India is set to host the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the country's luxury wedding and events industry. Organised by QnA International, the 17th edition of the globally recognised B2B platform for destination weddings will take place from 6–8 October 2026 at Fairmont Udaipur Palace in Rajasthan.

The announcement comes after the successful conclusion of DWP Congress Macao in April 2026 and further strengthens India's position as a leading destination for luxury weddings and celebrations. More than 350 destination wedding planners, creative partners, hoteliers, tourism boards and industry leaders from over 75 countries are expected to participate in 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 emerge as one of the fastest-growing luxury wedding destinations, attracting both large-scale domestic celebrations and international weddings seeking cultural experiences, heritage venues and world-class hospitality.

Commenting on the announcement, Sidh N.C., Director, QnA International, said: "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."

Over the years, DWP Congress has established itself as one of the most influential gatherings in the destination wedding industry. Previous editions have been hosted in destinations including Athens, Mauritius, Florence, Phuket, Los Cabos, Dubai, Lake Como, Bali, Doha, Victoria Falls, Colombo, Aqaba and Macao.

Serving as the Host Palace Partner, Fairmont Udaipur Palace will play a central role in the event. Nestled amid the Aravalli Hills, the luxury property spans 18 acres and features over 1,40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event spaces. Key venues include Jewel, one of India's largest ballrooms, Jashn Bagh and Chand Baori. The palace has been designed to blend Rajputana grandeur with contemporary luxury, making it an ideal venue for global celebrations.

Speaking about the partnership, Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace, said: "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."

Delegates attending the congress will experience curated culinary journeys, wellness activities, cultural performances and immersive destination showcases that highlight Rajasthan's hospitality and heritage. The programme will also include pre-scheduled business meetings, educational sessions, masterclasses, networking opportunities and destination presentations aimed at creating long-term business partnerships.

Highlighting changing trends in the luxury wedding segment, Vishrut Gupta added: "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."

As demand for experience-led luxury travel and destination celebrations continues to grow, DWP Congress 2026 is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing India's wedding ecosystem to the world while strengthening Udaipur's reputation as one of the most sought-after wedding destinations globally.