KTM-10 expected to be attended by 2,000 delegates!

Launched in 2000, Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), which has been quoted as the biggest ever travel event in India, is back this season. Starting on September 23, KTM-2010 is expected to be attended by over 2,000 delegates from 54 countries.

Riaz Ahmed, President of KTM, told reporters, “The record registration by the buyers from different countries, including Poland, Finland, Mexico and South Africa, shows the interest of buyers’ world over in the tourism sector of Kerala. A total of 551 international and 1,621 domestic buyers have registered for KTM-10. The United Kingdom has the highest number of participants for this mart.”

‘Athithi devo bhava’ will be the theme of the sixth edition of the biennial event. “The objective behind selecting the theme was that tourism was considered as an eternal rainbow connecting the countries, continents, people and above all the ‘athithi and athitheya’,” said Mr. Ahmed.

The Kerala Travel Mart is a platform for the buyers and sellers to interact. To make it more effective, KTM is introducing the concept of ‘speed networking’—enabling the participants to meet each other at least once for two-and-a-half minutes. Mr Ahmed said that though two or three minutes may not be enough to work out a business deal, it will surely be helpful to break the ice.

The event will be held from September 23-26 at the Bolgatty Palace Hotel at Bolgatty Island, Cochin. The buyers at the KTM include tour operators, travel agents, airlines, event managers, travel writers and media personnel, or anyone who has the potential to buy the services offered by the tourism industry. The last day of the mart (September 26) will be open to the public.

Hot 'n' Yummy Steaks and Grills at Abad Atrium!

The howling of winds and the pitter patter of rains against the window panes are indeed a welcome change after a long, hot and dry summer. The monsoon is here! Monsoon is the best time to catch up with friends over a cup of hot steaming chocolate and some crunchy snacks.

Steaming hot and spicy food give you that warm feeling that makes any rainy day perfect! Get piping hot steaks and grills at the Steak fest at Abad Atrium! Atrium, located in the heart of Cochin, is offering a-la-carte dinner of steaks and grills at its Café Royale.

The wide variety to choose from is sure to make any steak enthusiast happy! Sauce Bearnaise, paupiette of steak, charcutiere and roast leg of lamb with mint sauce are some of the mouthwatering options for non vegetarians, while there is the mixed vegetable sizzler with cheese cake and cannelloni verdure for  vegetarians. Top it off with the delicious dessert of date and walnut pie and pumpkin pudding with sabayon sauce! 

Head to Abad Atrium any time between June 19^th to July 4^th and pamper your taste buds.

Culture, Football & Rains: Ingredients for The Perfect Holiday!

Being stressed at work is no fun. Plan a short holiday with the kids and make it a memorable one! Come to Cochin, a city that is a bustling commercial centre on one side and a laid-back quaint cultural outpost on the other. 

                       

Courtesy: http://www.virtourist.com/asia/india/kochi/index.html

Step in to Fort Kochi and you are in an entirely different world; it's almost like being transported to another era. The area is considered to be one of the oldest European settlements in India. The streets and ancient buildings reflects a mosaic of different cultures from diverse parts of the world. A leisurely walk down old colonial streets affords a breathtaking view of the Chinese fishing nets along beach, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Portuguese and British architecture, all finely blending in with local culture. 

Fort Kochi is also as the place for football lovers. Soak in a thrilling game of football during this season of rains in Fort Kochi! The annual Soccer Fest “Shoot the Rain” is held every monsoon at the Fort Kochi Parade grounds; this year, it is scheduled for July 3rd and 4th. The Fest brings together soccer teams from all over Kerala, setting aside all social differences.

Football and culture make for a heady mix. You can soak in some heritage during your stay here by booking into the Abad Grande Residencia! Once the beautiful house of the Koder family, the most illustrious Jewish family in Cochin, it is now one of the most gracious hospitality centres in the city. The long verandas, the Portuguese doors and windows and the open courtyard are all hallmarks of another century, which have been lovingly restored. You can also experience a hot oil bath and rejuvenate yourself at the Ayurvedic spa, Revival.

It's namaste to football and history this July! Click here to plan a great vacation now!