Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) Representatives from about 50 countries, including Australia, France and the US will participate in the fifth edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), which will be held in Kochi Sep 20-23, state Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told reporters here Monday. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will open the meet. Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni will be present.

KTM, established to promote tourism in the state, will have 312 stalls showcasing tourist properties in Kerala.

KTM will be a gathering primarily of tour operators, media persons and government agencies and others who have a stake in tourism in the state.

“The registration of buyers has touched an all-time high with 970 domestic and 570 international buyers. The number of stalls is also the highest ever with a record 312 participants from across the state who will showcase their tourist properties,” said Balakrishnan.

About 50 countries would be represented. These include groups from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the US.

Leading international airlines like Air India, Sri Lankan, Silk Air and Jet Airways will be bringing in the buyers.

“The tourism industry which includes leading hotels in and around Kochi will provide 700 rooms free of cost for the participants for three days. We have also arranged for visits to various tourists destinations across the state for the buyers, to have a feel of what Kerala tourism industry offers,” said E.M. Najeeb, chairman of the KTM Society.

The event is organised by the KTM Society with support from the state department of tourism.