Kerala Travel Mart 2008, held from September 20 to 23 in Kochi, marked the fifth edition of India’s leading destination-specific tourism trade fair. Despite global economic uncertainties at the time, the event saw robust participation with over 200 Kerala-based exhibitors and more than 1,000 registered buyers from around 50 countries. The Mart attracted strong interest from both traditional markets in Europe and the Middle East, as well as emerging markets in East Asia. KTM 2008 focused on strengthening business opportunities in niche segments such as wellness tourism, monsoon travel, and experiential rural tourism.
One of the highlights of KTM 2008 was its continued promotion of sustainable tourism practices, reinforcing Kerala’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community participation. The event featured cultural programs, themed pavilions, and pre-scheduled B2B meetings that fostered direct engagement between local tourism providers and global travel agents. KTM 2008 not only helped mitigate the effects of a global slowdown on Kerala’s tourism industry but also showcased the resilience and adaptability of its stakeholders in navigating market challenges while maintaining high service and sustainability standards.
