The 12th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), held from September 28th to 30th, 2024, has etched its name in the annals of tourism history, emerging as Asia’s largest tourism event. This remarkable achievement was driven by the staggering number of business-to-business (B2B) meetings facilitated during the three-day event, exceeding 75,000. This figure marks a significant leap compared to the previous edition in 2022, which recorded approximately 55,000 B2B interactions.
Shri Jose Pradeep, President of the KTM Society, proudly declared that KTM 2024 has played a pivotal role in the transformation of Kerala’s tourism sector. He highlighted the event’s strategic integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), further enhancing its effectiveness. Shri S. Swaminathan, Secretary of the KTM Society, elaborated on the seamless interaction facilitated through the dedicated KTM software. Over 75,000 meetings, both pre-scheduled and impromptu, were conducted using the user-friendly QR code system, streamlining the process.
The event drew a diverse crowd, attracting over 2,000 domestic buyers from various Indian states and approximately 800 international buyers representing 75 countries. All these stakeholders converged at the Sagara-Samudrika Convention Centre in Willingdon Island, creating a vibrant hub of tourism activity.
Inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, KTM 2024 showcased 347 stalls meticulously arranged across an expansive area of 150,000 square feet. The event adhered to rigorous green protocols, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Furthermore, four insightful seminar sessions were organized, focusing on crucial topics within the tourism industry. These sessions aimed to position Kerala as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism and wedding/honeymoon packages, further solidifying its standing as a premier travel destination.
KTM 2024 stands as a testament to Kerala’s commitment to promoting tourism, fostering growth, and showcasing its diverse cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes to the world. The event’s success underscores the state’s potential as a leading tourism hub in Asia, attracting visitors from around the globe.
