THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
As Kerala’s tropical climate, natural resources and human capital provide a highly favourable environment for wellness tourism, the government should focus more on promoting this sector to tap the global market, said speakers at a seminar held on the sidelines of the ongoing GTM Expo 2023.
“With the government support stakeholders of Ayurveda will be able to come up with innovative marketing strategies to tap on the massive scope of rejuvenation therapy and associated treatments thereby promoting wellness tourism at the global market”, Ayurveda promotion Society President Sajeev Kurup said at the seminar on ‘Wellness Tourism and Ayurveda: A path to holistic well-being’ held at Global Travel Market (GTM) venue Travancore International Convention Centre, Greenfield International Stadium, Karyavattom here.
Somatheeram Ayurveda Group CMD Baby Mathew, who moderated the session, said since Ayurvedic food, medicine, and cosmetics are of high demand globally it is important to strengthen the marketing and promotion of Ayurveda and wellness.
President of International Health and Medical Forum of World Malayalee Council, Dr Jimmy Lonappan Moyalan, emphasized the need to promote Ayurveda in a sustained and systematic manner by projecting Kerala’s unique strengths in this time-tested wellness system.
General Secretary of Kerala Classified Hotels and Resorts Association (KCHRA) Kottukal Krishnakumar also spoke at the session.
Speaking at a session on ‘The Copper Plate Circuit: Rediscovering India’s southern edge’ Dileep Kumar of Imperial Hotels said the concept of copper plate circuit will promote exploring the less explored destinations in south India.
“Through the Copper Plate Circuit, the travel freaks can unravel the mystical circuit that offers 46 magical destinations by choosing the path less travelled, beginning from Madurai and culminating in Thiruvananthapuram. The circuit traverses through locales and landscapes that have cultural and historical significance, each offering a unique facet of South India’s enchanting story”, Dileep said.
GTM CEO Siji Nair and GTM Chief Coordinator and General Convenor, Prasad Manjali were also present at the seminar sessions.
The first edition of South India’s prestigious travel expo being held as part of GTM 2023, an annual B2B travel and trade exhibition is organised by South Kerala Hoteliers Forum, Thiruvananthapuram Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Tavaz Ventures, Metro Media, and Citrine Hospitality Ventures from September 27 to 30.
The expo is open to public on September 30.
As part of promoting spiritual tourism the entire delegates at the GTM were provided with ‘Unniyappam’, the famous prasadam from Kottarakara Ganapathy Temple.
More than 1000 trade visitors, 600 plus domestic and 100 international tour operators and 100 plus corporate buyers are attending the summit.
A familiarization tour will be organised on September 30 to introduce the delegates to riveting tourist attractions like Jatayu Earth Centre, Ashtamudi Lake, Poovar, Thiruvananthapuram city, Varkala and Kovalam.
The event has 200 plus stalls put up by major hoteliers and resorts, tourism boards and organisations, airlines, travel agents, tour operators and travel tech innovators.
