Inaugurating the first edition of the Global Travel Market (GTM 2023) at The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel in Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammed Khan expressed his relief at witnessing nations accelerating climate action by adopting sustainable and inclusive models. He emphasized that the concept of sustainability and inclusivity had been reinforced by the recent G-20 leadership summit, which highlighted the pivotal role of tourism in advancing social and economic development.
Governor Khan also stressed the importance of strengthening heritage tourism in a culturally diverse country like India, which holds immense potential. He noted that modern travelers are conscious of their ethical and ecological concerns and seek authentic experiences that connect them with the nature, people, and cultures of the places they visit.
Quoting from ancient Indian texts like the Upanishads, the Governor highlighted that respect for nature and environmental preservation have been ingrained in Indian culture for centuries. He commended Kerala for its paradigm shift towards promoting Green Tourism, with a focus on preserving ecology, culture, and heritage.
Acknowledging Kerala’s age-old fame as a tourist destination, Governor Khan noted that awareness about the cultural and educational aspects of tourism is on the rise.
GTM 2023, an annual B2B travel and trade exhibition, is organized by the South Kerala Hoteliers Forum (SKHF), Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industries (TCCI), Tavaz Ventures, Metro Media, and Citrine Hospitality Ventures.
During the event, Goa Governor Mr. PS Sreedharan Pillai inaugurated the Seminar Sessions, which will discuss various topics under the theme ‘Experience the Essence of South India: Where Culture Meets Nature.’ SKHF President Mr. Sudeish Kumar presided over the function, and GTM CEO Mr. Siji Nair welcomed the gathering. Several dignitaries, including Mr. Prasad Manjali (GTM Chief Coordinator and General Convenor), Mr. Reghuchandran Nair (TCCI President), Mr. MR Narayanan (SKHF Vice President), Mr. EM Najeeb (President, Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry – CKTI), Mr. Kottukal Krishnakumar (President, Kerala Tourism Development Association), and Mr. Baby Mathew (Immediate Past President of KTM), were also present.
Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Mr. Shelley Salehin, delivered a special address following the inaugural function.
Minister for Finance Mr. KN Balagopal is scheduled to inaugurate the travel and trade exhibition of GTM 2023 at the Travancore International Convention Centre, Greenfield International Stadium, Karyavattom, on September 28 at 10:15 a.m. Recognized tour operators and travel agents can attend various sessions at the expo venue through spot registration on September 28 and 29.
A familiarization tour is planned for September 30 to introduce delegates to captivating tourist attractions such as Jatayu Earth Centre, Ashtamudi Lake, Poovar, Thiruvananthapuram city, Varkala, and Kovalam.
The expo will be open to the public for visitation on September 30.
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