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Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2016 was inaugurated by Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala in a ceremony presided over by Mr. A.C. Moideen, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.
The Chief Minister termed KTM a shining example of a public-private partnership, and said it was a matter of pride that an initiative started in Kerala by the government is counted among the best of its type. He marked for special mention, the state’s award-winning ‘Responsible Tourism’ initiatives and the Muziris and Spice Route projects – two important sectors for Kerala’s tourism industry and the themes for KTM 2016.
Stating that the state had followed a special path in tourism, the Chief Minister said, “Our industry is dominated by small business owners who have successfully presented the different products and experiences of Kerala before the world and KTM brings under one roof almost all tourism stakeholders in the state.”
The three-day trade event has representation from 57 foreign countries including 10 first-time participants. The focus of this year's edition is on ‘Responsible Tourism (RT)’ and ‘Muziris and Spice Route’. New entrants to KTM include China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Georgia, Chile, Greece, Iran and Botswana. An exhibition of 265 stalls featuring a wide range of products, packages and services offered by stakeholders is also a part of the event.
“Tourism can become a major catalyst for social change by providing opportunities for employment, preserving traditional ways of life and engaging with local communities,” said Mr. A. C. Moideen, Minister for Tourism, Kerala. He also expressed hope that KTM would open new avenues for success for both the state and its people.
Citing the importance of tourism to the state – accounting for 10 per cent of the state’s GDP and providing employment to three million people, Dr Venu V., Principal Secretary (Tourism), Kerala said, “The Mart is seen as the spearhead for inclusive, accessible growth for tourism in the state as well as a showcase for the vibrancy of Kerala as a tourist destination.”
The ceremony saw felicitations by Prof K.V. Thomas MP and Chairman – Public Accounts Committee (Government of India), P.K. Biju MP, Mr. M. Vijyakumar, KTDC Chairman, Mr. P. Rajeev, Ex MP, and Mr. Suman Billa IAS, Joint Secretary – Union Ministry of Tourism. Mr. U.V. Jose, Director, Kerala Tourism delivered the vote of thanks. The welcome address was rendered by Mr. Abraham George, President, KTM Society. Former KTM Presidents Mr. E. M. Najeeb and Mr. Riyaz Ahmed, Mr. Jose Dominic, and Mr. M. Vijaykumar, Chairman, KTDC were also present.
Also in attendance were, Ms. Soumini Jain and Mayor of Kochi, Ms. Divya Anilkumar, Maradu Municipal Chairperson. Mr. U. V. Jose, Director, Kerala Tourism, delivered the vote of thanks.
