Malabar has a wide mosaic of folklore, faiths, lifestyle, cultures and tradition living in harmony

A land where god has bestowed everything in abundance and where nature is unlimited, coupled with wilderness at its best.

• A land of folklore and renowned artisans of the past and present, where curative, preventive and rejuvenation Ayurvedic therapies does wonders to one and all who visit the place.
• A land that beckons spice traders from all over the world.
• A land that fulfils every tourists needs.
• A land rich in natural wonders, history and tradition.

This is Malabar - God’s Gift To Kerala. No other place has got such a wide mosaic of folklore, faiths, lifestyle, cultures and tradition living in such harmony as in the mystical world of Malabar.

All this will be showcased at Chaliyar Hall of Kadavu resorts in Kozhikode for two days from the August 14, 2003 and enough spices will be blending in the form of cultural extravaganza on both days. The Mystiques of Malabar - 2003 - A travel mart, is a curtain raiser to showcase Malabar as a must see destination in India.

The biggest travel mart of Malabar is a synergised endeavour, organised by the department of tourism (DoT), government of Kerala. The other premier partners include the department of tourism, government of India, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). The airlines include Indian Airlines, Air-India, Oman Air, Sri Lankan Airways, Silk Air and Qatar Airways. The Malabar Chamber of Commerce, Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Malabar Tourism Board will also participate to highlight Malabar. A breakthrough in projecting Malabar as an attractive and magical destination.

This is an attempt to put Malabar and its glory on the international tourist map. This two-day buyers-sellers meet will be attended by various corporate travellers, tour planners and organisers, tour operators, print and TV, travel media and many more.

The mart hopes to rope in 75 of the best tourism product sellers under one umbrella and also expects to welcome travellers and tour promoters from India and across the globe, who promise a lot of pomp and splendour at the fair.

‘Mystiques of Malabar’ is totally different from the Mystical Malabar that was organised last time. “This is purely a business show”, said M PM Munawar, CEO, Malabar Tourism Board and chairman of Buyers Committee. “Unlike other destinations, this place has got the unique 3 C’s such as Cuisine, Culture and Cricket. Apart from this, hospitality runs through the very veins of the land,” he added.

Ashraf C C, the secretary of Malabar Tourism Board and the general convener of the organising committee of this event and the MD of Seagot Properties and Constructions explained that, “Mystiques of Malabar will highlight the Malabar region as a whole. This is not just a travel mart alone. The objectives of this fair are to ensure maximum pre-and post-publicity to Malabar and make sure that every person visiting the destination benefits. The richness of Malabar cuisine will be one of the highlights of the mart.” Malabar, one of the golden gateways of spices for dream merchants, is aiming to become an acclaimed tourist destination after this event.

Introducing tourism product like backwater serenity of Valiyaparamba and fortified Bekal beaches of Kasargode, mystic divinities and cultural pageantry of Kannur are a few on the list. The few places to be explored are 900 acres of verdant wonder of Kuruva islands, the wilderness of Wayanad, martial arts and traditional spicy cuisine of Kozhikode, unique science of life and rejuvenating Ayurveda of Malappuram, Nelliampathy. In future Malabar will emerge as a great market for both buyers and sellers.

This travel mart is looking forward to make Malabar an international tourist hub and expects to add colours to tourism dreams of this land where footprints of legendary Vasco De Gama still remains un-swept.

Let us welcome all tourists who visit this mystical and magical wonder land - Malabar and let them take memorable and enduring memories of their experiences from this truly fascinating destination.

(The author is the secretary, YHAI Kannur chapter, Pranavam, Athirakem, Mundyad, Kannur)
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