One of the ‘must visit’ destinations around the world, Kerala has seen a remarkable increase in the arrival of tourists within a single year as a result of the various initiatives implemented by the Government.
The annual budget for Kerala for 2017-18 proposed a major allocation of Rs 120 crore for infrastructure development at tourism destinations in the State. The government will also spend Rs 75 crore for tourism marketing activities in the coming financial year.
As per figures for the foreign tourist arrivals (FTS) in Sep 2016 showed an uptick of 5.61% and domestic tourist arrivals increased by 6.01%.
Addressing the media, K.P. Nandkumar, deputy director of Kerala Tourism, pointed out a few new initiatives to strengthen the destination and focus on giving a facelift to select tourist destinations in the state to ensure security, cleanliness, hygiene, and scientific waste management methods, apart from offering unique experiences.
Some of these initiatives are:
-A Safe Kerala App to be launched by Kerala Tourism for tourists during distress.
- Malanadu Cruise to explore North Malabar.
- Green Carpet Initiative to give a facelift to select tourist destinations in the state.
- The Spice Route Revival Project has received a boost with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) pledging support to the venture.
- Kochi Muziris Biennale, an international contemporary art festival that has rendered Kerala the tag ‘Land of Biennale’ has been allotted a whopping Rs 7.5 crore by the state tourism department to promote the third edition of the Biennale.
- A unique nature-based soft adventure holidays program Natventure with key tourism properties like Wildlife, Hill Stations, Beaches, Backwaters, etc. to explore the possibilities of adventure activities on offer.
BW Reporters
Vaishali Dar is a Senior Associate Editor with BW Businessworld and Editorial Head with BW Disrupt. She writes on corporates, start-ups, hospitality and travel
