Kerala Travel Mart 2004, the third edition of the biennial B2B tourism showcase, was held from September 29 to October 2, 2004, in Kochi. By this time, the Mart had gained national and international recognition as a focused platform for connecting Kerala-based tourism service providers with global buyers. The event saw participation from over 160 exhibitors and welcomed more than 800 domestic and international buyers, representing countries from Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. This edition further strengthened Kerala’s reputation as a holistic destination offering backwaters, Ayurveda, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage experiences.
KTM 2004 emphasized Kerala’s growing potential in niche tourism segments such as wellness, responsible travel, and rural tourism. With increased government support and strong industry participation, the event facilitated thousands of business meetings and long-term trade partnerships. The Mart also featured cultural performances, themed pavilions, and curated familiarization trips to key destinations across the state. KTM 2004 not only contributed to the state’s tourism revenue but also reinforced the effectiveness of the public-private partnership model in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
