Kerala popularly known as God’s Own Country is the perfect holiday destination of India as the state has picturesque landscapes, exciting getaways and rich culture and heritage. As a ritual, the state’s department of tourism brought a 360 degree preview of India’s favourite destination; the essence of which was captured in one single event in the national Capital on Tuesday. The event gave a glimpse of the rich culture, extravagant heritage, magnificent landscapes, cuisine, music and art all in one show which was inaugurated by PI Sheik <g data-gr-id="49">Pareeth</g>, IAS.
Kerala Tourism has declared the period from April 2015 to April 2016 as ‘Visit Kerala Year’ and an array of activities are planned as part of it. In the wake of the fresh initiative, Kerala Tourism will explore new markets like China and Sri Lanka. PI Sheik <g data-gr-id="50">Pareeth</g> said that Festivals tourism is the initiative where Kerala Tourism will organise events and exhibitions to enhance the festive mood in the state starting from Onam in August, Nishagandhi Festival (where renowned dancers perform Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi) in January till Vishu in April.
A comprehensive calendar of festivals and events will be prepared to facilitate the process. Kerala is about to be promoted as a major “Wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) destination” through online campaigns. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) will come up with special discounted packages during the period.
Sheik said that the emphasis is to promote Ayurveda as a part of medical tourism. A new campaign, ‘Home of Ayurveda’ was also launched to promote Ayurveda through all media. ‘Bekal’ has been introduced as a new destination in North Kerala. Yatri <g data-gr-id="51">Nivaas</g> will be built in places which are not yet covered by government hotels and guest houses. “A Yatri <g data-gr-id="52">Nivaas</g> will be coming in Varkala very soon,” he added.
Government of Kerala has also rolled out a lot of initiatives till date with the ‘Seaplane Project’ and ‘Project Muziris’ being the latest projects which were rolled out last year in order to enhance the travel experience and add to its array of attractions.
While the former project is aimed towards improving last mile connectivity by air to its destinations across the state, the latter is directed to reinstate the historical and cultural significance of the legendary port of Muziris, which makes a part of Central Kerala.
For the Seaplane Project, the immediate plan is to provide service initially in the priority circuit, consisting of the three airports of Trivandrum, Cochin & Calicut and the prime destinations viz. Astamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom and Bekal in the state.
Another initiative is the ‘Spice Route Revival Project’. Kerala’s initiative to revive and promote the two millennia-old spice route that links the <g data-gr-id="37">south western</g> coast of India up to Europe, through tourism has received a boost with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) pledging support to the venture.
Other initiatives include a unique nature— based soft adventure holidays program <g data-gr-id="43">Natventure</g>. The idea behind this is to use the key tourism products — Wildlife, Hill Stations, Beaches, Backwaters, etc. Kerala <g data-gr-id="44">Natventure</g> activities include Trekking, Camping, Rock Climbing, Jungle, Wildlife Safaris, Bird Watching, Cycling, Kayaking, Canoeing and Paragliding.