Kochi: Indo-Arab Connect 2026 concluded in Kochi, charting a new direction for the historic tourism and trade ties between India and the Arab world. The global gathering opened up new opportunities in tourism, investment and cultural exchange. Amaljith Menon, Vice Chairman of ICL Tours and Travels, was honoured with the ‘Young Entrepreneur’ Award for his notable contributions and achievements in the travel and tourism sector. He received the award from Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan at a prestigious ceremony held in Kochi.
The event brought together leading tourism professionals, policymakers and prominent investors from India, the GCC countries and other Arab nations. P.C. Vishnunath, Minister for Tourism and Culture, inaugurated the gathering. Rashid Kakkatt, President of the Association of Arab Tour Operators; K.V. Ravishankar, Managing Director of Tourism India Media Group; and Deepak Joy, MLA, were among those who addressed the gathering. ICL Group stated that the award recognises the outstanding contributions and growth achieved by young entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism sector.
As part of Indo-Arab Connect 2026, a B2B meet, travel expo and Global Tourism Awards were also organised. The international platform provided opportunities to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation between the two regions while exploring new markets and business opportunities.
