The 9th edition of India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2026) concluded successfully at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, bringing together more than 40,000 trade visitors and 1,000+ exhibiting brands across over 10,000 sq. m. of exhibition space.
Organised by India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML), IHE 2026 emerged as a major annual business platform for India’s hospitality, HORECA, foodservice and allied industries. The four-day exhibition attracted a highly targeted audience comprising hotel owners and operators, procurement professionals, chefs, restaurateurs, architects, interior designers, consultants, technology providers and hospitality decision-makers from India and international markets.
IHE 2026 Strengthens India’s Hospitality and HORECA Ecosystem
The successful conclusion of IHE 2026 highlighted the continued expansion and diversification of India’s hospitality industry. The exhibition provided an integrated marketplace where hospitality businesses could discover products, technologies, services and solutions across multiple segments.
Visitors explored a broad range of products covering hospitality infrastructure, hotel supplies, commercial kitchen equipment, foodservice solutions, bakery and confectionery, smart hospitality technology, interiors, wellness, housekeeping, security, lighting, furnishings and hospitality design.
The strong participation of procurement teams and business decision-makers also reinforced IHE’s position as a sourcing and networking platform for the hospitality and HORECA industry.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Highlights the Success of IHE 2026
Speaking on the successful conclusion of India International Hospitality Expo 2026, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML), expressed his appreciation to exhibitors, buyers, partners, industry associations, chefs, designers and visitors.
He highlighted the strong participation and business interactions at the exhibition, noting that IHE has evolved into a platform that is increasingly trusted and supported by the hospitality fraternity.
According to Dr. Kumar, the success of IHE 2026 reflects the energy, enterprise and collective vision of India’s hospitality industry and its ambitions for future growth.
India’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Continues to Expand
The strong response to IHE 2026 comes at a time when India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem is experiencing significant growth.
According to figures cited from the Ministry of Tourism, domestic tourist visits reached approximately 2.51 billion in 2023, while foreign tourist arrivals stood at around 9.95 million in 2024.
Tourism contributed an estimated 5.22% to India’s GDP in 2023–24, while the sector supported approximately 84.63 million direct and indirect jobs.
Government policy is increasingly recognising tourism and hospitality as strategic contributors to economic development, employment generation and regional growth.
The Ministry of Tourism and NITI Aayog’s 2026 report, “Unlocking Growth in Tourism and Hospitality Sector,” has highlighted the importance of simplified regulations, investment, improved ease of doing business and sustainable development across the tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
Changing Accommodation Trends Create New Opportunities
India’s accommodation sector is also undergoing significant transformation. In addition to conventional hotels and resorts, homestays, boutique properties, serviced accommodation, platform-enabled stays and experience-led destinations are becoming increasingly important components of the tourism ecosystem.
The Ministry of Tourism has expanded its support and classification framework for homestays, while the Government’s Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas initiative aims to facilitate the creation of 1,000 homestays.
These developments are creating new sourcing requirements across the hospitality value chain, including room amenities, housekeeping products, commercial kitchens, foodservice equipment, interiors, technology, wellness, design and guest-experience solutions.
IHE 2026 provided a single platform for businesses operating across these diverse requirements.
IHE 2026 Connects Buyers with Complete Hospitality Solutions
One of the key strengths of India International Hospitality Expo 2026 was its comprehensive product and solution portfolio.
Across the exhibition halls, buyers and hospitality professionals explored solutions related to hotel supplies, commercial kitchens, foodservice equipment, bakery and confectionery, smart hospitality technologies, lighting, furnishings, security, wellness, housekeeping and hospitality design.
The PPFI B2B Meets programme further strengthened the exhibition’s business proposition by facilitating direct interactions between procurement professionals and solution providers.
Amarjit Singh Ahuja, President of Purchasing Professional Forum India (PPFI), emphasised the changing role of procurement in hospitality. He highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, long-term value and trusted supplier relationships in strengthening the hospitality supply chain.
Hospitality Design Takes Centre Stage
Design and technology were important themes at IHE 2026, reflecting the changing expectations of modern hospitality businesses and guests.
The IIID Trade Connect 2026 created direct networking opportunities between designers, brands and hospitality professionals.
Meanwhile, the Hospitality Design Symposium 2026, themed “Bridging the Gap,” examined the relationship between design, technology, functionality and hospitality operations.
Hemant Sood, Chairman of IIID, highlighted the evolution of hospitality design, noting that modern hospitality spaces must go beyond visual appeal and respond to guest expectations, operational requirements and changing business needs.
