Kerala Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh leads Kerala delegation
Ahead of the inbound international tourism season, Kerala has showcased its tourism packages and products at World Travel Market (WTM), London, drawing a steady stream of visitors and business partners since the three-day expo opened on November 3.
WTM London is a premier tourism fair that brings together leading destinations with tourism buyers and sellers from across the world.
Mrs. Sudha Murty, Member of Rajya Sabha and Founder-Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, officially opened the Kerala Tourism Pavilion by cutting the ribbon, in the presence of Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, Government of India, and Mr. P.C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Tourism, Cinema and Culture, Government of Kerala and Mrs. Anjana M IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism Department, was also present. Others at the occasion included Mr. Baby Mathew Somatheeram, Chairman and Managing Director, Somatheeram Ayurveda Group; Mr. Riaz Ahamed, Managing Director, Abad Hotels & Resorts; Mr. Renju Joseph, President, IATO Kerala Chapter, and Managing Director, Pioneer Personalised Holidays; Mr. Sheik Ismail, Vice President, Concord Exotic Voyages, and President, Tourism Professional Club; and Mr. Ramesh Kumar Panicker, Head of Sales & Marketing, UDS Hotels & Resorts.
P.C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Tourism, Cinema and Culture, Government of Kerala, is leading the state’s delegation, which includes trade representatives from leading travel and hospitality establishments in Kerala. Seven trade partners from the state are participating: three hotels and resorts, two Ayurvedic resorts and two tour operators. They are Abad Hotels & Resorts, Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resorts, Paul Resorts and Hotels, Pioneer Personalized Holidays, Santamonica Tours and Travels, Somatheeram Ayurveda Group and UDS Group of Hotels.
Vishnunadh said Kerala’s shift towards experiential tourism has found strong appeal at the expo, where the global travel and hospitality industry gathers to forge partnerships and long-term collaborations.
“There has been a renewed interest among travel enthusiasts in the unique attractions Kerala offers, whether it is the charming nature, vibrant culture and local community experiences or Ayurveda-based wellness,” the Minister said.
“Our tourism sector has presented holistic packages that bring together multiple experiences at the expo. Since this strategic shift is being received well around the world, we are expecting a further surge in arrivals during the upcoming season,” he added.
The Kerala Tourism Pavilion occupies 100 sq. m and is themed “State of Wonder”, bringing the spirit of the Pooram festivals to life. It recreates the grandeur of Kerala’s traditional festivities and rich cultural heritage, with caparisoned elephants, colourful parasols and spectacular cultural displays.
