Tourism India Alliance Announces TEX 2026: India’s Most Anticipated Tourism Exchange Returns with a Grand Edition in Odisha

Gopalpur-on-Sea, Odisha — December 19, 2026: Tourism India Alliance (TIA), one of India’s most rapidly expanding not-for-profit tourism bodies with more than 450 members across over 80 cities, has announced the return of its flagship event, the Tourism Exchange (TEX 2026). Following the overwhelming response to TEX 2025 in Pushkar, the 2026 edition is set to take place at the scenic Mayfair Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Gopalpur-on-Sea, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, 2026. This year’s event is positioned as one of India’s most comprehensive gatherings for tourism professionals, drawing participation from state tourism boards, global tourism bodies, industry experts, travel companies, media and influencers.

TEX 2026 has been conceived as a powerful platform that unites every segment of the travel and tourism ecosystem. Over three days, delegates will engage in immersive knowledge-sharing sessions, insightful panel discussions, meaningful networking events, and dedicated business meetings that aim to accelerate partnerships and spark new opportunities. With more than 300 delegates and over 30 exhibitors expected from across India and overseas, the event seeks to shape conversations around the future of tourism in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This year’s edition brings together distinguished voices and thought leaders who continue to influence and redefine the contours of Indian tourism. The keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, whose vision and leadership have been central to India’s tourism growth initiatives. He will be joined by renowned experts such as Hitesh Motwani, who will speak on artificial intelligence and its growing relevance in tourism; Amar Choudhary, who will lead a session on motivation and leadership for the travel trade; Abhishek Agarwal, who will decode GST and compliance frameworks for tourism businesses; Hemant Mediratta, who will explore the evolution of luxury travel in India; Rajeev Kohli, who will bring insights on inbound tourism; and industry leaders including Naveen Kundu and Arun Srivastava from the Ministry of Tourism.

Elevating the event further is the participation of several state tourism boards including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, each set to showcase their latest initiatives and destination offerings. Adding an international dimension, representatives from the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau will also be present, expanding the global relevance of TEX 2026.

A highlight of the event will be the Tourism India Alliance Awards for Excellence in Tourism 2026, an annual celebration that recognises and honours outstanding achievements across the tourism sector. The awards aim to spotlight innovation, leadership and sustainable practices while acknowledging individuals and organisations that are contributing significantly to the advancement of Indian tourism. Categories span various segments of the industry and will acknowledge excellence in travel services, destination management, representation, transportation, luxury travel, MICE, marketing leadership, women entrepreneurship and technology-driven tourism initiatives.

Speaking about the forthcoming edition, a spokesperson from Tourism India Alliance shared that TEX has evolved into a national movement that inspires collaboration across the tourism value chain. They emphasised that the 2026 edition will not only highlight emerging opportunities but also encourage meaningful dialogue to shape India’s position as a strong and resilient tourism destination on the global map.

TEX 2026 will be held from January 8 to 10, 2026, at the Mayfair Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Gopalpur-on-Sea, Odisha. The event is expected to serve as an important milestone for industry professionals, tourism boards and global partners seeking to engage with India’s rapidly transforming tourism sector.

Tourism India Alliance remains committed to strengthening the country’s tourism ecosystem by fostering cooperation, promoting sustainable development and enabling growth pathways for all stakeholders involved. With its steadily expanding network and impactful initiatives, TIA continues to play an important role in advancing India’s tourism vision. Website Link: https://www.tiaconnect.org/