KOCHI:
The Tushaar Mega Tourism Fair, orchestrated by the Keralites Travels and Tours Consortium (KTTC), has emerged as a beacon of hope for Kerala’s tourism industry following the challenges posed by floods and the Covid-19 pandemic. The event, held in Kochi, showcased a diverse array of participants, ranging from destination management companies from abroad to cozy home stays, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of the sector. With an impressive registration of 746 travel agents hailing from different corners of India, this year’s fair witnessed an unprecedented influx of over a thousand travel agents. An impressive array of 100 stalls adorned the venue, encapsulating the fervor and dynamism that defines Kerala’s tourism landscape.
Santhosh George Kulangara, the esteemed chief guest, articulated a vision of bringing international students to Kerala for higher education. “If students from foreign lands choose Kerala for higher education, our educational standards will surge, propelling Kerala to the forefront of both education and tourism,” Mr. Kulangara emphasized. He further emphasized that it is imperative for Kerala’s universities to be prepared to embrace foreign students and elevate academic benchmarks, thereby attracting learners from across the globe .Reflecting on the transformations Kerala has undergone, Mr. Kulangara urged for a positive shift in the approach of the governing bodies, one that resonates with the aspirations of the new generation. He underscored the pivotal role that leaders of foreign nations play in setting an example in this regard. The event featured insightful deliberations by industry experts, advocating for a fresh and inventive approach to draw more tourists to Kerala.
Renowned YouTuber, Haris Amirali, lent his insights and perspectives to the discourse. The inauguration of the fair was officiated by KTTC President, Manoj M Vijayan, with Secretary Snoj Machingal, Treasurer Danny Jose, Joint Secretary K.R Anand, and Shaji Kallai gracing the occasion with their valuable contributions. In addition to the bustling commercial exchanges with European countries, the event also spotlighted emerging tourist destinations and Thailand.
Leading Destination Management Companies (DMCs) including Zoombi, Lewcas, and Ticket.com added their distinctive touch to the event. The fair garnered participation from an array of illustrious tour companies, travel agencies, and hospitality establishments from India and beyond. Additionally, the fair’s program encompassed stalls and seminars dedicated to Ayurvedic tourism, farm tourism, and home stays, attesting to the diverse offerings within Kerala’s tourism portfolio. Special sessions were curated to fortify the tourism sector, introduce novel destinations, and deliberate on emerging trends.
