Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Saturday, Jan 11, 2003
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Saturday, Jan 11, 2003 |
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Industry & Economy
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Tourism Kerala Tourism lines up slew of projects for GIM Our Bureau
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Jan. 10 THE Department of Tourism intends to place Rs 1,500 crore worth investment proposals for consideration of the Global Investor's Meet (GIM) to be held in Kochi on January 18-19. Preferred locations such as Wagamon and Bekal will be showcased as destinations for development, while a slew of proposals such as the Theerapatham canal walkway project, a star hotel at Nedumbassery airport in Kochi and the Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Science, along with 25 other destination development projects, will be presented with a view to attracting bidder interest, according to Mr Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Director, Tourism. The State Government is in possession of the land required for most of the developmental works, which will be formally presented at the GIM by a team headed by the Tourism Minister, Prof K.V. Thomas. "We are confident about investment being committed in the sector as tourism has emerged as the most promising in recent times", Mr Sharma said. Several leading industrial groups, including those from abroad, have expressed interest in Wagamon, where a holistic health destination is being developed over an area of 1,800 acres. A number of them have already conducted reconnaissance missions to the location nestling in the higher reaches of Idukki district. A New Delhi-based consultant is preparing a detailed master plan, comprising a five-year micro plan and a 30-year macro development plan. Among the facilities expected to come up at the site are ayurvedic centres, naturopathy centres, a mini golf course, retreat centres, eco-lodges and research and interpretation centres. The Department of Tourism will provide basics infrastructure facilities such as roads, water supply, electricity and waste disposal plants in order that private entrepreneurs find it worthwhile betting their money on Wagamon. At Bekal in Kasaragod district, six sites are ready to receive investment money. Several leading hotel groups within the country had evinced interest in setting up properties at Bekal, Mr Sharma said. As for Malayattoor, the State Government owns land and building for housing the proposed Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Science. The Institute will come up on the premises where the local chapter of the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies currently operates from. The 25 minor tourism projects to be presented at GIM included those relating to aquariums, oceanariums, development of beaches and ayurvedic parks in the Malabar region, water sports centres, cultural villages and water-based recreational facilities at Ashtamudi.
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