New Delhi: The Central tourism department has set dates for the India Tourism Mart (ITM) days ahead of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM). The ITM will be held at the Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi from September 16 to 18, while KTM's 10th edition is scheduled for September 27-30 in Kochi.

Union minister of state for tourism Alphons Kannanthanam said the ITM would be organised with support from all states and the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality. The minister said the ITM was intended to project India better in the international tourism market and thus raise more revenue. It would be organised on the lines of travel marts in Berlin, London and Dubai. Nearly 300 pavilions would feature different tourism products in India. Business meetings woul dbe held alongside, he said.

Entrepreneurs were expected from north America, west Europe and east Asia, the country's major tourism markets. The mart would present travel facilities at India's main tourism spots, airports, hotels etc. It had been decided to organise similar events every year, the minister said.

Better coordination

Kerala tourism secretary Rani George said the Centre had clarified that ITM would be organised in future only after considering the KTM schedule too. "We've informed the Centre that if the events are held on subsequent days, it will be convenient for the businessmen and for those who set up pavilions," she said. She added that the response was positive. KTM is held once in two years.

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