The stage is set for the Malabar Tourism Expo, the first endeavor of the Malabar Tourism Council (MTC) to create awareness among tour operators, both domestic and outside, about the potential of travel and tourism in northern Kerala.
The expo, to be held at the city’s Hotel Malabar Palace on Saturday, is expected to be a shot at the tourism sector in the region, which is limping back after a setback during the pandemic.
MTC President Sajir Padikkal said over 150 property owners from northern Kerala, where they are represented, will take part in the event. “Reasonable housing is the key to the development of any destination. On the other hand, we need multiple destinations for a property to be attractive enough,” said Mr. Padikkal.
Thus the tourism department’s plans such as introducing Fam2 Malabar, North Kerala destinations to tour operators from within the country and abroad, as well as steps to uncover new destinations in each local body go hand in hand with promoting tourism. Huh. , He added.
Apart from Hyderabad, Mangaluru, Trichy and Madurai, representatives from Maldives, Malaysia and Finland will participate in the expo.
“Most of the tour operators in our state are focusing on outbound tourism, sending people from Kerala to other states or countries. This is an initiative to make them familiar with what we have here, so that they can help in the reverse process, bring tourists from those countries to our part of the country,” Mr Padikkal said.
Ports and Museums Minister Ahmed Deverkovil will inaugurate the meeting at 11.30 am and will distribute tourism awards to Shahil Mariam Mundakkal (MTC Council Award) and NK Mohamed (Tourism Leadership Award) for their contribution in this field. Chemand’s travel coordinator VV Yusuf will be felicitated on the occasion.
Mr Padikkal said that a tourism meet of this magnitude is being organized in North Kerala after 17 years. The event will also mark the launch of the Malabar Tourism Council.
Entry to the expo is free.