The Hindu Business Line : Kerala to play host to global conventions

THE efforts to position Kerala as a MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) destination have yielded results, said Mr K.V. Thomas, Minister for Tourism and Fisheries, while speaking at the Kerala Tourism Awards distribution ceremony on Wednesday.

This, he said, is evident from the fact that the State will play host to a number of large international conventions over the course of this year. Over the next few years, efforts will be on to turn the tourism sector, which is the largest employer, into a main source of revenue.

With this objective in mind, the State's Department of Tourism is focusing on areas such as heritage tourism, creation of adequate tourism infrastructure and protection of environment.

Initiatives such as the establishment of a `model village' in each district of the State are part of this effort, Mr Thomas said.

Kerala's tourism industry has received a boost in 2003, with a record 30 per cent growth in international tourist arrivals. However, a concerted effort to improve the `tourist experience' is required if this growth is to be sustained.

Later, the Minister presented the Kerala Tourism Awards, including several special awards and a lifetime achievement award.

The `G.V' Raja award for lifetime achievement in tourism was presented to Ms Thangam Philip, the well-known culinary expert and author for her outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry.

A special award for `contribution to tourism in Kerala' was presented to Mr K.K. Mohandas, proprietor of the Kochi-based Kumar Taxis.

Special awards were also presented to a number of people associated with the tourism industry in Kerala, including awards for the most tourist friendly autorickshaw driver, tourist policeman, tour guide and so on. Awards were also presented to various hotels and tour operators.

The Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Ms J. Chandra, Member of Parliament, Mr V.S. Sivakumar, Chairman of the Awards Committee, Mr D. Babu Paul, Tourism Secretary, Mr T. Balakrishnan, Chairman - Tourism Awareness Committee, Mr K.M. Roy, and Director for Tourism, Mr Alkesh Kumar Sharma, also addressed the gathering.