Despite the heavy rains and flood that has affected the state of Kerala; the much awaited 10th edition of Kerala Travel Mart will go as per the schedule. After analyzing the ground realities, the managing committee of KTM Society has decided that the Mart will be organised as per the schedule from September 27th – 30th at Kochi in Kerala.
The disastrous floods which Kerala witnessed in the month of August made the World feel that the state is pushed back 10 to 15 years, and immense time and efforts would be required to get Kerala back to the business. There were apprehensions that the business – especially tourism will be affected the most and going down like never before.
However, with the remarkable initiatives taken by the government and its people the state is reviving and getting on track sooner than expected, and ready to host the stakeholders of tourism industry at the Kerala Travel Mart.
“KTM 2018 which is only few days away will go on as scheduled and the preparations are going on in full steam. The participation of the sellers and the buyers is expected to exceed all the previous marts,” said Baby Mathew, President, Kerala Travel Mart Society.
“Though questions were raised on the impact of the recent floods in Kerala, we are fully facing the task of restoring the destination. All the hotels and resorts, especially the few that have been affected, are ready to receive their guests,” he informed.
According to him, the roads are being repaired on a war footing and are expected to be fully motorable soon. The Cochin International Airport which had to be shut down since 15th August’18 has now been fully restored with all the schedules (both International and Domestic) being maintained as before.
Over 100000 volunteers helped people rebuild their lives by personally handling over things required to start back their life. Over 15000 volunteers reported at Allepy and 3000 at Munnar to clean up the destinations. Over 1000 people worked tirelessly to ensure the Cochin airport opens by 29th August and 35 flights landing on that day. People around the world have donated Rs. 800 crores (as on 1st Sep) to the Chief Ministers Relief fund.
The inaugural function will be held at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty with a cultural show followed by dinner on 27th September. The Mart will be organised at Samudrika & Sagara Convention Centre, W. Island, Cochin. Entry to the venue on 28th & 29th Sep’18 is permitted to only the Buyers and Sellers (Exhibitors) who’ve been registered prior to the Mart. In an attempt to give a first-hand experience KTM Society will conduct pre and post mart tours for the delegates and media participating at the event.
