- IPL-model boat race revs up Kerala’s standing as all-season destination, scope of Champion Boat League race widened to woo more tourists.
- “This year, we are looking for the next-level fillip by attracting more domestic tourists to experience the novel tourism products” – P A Mohamed Riyas
After posting a surge in domestic tourist footfall, Kerala has gained further traction as a major all-season experiential destination with its innovative products like the IPL-model Champions Boat League (CBL) races helping the southern state to scale up its standing as a highly-preferred tourist hub.
After the spectacular week-long Onam celebrations that saw an uptick in tourist arrivals, the third edition of the annual IPL-model CI3L, started earlier last month, is expected to boost domestic footfalls in all regions of the state.
Commenting on the surge in the flow of domestic tourists, Tourism Minister, P A Mohamed Riyas said “the state has been making all efforts to impart further momentum to the post-pandemic upsurge in domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala. The Champions Boat League season, which comes close on the heels of the Onam Week Celebrations across the state, is a riveting time for the tourists to come to Kerala and enjoy its diverse attractions.”
“Rising to the demands and tastes of tourists of our time, Kerala has launched quite a few attractive products, besides widening the scope of existing ones and projecting the distinct features of the State. This year, we are looking for the next-level fillip by attracting more domestic tourists to experience the novel tourism products”, he added.
To woo more tourists from within the country, a string of travel trade networking activities, including participation in trade fairs and organizing BZB trade meets are planned. The first set of B2B partnerships meet held in Kolkata & Visakhapatnam during September and Pune had a highly encouraging response from the industry. Besides, Kerala Tourism will organize roadshows in Surat and Rajkot in October.
Also, ‘Go Kerala, familiarisation trip is offered to selected tour operators from the host city, that will help develop destination awareness and experience new products in Kerala to potential tour operators.
Tourism Secretary Shri K Biju said the trade fairs and roadshows are the perfect windows for showcasing the variety of experiences the state has in store for tourists.
Tourism Director Shri P B Nash noted that, Kerala’s houseboats, caravan stays, jungle lodges, plantation visits, homestays, Ayurveda-based wellness solutions, countryside walks, and adventure activities, including trekking to verdant hills, will be a real feast providing a unique experience to visitors.
Also, the state’s core assets like beaches, hill stations, houseboats and backwater segment will heighten the totality of the visitors’ experience, he added.
