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Our Bureau

Hyderabad, Aug. 8 After emerging as a forerunner in foreign arrivals, Kerala now has set its eyes on the “emerging and possible” markets that include Japan, Australia, Far-East and Russia.

In India, the State is targeting major metros where it is facilitating meetings between tour operators from both sides to discuss packages.

Besides, it is holding talks with corporates to offer them the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) offerings in the State.

In Andhra Pradesh, about 120 corporates were invited to the road show, where the Government officials and tour operators showcased special packages. Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Dr V. Venu, Secretary of Kerala Tourism, said international arrivals had gone up by over 100 per cent from 2.08 lakh in 2001 to 4.28 lakh in 2006. During the period, domestic arrivals went up to 62.71 lakh from 52.39 lakh.

The State registered foreign exchange earnings to the tune of Rs 1,988 crore in 2006 as against Rs 1,552 crore in the previous year.

The State, whose tourism destinations and products became popular world-over, recognised the importance of benchmarking various tourist and hospitality services.

A pioneer in homestays, Kerala had begun standardising and certifying the registered home-stay operators. “There are already 5,000 people registered with us. We are expecting the number to double this year,” he said.

Offerings in ayurveda and houseboat segments too were being standardised and certified by the Government.

“We are also developing new products such as Dream Season, converting the traditional off-season (April-September) into a season, and ‘Wake Up Malabar’. The latter product is aimed at promoting destinations in the northern part of the State,” Dr Venu said.

More Stories on : Tourism | Strategy | Kerala

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