The picturesque town of Nilambur is preparing to welcome tourism industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across South India for its first-ever Tourism Conclave on January 6-7, 2026, at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) campus.
The two-day event, organized by Nilambur Tourism Organisation with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Department of Tourism, aims to position Nilambur as an emerging destination for eco-tourism, heritage stays, and experiential luxury tourism.
High-Profile Inauguration
The conclave will be inaugurated on January 7 by Suman Billa IAS, Director General and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. P V Abdul Wahab MP, Chairman of the Nilambur Tourism Fest organizing committee, will preside over the function, while MLA Aryadan Shoukath, serving as General Convenor, will welcome attendees.
A key highlight of the inaugural session will be the presentation of a comprehensive masterplan for Nilambur’s infrastructure development by Debashis Ghosh, Executive Vice President of Infrastructure Development Corporation Karnataka Limited.
Strategic Platform for Industry Growth
According to Abdul Wahab MP, the conclave serves as an action-oriented platform designed to provide strategic industry partners, investors, hoteliers, and tour operators with a significant first-mover advantage in this emerging market. Participants will gain proprietary access to the Nilambur Destination Masterplan, offering insights into planned infrastructure and development zones.
The event will feature participation from senior government officials including K Biju IAS, Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala; V R Vinod IAS, District Collector of Malappuram; and representatives from IDFC Foundation and local panchayaths.
Travel Mart and Familiarization Tours
On January 6, former Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar MLA will inaugurate the Nilambur Travel Mart, while Linto Joseph MLA will flag off ‘Explore Nilambur’ familiarization tours. These tours will allow more than 100 leading tour operators from South India to experience firsthand the region’s touristic attractions.
Focus on Sustainable Development
General Convenor Aryadan Shoukath MLA emphasized that the conclave goes beyond mere promotion, fostering structured dialogue on governance, connectivity, conservation, infrastructure, and community participation. The event prioritizes inter-departmental collaboration across tourism, forests, railways, revenue, and local administration.
Expert Sessions and Networking
The conclave features multiple seminar sessions covering topics including:
- Scope of homestay and farm tourism business
- Opportunities in ecotourism and responsible tourism
- Role of tourism in local economy development
- Collaborative planning and destination development
- Solo and women travel initiatives
Prominent industry experts participating include Abraham George, former KTDC President; Rupesh Kumar K, CEO of Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society; film director and sculptor Rajeev Anchal; Mr. Cherian T Ramapuram, Executive Director, Evolve Back Resort, Bangalore; Former Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Vinay Luthra (Retd. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt of Karnataka); Dr. P. Pugazhendi IFS (Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt. of Kerala); Sri. Madhukar Roat (DRM-Southern Railway); Ms. Loveleen Arun (Founder, Director, Panache World); Mr. Ravisankar K.V (Managing Editor, Tourism India); Mr. Sivadathan M P (President, HATS); Tourism Marketing expert and Wellness Consultant Mr. R. Ravi Varma; Mr. Vipin Chandra (Secretary, DTPC, Malappuram); and senior officials from forest departments, railways, and tourism boards.
Round table discussions with high officials and dedicated B2B networking sessions will enable participants to forge essential partnerships with policymakers, investors, and local stakeholders.
Positioning Nilambur as Model Destination
Through policy dialogues, knowledge sessions, and travel mart engagements, organizers aim to position Nilambur as a model for inclusive, responsible, and future-ready tourism. The region’s ecological richness and cultural heritage present significant opportunities for sustainable tourism development that benefits local communities while preserving natural resources.
The conclave represents a crucial step in placing Nilambur on India’s tourism map, with stakeholders working collaboratively to create new tourism products that will shape the region’s market positioning and long-term success.
Leave a Comment