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KTM 2006 underscores a continuous success story
Country's premier event in the travel and tourism sector, the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), has once again scripted a success story. The third edition was nothing but a 'grand success', according to the organisers of the event. This year, a total of 1,260 representatives including buyers and sellers attended the event. The three-day mart was held at the Le Meridien Convention centre in Kochi. Participation of air travel companies, focus on medical tourism and first time participation of delegates from different countries across the world were specialities of the event.
Delegates from the US, the UK and several European and Asian countries attended the meet. The immense international popularity of 'God's Own Country' was evident from the keen participation of delegates from Argentina, Brazil, South Korea, Belarus and different Latin American countries. The presence of a 21-member delegation from Argentina was noteworthy, since traditionally Argentinean tourists preferred the US for tourism activities. The event also succeeded in showcasing the state's superiority in the tradition and practice of Ayurveda. The 550-strong international representatives showed keen interest on Kerala's new tourism products. The overwhelming enthusiasm of the international and national sellers was inspiring, according to the organisers. "The event was an effort by ordinary people who employed ordinary means to achieve something extraordinary", says Mr. Jose Dominic, President, KTM society.
Buyers showed significant interest in new products like farm, homestays and plantation tourism. The event proved that 'tourism entrepreneurs in the state had arrived', said Mr. Jose. The KTM society is hopeful that the wide exposure the destination received through the event would bring more tourists to the state. At the valedictory function of the event, Mr. B. Suman, Director, Kerala Tourism launched the KTM online. He also gave away the prizes for the best AC and non-AC stall in the mart. Carmelia Haven received the prize for the best AC stall while Tourist Desk received the prize for the best non-AC stall. Mr. Mathew Philip, Chief Executive Officer, KTM Society; Mr. E.M. Najeeb, Vice-President, KTM Society and Mr. Sam P. Samuel, Chairman, Event Management Committee, KTM also spoke on the occasion.
