The spread out of COVID-19 pandemic across the world has affected touristic activities beyond imagination; a number of prestigious global industry events either cancelled/postponed or went Digital, the 11th edition of Kerala Travel Mart is one of them. The B2B industry event (KTM 2020) which was scheduled to be organized in September has been postponed to the next year. However, the buyers and sellers – who have registered already, would be able to connect with each other through KTM Virtual 2020 this year. However, the new dates of the Virtual Mart have not decided yet.
“As per the latest reports, the current spreading rate of the COVID-19 pandemic is even beyond the assumptions and calculations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). So evaluating the current situation and travel related aspects, the Managing Committee of KTM Society held recently has decided to postpone the KTM2020 edition to the next year”, informed Baby Mathew, President, Kerala Travel Mart Society.
Due to the regulatory restrictions imposed by many countries on their citizens, there is less chance of issuance of VISA in this year. In the present scenario it will be difficult to conduct a KTM event in the month of September 2020, even though the flights may become operational by September 2020.
While elaborating more on this, Mathew said: “Nowadays, all the physical meetings and get-togethers are being held on virtual platforms for preventing and overcoming the crisis. To initiate the marketing strategies of our tourism products, to showcase them to the world and to get in touch with our potential buyers from all over the world, it has been decided to conduct a virtual travel mart (KTM Virtual 2020) by KTM Society this year.”
“All our registered valued customers/buyers can interact with our members through this digital platform. Since, the spreading of the pandemic is not under control now, it would be difficult to announce the dates of the KTM event and virtual mart at this stage. This information will be updated to you in a later stage,” concludes Mathew.
As per the latest report, Kerala has crossed 1000 mark (in a day) on July 21st as 1038 persons were tested positive for COVID-19. The state capital Thiruvanathapuram topped with 226 cases followed by Kollam with 134 cases, Alappuzha 120, Kasargod 101 and Ernakulam 92. The active cases in the state as on July 21st, climbed to 8, 818 and the death toll to 45. Chief Minister of the state Pinarayi Vijayan has hinted that the state may be forced to go for a total lockdown if cases continue to rise at the current rate.
