Kerala Tourism spotlights Gulf market at Dubai fair

Kerala Tourism is intensifying its efforts to attract Gulf visitors by showcasing the state's attractions, wellness offerings, culture, nature, and adventure experiences at the Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai. The state's Tourism Minister, P. C. Vishnunadh, visited the Kerala pavilion at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the four-day trade fair, meeting with UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.

The visit highlighted the state's longstanding ties with the UAE and the significance of the Middle East as a key visitor market. Kerala Tourism reported that 26,255 visitors from the UAE traveled to the state in 2025, emphasizing the market's value for the region. The state's 69-square-meter pavilion, themed "Green Peace – Yalla Kerala," featured visuals of hill stations and green landscapes, alongside displays of tourism products.

The presentation highlighted Kerala as a year-round destination, emphasizing Ayurveda and wellness, beaches, backwaters, cultural experiences, and adventure travel. Six Kerala-based tourism businesses participated as co-exhibitors, offering accommodation, wellness, and tour products directly to buyers. The Arabian Travel Market 2026, held from September 14 to 17, served as a platform for commercial partnerships, destination marketing, and discussions on travel trends.

The UAE utilized the event to launch "Visit UAE," its first unified federal tourism identity, aiming to present the country as an integrated destination and foster stronger cooperation among tourism stakeholders.