Travel buyers call for stronger overseas promotion of Kerala tourism
Foreign buyers at the Kerala Travel Mart have urged stronger international marketing of the State’s destinations and cultural diversity. Tour operators from South Korea, Brazil, Kenya, Hungary, the United States, Wales and other markets highlighted Kerala’s wellness, backwaters, heritage, nature, food and homestay offerings while also citing safety and wider awareness as important factors.
Foreign buyers attending the 13th Kerala Travel Mart have called for stronger overseas promotion of Kerala’s destinations, culture and tourism experiences. Tour operators from several countries said Kerala had potential to attract more visitors through campaigns that highlighted its diverse landscapes, heritage, wellness services and local lifestyles. Han Jae Chiul, a South Korean tour operator, said India and Kerala needed to increase tourism promotion in Korea.
He said only a small proportion of South Korea’s outbound tourists visited India and noted that safety was an important consideration for Korean travellers. Juliana Teles of Brazil said Kerala was gaining attention as a destination for relaxed and incentive trips, as well as wellness tourism. She added that the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur remained more familiar in Brazil.
Sarah Musyimi, a Kenyan operator, praised the event’s arrangements and described a Water Metro trip as part of her experience. She said the mart had showcased Kerala’s culture alongside Ayurveda and wellness. Katalin Radvanyi of Hungary highlighted heritage sites in Mattancherry and Fort Kochi, including the Paradesi Synagogue, Dutch Palace and St.
Francis Church. Other buyers expressed interest in packages combining nature, wildlife, experiential travel and luxury accommodation. Tour operators also pointed to Kerala’s backwaters, food, local art, homestays and landscapes as advantages.
Mayla Melo of New York said homestays offered visitors a more customised way to experience local life. The buyers’ comments came during business meetings at the five-day travel mart in Kochi, where foreign operators were assessing Kerala’s tourism products and possible packages.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.