Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Saturday, Sep 21, 2002
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Saturday, Sep 21, 2002 |
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Industry & Economy
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Tourism Tourism will be engine of growth, says Antony Our Bureau
KOCHI, Sept. 20 TOURISM in Kerala has been recognised as a core competency sector on account of its potential for generating income and creating employment opportunities, according to Mr A.K. Antony, Chief Minister. Speaking at the 51st annual convention of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) in Kochi, Mr Antony said that tourism would be the engine of growth boosting Kerala's economy. ``In the coming years, tourism has emerged as one of the few economic alternatives to develop the State's economy. It is our vision to develop Kerala into an upmarket, high-quality destination through optimal utilisation of resources with adequate focus on conserving and preserving the environment,'' he said. The global tourism scenario has changed in the aftermath of the events of September 11, he added. "Today, when the whole world has become a global village, any adverse incident may affect the inflow of tourists into the country. In that context, there could not have been a more appropriate theme than `Changing Challenges', as adopted by TAAI." Prof K.V. Thomas, Minister for Tourism and Fisheries, said that the strength of Kerala Tourism was the State's excellent natural resources. Having understood the need for looking into the sustainable development of these destinations, Kerala Tourism focuses on the conservation of ecology to reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment and intends to promote tourism based on the carrying capacities of the destination, he added. The development of the tourist destinations will be regulated and monitored based on the guidelines formulated through Area Development Plans. ``Tourism is basically a private sector activity. The State will play the role of a catalyst and facilitator. The State should work towards inter-Governmental co-ordination, rationalised and mild taxation policies, regulating growth in a sustainable manner and providing safety to tourists,'' Prof Thomas said.
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