Reminiscences From MTTM-05

Pramod Kumar. T

The mega event to promote Malabar kickstarted in an emphatic manner under the spell of enthusiasm and hospitability. Held at Chaliyar hall of Kadavu Resort, the inaugural ceremony of Malabar Travel and Tourism Mart (MTTM) 2005 is the second edition of mystiques of Malabar, which was showcased in 2003.

Speaking on the inaugural address Ommen Chandy, the Hon. Chief Minister of Kerala, expressed that government is keen to realize an international airport at Kannur very soon. "The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, three months ago had agreed in principle to go ahead with this venture. New modalities were being worked to give shape for successful implementation of the spectacular idea, which I hope, will change the very face of Malabar," he continued. "My Government will make all measures to implement the dream city project of Kozhikode also. Tourism projects can be implemented with the help of active participation of private entrepreneurs and tourism will remain the backbone of Kerala."

The inaugural session was presided over by K.C.Venugopal, Hon. Minister of Tourism. Speaking on the occasion, he said that Malabar was enriched with all innovative tourism products like serene back waters, silver sands, hill stations, wild life sanctuaries, culture and cuisine and hospitality was a singular character in their vein. "We do have quite handful number of on-going tourism projects in Malabar. All can be turned to fruitful benefits with admission of private participation also," he added.

Bharat Bhushan, the principal secretary Tourism, while making his address to a huge gathering of buyers, sellers, media writers said, "This four day mega event is an attempt for colouring tourism dreams of Malabar. For past one and half decade Kerala has been attracting tourists all over the world." Anilkumar, Hon. Minister for culture, and other dignitaries also attended the occasion. B.Suman, director of Kerala Tourism, expressed vote of thanks at the venue.

The second day was much vibrant with a series of tourism seminars. Sixty-four stalls exhibiting various tourism products like deeply muted virgin wonder of silent valley, largely forested hill stations of Nelliyampathy, untouched pristine beauty of Parambikulam, healing magic of ayurveda, martial wonder of Kalari, salubrious and misty Wayanad, silver sands of Muzhapilangad, divinity of Theyyam and serene backwaters of Valiyaparamba etc. were beautifully packed under one roof at the exhibition hall.

Jose Dominic, managing director, Casino Group of Hotels, explained how to create Malabar as a branded product. He emphasized that branding will create excellent image to sold out tourism products under single umbrella. At the second seminar B.S.Rathore, the chairman of all India Resort Development Association, explained a new concept in tourism ie, vacation ownership, which is a value-added concept in resort business.

M.K.M Iqbal, associate professor of Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College, depicted what ayurveda was all about. Mohanlal, the director of eco-tourism, Kerala, gave a clear picture on potential of Malabar in eco-tourism and various eco-tourism initiatives in Malabar undertaken by Government of Kerala.

Third day opened with a spectacular seminar on medical tourism. Presentations were made by Azad Moopen, chairman of MIMS. He felt that presence of large number of potential doctors would surely give a competitive advantage to Kerala, making it more cost effective and also the medical procedures in Kerala for undergoing treatment was quiet simple. T.Damu, vice-president, corporate affairs, Taj Group of Hotels, stressed on importance of eco-tourism. While Dr.Anand Chipulankar, senior vice-president IDC Ltd, Delhi, spoke on the various investment opportunities in Malabar.

The valedictory function was staged at picturesque Wayanad where mist clad mountains and its valleys resounded with celebrations. Participants were welcomed by traditional hospitality of Vytiri resort. An exquisite presentation on Wayanad was made at valedictory hall.

The author is a Nature Writer and can be contacted on E-mail: tpramodnair@rediffmail.com