As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated 12th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM-2024), scheduled to kick off in five months, the event has already garnered significant attention from both domestic and international spheres. Buyer registrations have surged past the 1,810 mark, with an impressive 495 buyers hailing from high-end foreign markets.
Organized by the KTM Society with robust support from the state Tourism Department and various state and industry bodies, this four-day extravaganza, commencing on September 26, aims to showcase Kerala’s tourism prowess to a global audience.
Established in 2000, the KTM Society stands as the largest organization in India’s travel and tourism sector. Its biennial gathering is recognized as Asia’s premier tourism event, boasting strong international representation. Among the 1,315 domestic buyers registered thus far, Maharashtra leads the pack with 350 registrations, followed by Delhi (152) and Gujarat (140).
Additionally, organizers have received 364 applications for stalls at KTM 2024. “The response, both nationally and internationally, has been unprecedented,” remarked KTM Society President Jose Pradeep. “The stalls will be categorized under eight segments.”
The event’s grand inauguration will take place at Le Méridien Convention Centre in the evening on September 26, 2024, preceding three days of sessions at the Sagara and Samudrika convention centres on Willingdon Island from September 27 to 29.
Leading up to KTM-2024, a pre-mart tour is scheduled from September 22 to 26, involving media personnel, vloggers, and influencers. Following the event, a five-day post-mart tour across Kerala will take place from September 30 for select buyers of KTM-2024.
Foreign buyers at the event will represent countries such as the USA, UK, Russia, Canada, the Middle East, South Africa, and various European nations, including Scandinavia. Organizers attribute the keen interest in these regions to decades of migration of Malayalis, prompting residents to explore Kerala upon learning more about the state.
The 11th KTM in 2022 facilitated over 55,000 business interactions over three days, with 1,134 buyers (including 234 from abroad) and 325 seller stalls.
Business sessions for KTM 2024 are slated for September 27 to 29, while the expo will be open to the public on September 29.
The 12th KTM will place special emphasis on Kerala as a premier wedding destination, leveraging the state’s abundant natural beauty, cultural richness, and robust infrastructure. Furthermore, the event will spotlight Responsible Tourism initiatives, Cruise tourism and r MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), highlighting the state’s capacity to host diverse events beyond urban centres.
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