Kerala’s Tourism Stakeholders Adopt 9-point CSR Charter for KTM 2016

KOCHI:
The ninth edition of the largest gathering of tourism stakeholders in the state, Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), will kick-start in Kochi on September 28.
“Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event at Hotel Le Meridien on September 27, on World Tourism Day,” announced Kerala Travel Mart Society President Abraham George.
The Society has adopted a comprehensive 9-point charter to address major concerns at tourism hotspots as it gears up to host the ninth edition of India’s biggest travel event focused on a single destination.
Launching the initiative — a Corporate Social Responsibility (SR) project of the KTM Society — at a press briefing here today, KTM Society President Abraham George said the effort to maintain Kerala, a sustainable destination and offer better service to the customers is laudable.
“The Society has representation from tourism stakeholders across the state. Hence, the collective effort to adopt and implement the charter points aims to project Kerala as a sustainable modern destination and improve the visitors’ experience in the state,” said President.
The 9-point agenda for action calls for measures to tackle waste management, promote organic farming, efficient use of energy and extensive use of local produce and products.
Other key areas in the checklist are rain-water harvesting, reducing the use of plastics, and improving greenery.
“As we gear up to host the ninth edition of KTM, the members have identified nine key issues that need to be addressed. The charter was unanimously accepted and we are committed to implementing it. Many of the members have already started working towards the implementation,” added Abraham George.
The three-day Mart will be held at Samudrika and Sagara Convention Centre, Willingdon Island from September 28 to 30, 2016. 57 foreign countries will be represented at the trade event this year, including 10 first time participants.
The ninth edition of the biennial event will focus on ‘Responsible Tourism’ and ‘Muziris and Spice Route.
“We will see the biggest-ever delegate contingents from 10 traditional markets,” said the President. “We are confident that KTM 2016 will be a great success in showcasing Kerala to the world, strengthen the brand image of ‘God’s Own Country’ and help our state’s tourism industry grow even bigger.”
“The themes chosen for this year’s event are of particular significance. Responsible Tourism intends to promote community participation and sustainability as envisioned in our policy, while ‘Muziris and Spice Route’ will revive our legacy as a histor
ic maritime and trade centre,” added Abraham George.
The new entrants to KTM include China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Georgia, Chile, Greece, Iran and Botswana. Domestic buyers from 20 Indian states are also participating in the event which is the country’s biggest travel show focused on a single destination.
The number of registered international delegates attending KTM 2016 has swelled to 560. Domestic participation has been buoyed as well with some 1,304 domestic buyers expected to participate this year.
KTM 2016 is being organized by the Kerala Travel Mart Society in association with the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. The exhibition at KTM will have 265 stalls featuring a range of products, packages and services offered by businesses and entrepreneurs.
The venue will also host a series of seminars and discussion forums led by experts from the sector. The venue will be open to public on the third day, September 30.