QnA International, the organiser of the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress, has announced that the 17th edition of the event will be held in India for the first time. DWP Congress 2026 will take place from 6 to 8 October at Fairmont Udaipur Palace, which will serve as the Host Palace Partner.
The announcement follows DWP Congress Macao in April 2026 and marks the first time the event will be hosted in India. More than 350 destination wedding planners, suppliers, hoteliers, tourism boards, and industry professionals from around the world are expected to attend the three-day event.
According to industry estimates, the global destination wedding market is projected to exceed USD 400 billion by 2030. India continues to strengthen its position in the segment, supported by its heritage venues, cultural experiences, hospitality infrastructure, and growing appeal among international and domestic wedding clients.
“Bringing DWP Congress to India for the first time is a defining milestone, not just for the Congress, but for the global destination wedding industry. India has long been the world’s most celebrated canvas for luxury weddings, and Udaipur, with its timeless romance and regal grandeur, is the perfect stage for this chapter. Partnering with Fairmont Udaipur Palace was an inspired choice: a property that embodies modern Indian luxury at its finest, offering the scale, warmth, and experiential depth our global delegates deserve. We look forward to showcasing India’s extraordinary wedding ecosystem to the world’s most influential names in destination celebrations,” said Sidh N.C., Director, QnA International
Now in its second decade, DWP Congress brings together destination wedding and luxury events professionals from more than 75 countries. Previous editions have been held in destinations including Athens, Mauritius, Florence, Phuket, Los Cabos, Dubai, Lake Como, Georgia, Rhodes, Bali, Doha, Victoria Falls, Colombo, Aqaba, and Macao.
A key partner for the 2026 edition is Fairmont Udaipur Palace. Located in the Aravalli Hills, the property spans an 18-acre estate and offers more than 140,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space, including the Jewel ballroom, Jashn Bagh gardens, and Chand Baori venue.
“At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, we believe in the art of celebration — creating moments that bring people together through culture, emotion, hospitality, and meaningful experiences. Partnering with DWP Congress 2026 as the Host Palace Partner was a natural extension of our vision to position Udaipur among the world’s most inspiring luxury celebration destinations. As the Congress comes to India for the very first time, we are truly excited to welcome the global wedding fraternity and bring this prestigious platform to the country in a setting that reflects the grandeur, culture, and modern luxury of India,” said Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace
The Congress programme will include pre-scheduled business meetings, educational sessions, panel discussions, destination presentations, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences. Delegates will also have the opportunity to engage with suppliers, venues, tourism authorities, and hospitality brands operating within India’s wedding and events sector.
For international attendees, the event will include a range of experiences highlighting Rajasthan’s hospitality and culture, including culinary programmes, wellness activities, cultural performances, and destination showcases.
India’s destination wedding market continues to attract both domestic and international celebrations, supported by a diverse range of venues, hospitality offerings, and event expertise. The Congress will provide delegates with an opportunity to explore partnerships and business opportunities across the country’s wedding ecosystem.
“We are seeing luxury destination weddings evolve into highly immersive, experience-led celebrations where guests seek far more than a traditional wedding format. International clientele today are prioritising authenticity, cultural connection, and personalised storytelling — and there is a growing preference for multi-day itineraries that combine celebrations with curated wellness activities, local cultural immersion, and bespoke entertainment. As India hosts DWP Congress 2026 for the first time, the story of Fairmont Udaipur Palace is really the story of a new era of Indian luxury hospitality — one that blends global sophistication with Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage, while staying true to our philosophy of Make Special Happen,” Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace
As interest in experience-led celebrations continues to grow, DWP Congress 2026 will provide a platform for industry professionals to exchange insights, develop business relationships, and explore opportunities within the global destination wedding market.
