Kerala Travel Mart 2002 (KTM 2002), the second edition of Kerala’s pioneering B2B tourism trade event, was held from October 3 to 5, 2002, at the Le Meridien International Convention Centre. Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural edition in 2000, KTM 2002 marked a significant leap forward in scale, professionalism, and international engagement.
The event brought together over 140 exhibitors representing hotels, resorts, tour operators, houseboat operators, Ayurveda centres, and destination management companies, along with nearly 1,200 domestic and international buyers from more than 50 countries. Carefully curated buyer–seller meetings formed the backbone of the Mart, enabling structured business interactions and meaningful networking opportunities that translated into tangible tourism partnerships.
KTM 2002 showcased Kerala’s diverse and distinctive tourism portfolio, including backwater cruises, wellness and Ayurveda tourism, eco-tourism initiatives, hill stations, wildlife experiences, and the state’s rich cultural and heritage traditions. Special emphasis was placed on responsible and sustainable tourism practices, reflecting Kerala’s long-term vision of balanced tourism development.
The Mart was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Kerala, A. K. Antony, in the presence of senior cabinet ministers, tourism officials, and key industry leaders, underscoring the government’s strong support for tourism as a driver of economic growth. The event stood out as a successful public–private partnership, jointly driven by the Kerala tourism industry and the state government—an approach that later became a benchmark for destination-specific travel marts in India.
Beyond business meetings, KTM 2002 featured seminars, panel discussions, cultural performances, and theme-based pavilions that highlighted Kerala’s identity as a holistic tourism destination. Traditional art forms, local cuisine, and immersive displays helped international buyers experience the spirit of “God’s Own Country” beyond the exhibition halls.
With increased international participation, improved organization, and a sharper branding focus, KTM 2002 played a crucial role in positioning Kerala as a stand-alone global tourism brand. It facilitated thousands of pre-scheduled business meetings, strengthened long-term trade relationships, and laid a robust foundation for the Kerala Travel Mart to evolve into one of India’s most influential destination-specific tourism trade platforms in the years that followed.