After winning over most of Europe, the Department of Tourism is now looking to reach beyond the Atlantic to address a potential market from that geography.
Kerala Tourism is organising three road shows in major cities across the US these days, announcing its entry into the North American market.
FIRST TIME
This is the first time that the Kerala Tourism is organising road shows in the US, an official spokesman said here. Tourist arrivals from that country had gone up to 57,807 last year from 55,741 in 2011.
The first road show was held in New York on Monday; Chicago hosted the second on Tuesday. This will be followed by the last event proposed to be held in Los Angeles on Thursday.
The US is the fourth major market for Kerala Tourism after the UK, France and Germany, the spokesman quoted tourism minister A.P. Anilkumar as saying on Tuesday.
The minister is leading the visiting delegation of Government and industry representatives from the State.
SLIDE SHOW
An increase in arrivals of visitors from the biggest economy in the world will be a significant factor for the growth of tourism in the State, the minister said.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur attended the road show in New York.
Also present was India’s Consul General in New York Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay. At least 58 members from the US travel and tourism trade sector participated.
The highlight of the event was a presentation on the top tourist attractions in ‘God’s Own Country’ by tourism secretary Suman Billa.
TOP TRAVELLERS
Americans are one of the top global travellers and therefore it is only logical that Kerala Tourism is seeking to make its presence in the vast market offered by the US, the spokesman quoted Billa as saying.
Eight industry representatives from Kerala are attending the events. They are Kumarakom Lake Resort; RAXA Collective; Intersight Tours and Travels; Kerala.com Travel Division; The Travel Planners; Lotus DMC; Easy Tours of India; and Ayurvedamana Properties.
Air India is offering free economy-class round-trip tickets to winners of lucky draws being held at each venue of the road show. The lucky draw winners get a free 10-day holiday in Kerala.
vinson.kurian@thehindu.co.in