The Hindu Business Line : Kerala embarks on off-season tourism

Mumbai April 9 Packing your bags to see God in God's Own Country in the monsoons? Yes, off-season tourism is the new mantra from the State's tourism department for the coming rains. Kerala normally sees a rush of tourists between October and March. However their new slogan is: `Anytime's a good time to visit Kerala'.

Speaking to newspersons on Monday, the Director of Kerala Tourism, Mr Sanjay Kaul, said the department would also promote Kerala as a tourist destination between April and September. A micro website — www.dreamseason.keralatourism.org — within the main State tourism website would be up by this week giving details of "attractive holiday packages by tour operators, hoteliers etc."

Not just that. Kerala could be an attractive destination for entrepreneurs eyeing investments in the tourism sector soon.

A single-window clearance for investment projects is likely to come through by April-end, Mr Kaul added.

Showcasing the rich heritage of Kerala, the tourism department is planning a concept of cultural tourism this November. "We will begin by identifying products like dance forms, temple festivals etc. for the calendar year. This will not only showcase the actual culture but also encourage the artists behind them," he added.

Kerala tourism is also expanding into Northern Kerala in the coming season. Five districts of Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram would be a part of the effort. Serene beaches, hill stations, rare wildlife and other specialties would be promoted to fascinate the wanderer.

The year 2006 saw a rush of 62 lakh domestic and 4.28 lakh international tourists to the State. An increase of 10 per cent in former and around 22 per cent in latter is what Mr Kaul would be looking at for the coming season, starting November 2007.

Meanwhile, between 2001 and 2006, the forex earnings of the State have increased from Rs 535 crore to Rs 1,552.31 crore, a rise of 104 per cent. The sector employs around 10 lakh people across the State, as per 2006 figures, he added.

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