Kerala Tourism will hold tourism trade meets in ten Indian cities to encourage people to visit the state in greater numbers.
Speaking to , P Muraleedharan, Deputy Director, Kerala Tourism, said the meet coincides with the festival season and would provide opportunities for tourism industry players in Kerala.
"The 11th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) will commence on September 24, 2020," Muraleedharan told .
He said domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala in 2019 saw an overall increase compared to last year.
Muraleedharan said that after successful completion of the first phase of its domestic marketing campaign, Kerala Tourism will kick off the second phase with a string of partnerships orgzed by ten Indian cities.
The event will be held on January 23 in Visakhapatnam. It will he held in Kolkata on January 28, in Guwahati on January 30, in Amritsar on February 11, in Chandigarh on February 13, in Delhi on February 23, in Jaipur February 20, in Bengaluru on March 3 and in Chennai on March 5, 2020.
Kerala Tourism Secretary R George said the increase in domestic tourist footfalls was a reiteration of the fact that powerful promotional campaigns connect with people instantly.
"Travelers from across India will find the state not only heritage-rich and enchanting but also a welcoming destination, especially with Vishu, Thrissur Pooram and a host of other festivals lined up," she said.
Satarupa Datta, an Assistant Director with the Tourism Ministry, said the mart was a grand occasion for art lovers to get acquainted with some of the best and most talented artists in India and also enjoy the magical performances of Odissi, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Mpuri, Mohiniyattam, Chhau, and Kuchipudi.
( With inputs from ANI )