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February 15, 2026The landscape of the Indian hospitality industry is currently being transformed as a monumental gathering of experts commences in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam. This year, the National Travel Mart is being hosted with the intent of positioning the state as a premier global hub for leisure and business. Organized through a collaborative effort between the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority and the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), the event serves as a critical B2B networking platform for over 700 delegates. Significant emphasis is being placed on the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29, which aims to foster sustainable growth through substantial private sector investments. As the domestic travel ecosystem converges on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the region is being showcased as a vital link in the country’s strategic tourism infrastructure.The Secret Strategy: Is Visakhapatnam the New Global Tourism Capital?The commencement of the two-day National Travel Mart on February 13, 2026, marks a decisive shift in how regional attractions are being marketed to the world. It was observed that the event was inaugurated at PM Palem by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography, Kandula Durgesh. During the opening remarks, the initiative was described as a catalyst for a new chapter in the economic development of the state. The primary objective is stated as the promotion of diverse sectors, including coastal, tribal, heritage, and eco-tourism.By bringing together more than 500 buyers from across the country and 80 sellers from the local region, a structured environment for business-to-business engagement has been created. The participants include prominent tour operators, hotel owners, and travel agents from various states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. It is believed that these stakeholders act as brand ambassadors who are essential for increasing the visibility of the destination on the national map.The Hidden Gems: Why You Need to …