One District One Cuisine Pavilion Showcases Uttar Pradesh’s Culinary Heritage
A major attraction at IHE 2026 was the One District One Cuisine (ODOC) Pavilion, supported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
The pavilion showcased the culinary diversity of Uttar Pradesh and connected regional food traditions with the commercial hospitality and HORECA ecosystem.
Visitors experienced traditional specialities including Kannauj ke Gatte, Kushinagar ka Lal Khorma, Firozabad ki Dal Moth and Agra ka Petha, along with several other regional delicacies.
The pavilion highlighted how local cuisine and cultural identity can contribute to tourism, hospitality and destination development.
Housekeepers Conclave 5.0 Focuses on Operational Excellence
The Housekeepers Conclave 5.0, organised by the Professional Housekeepers’ Association (PHA) in association with YUVA, focused on operational excellence, hygiene, sustainability and professional development within the housekeeping sector.
The programme included panel discussions, interactive team-building activities and awards.
Anil Malhotra, President of HOTREMAI, highlighted the importance of housekeeping in creating memorable guest experiences and improving service quality.
The conclave also provided an opportunity for professionals to exchange knowledge, explore innovations and discuss global best practices in hotel operations.
Culinary Masterclasses Bring Chefs and Hospitality Professionals Together
Culinary innovation was another major highlight of IHE 2026.
The exhibition hosted culinary masterclasses featuring Chef Gautam Chaudhry, Chef Vaibhav Kaushik, Chef Bharat Alagh, Chef Nand Lal and Chef Yagya Dutt Sharma.
The sessions attracted chefs, culinary professionals and hospitality enthusiasts and focused on contemporary culinary techniques, professional kitchen efficiency and evolving foodservice practices.
The culinary programmes reinforced the role of IHE as a platform connecting hospitality professionals with emerging techniques, products and industry knowledge.
Pastry Queen India 2026 and Culinary Competitions
The 5th edition of Pastry Queen India 2026 was another major attraction at the exhibition. The competition celebrated creativity, technical skills and excellence in pastry artistry.
Tisha Nair emerged as the winner of the Pastry Queen India competition and will represent India in Italy.
The exhibition also hosted the AgroPure Culinary League 2026 – Battle of Besan, highlighting culinary creativity and professional skills.
Meanwhile, the Master Bakers Challenge India 2026 attracted significant attention as professional bakers demonstrated their expertise through challenges involving Fougasse, Baguette, Bruschetta, Quiche, Pizza and the creative Freestyle Sweet Cranberries Pizza challenge.
Madhu Mandapam Highlights India’s Growing Alcobev Ecosystem
Another new addition to IHE 2026 was Madhu Mandapam, a dedicated platform highlighting India’s evolving alcobev ecosystem.
The platform brought together alcobev brands, craft producers, mixologists and hospitality decision-makers.
The Spiritz Bar Craft Challenge (Rookies) added another dimension to the programme, providing emerging mixology talent with an opportunity to showcase creativity and skills before an industry audience.
IHE 2026 Welcomes Global and Indian Hospitality Leaders
The exhibition attracted distinguished representatives from India and international markets.
Among the notable personalities associated with IHE 2026 were H.E. Napintorn Srisunpang, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Thailand; Bui Trung Thuong, Trade Counsellor, Vietnam Embassy; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML; Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH; Amarjit Singh Ahuja, President, PPFI; Shalini Kumar, Editor, Spiritz; Anil Malhotra, President, HOTREMAI; Barun Gupta, COO, Indeva Hotels & Resorts; Neeraj Dhawan, Founder & Chairman, IWIA; Hemant Sood, Chairman, IIID; and Sudeep Sarcar, ED & CEO, IEML.
Their participation reflected the breadth of the hospitality ecosystem represented at the exhibition.
IHE 2026 Reinforces Its Position as a Leading Hospitality Expo
With more than 40,000 trade visitors, 1,000+ exhibiting brands and over 10,000 sq. m. of exhibition space, IHE 2026 demonstrated the scale of India’s growing hospitality and HORECA market.
The exhibition combined business networking, procurement, hospitality technology, culinary competitions, design programmes, professional conclaves and knowledge-sharing initiatives under one platform.
As India’s tourism and hospitality sector continues to expand, platforms such as India International Hospitality Expo are expected to play an increasingly important role in connecting buyers, suppliers, designers, chefs, technology companies and hospitality professionals.
The successful conclusion of IHE 2026 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, reinforces its position as an important annual meeting point for the hospitality, HORECA and foodservice ecosystem and highlights the growing opportunities emerging across India’s rapidly evolving hospitality industry.
