SKAL International Mysuru Tourism and Hospitality Awards’ ceremony to recognise outstanding contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry.
Around 15 individuals and organisations associated with hotels, resorts and tourism development activities are expected to be honoured during the awards night.
The awards aim to acknowledge efforts made by tourism stakeholders in promoting Mysuru and Karnataka as key travel destinations.
Officials said the recognition programme would encourage innovation and quality service within the tourism and hospitality sector.
Exhibitors from across India and abroad
The travel mart will feature tourism stalls and exhibition spaces representing Mysuru, Kodagu and several other districts of Karnataka.
In addition to participants from within the state, tourism exhibitors from various parts of the country including Jaipur in Rajasthan, Bhubaneswar in Odisha, Kerala, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir are expected to take part in the event.
Organisers also stated that international tourism exhibitors will participate, providing opportunities for networking, tourism promotion and business collaboration at a wider level.
About 250 hosted buyers from across India are expected to attend the event along with nearly 10,000 visitors during the three-day programme.
Tourism sector eyes major boost
Tourism stakeholders believe the event will significantly contribute towards enhancing Mysuru’s visibility as a cultural, heritage and tourism destination.
Mysuru remains one of Karnataka’s leading tourist hubs due to its palaces, heritage sites, cultural festivals and proximity to wildlife and hill destinations such as Kodagu.
Organisers said the travel mart will provide a valuable platform to showcase Karnataka’s tourism potential while creating opportunities for travel operators, hotels, tour agencies and hospitality businesses.
President of SKAL International-Mysuru and Chairman of MTM-2026, C A Jayakumar, along with Mysore Hotel Owners’ Association President C Narayangowda, were present during the press meet announcing the event.