The Hindu Business Line : KTM proves a tourism booster, say organisers

THE just concluded Kerala Travel Mart 2004, the prestigious event to showcase the State outside the world, will help boost the tourist inflow into the State on account of the large number of participation of buyers from various parts of the world, say the organisers of KTM.

According to them, around 800 buyers participated in the meet and were satisfied with what was on offer at the three-day fair. In all, 512 international buyers from countries such as Australia, Poland, Egypt, the US, China and Japan interacted with the sellers. The number of domestic buyers who came from different parts of India stood at 286.

Altogether 171 stalls exhibited the diversity and richness of God's Own Country. The announcement that `The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club,' France, had chosen Kerala Backwaters as the best in the world created enthusiasm among the participants.

The four-time winner of the award for the best tourist State in India, Kerala Tourism received another coveted honour when Super Brand India Ltd chose Kerala as one among the 100 super brands of India.

KTM Society had taken special care to get quality buyers and there was a fairly large contingent from Japan and China. This added to the lustre of the event fostered through a unique public-private partnership, the organisers said.

A large contingent from Europe with over 40 operators, and 50 journalists from different parts of the world also attended the event. Many first time buyers from Czech Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Portugal, Kenya, Israel, Greece and Turkey took part in KTM 2004.

KTM has become a role model to be emulated by other States and even at the national level. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and India Tourism have already announced plans to organise similar marts.

Apart from conventional tourism products such as backwater resorts, ayurveda packages and beach tourism, it was the innovative ones that caught the attention of the buyers. New segments that have evolved include plantation tourism, eco-tourism, nature and wildlife tourism, ayurvedic houseboats and small home-stays.

The two seminars held as part of the event focused on the need to promote sustainable tourism without harming the environment and fragile eco-systems of the State.

According to officials, the total revenue from tourism in the State touched Rs 5,983 crore while forex reserves on this account was Rs 938 crore. The State also witnessed 2.94 lakh international tourist arrivals in 2003, a growth of 26 per cent over the previous year.