The recently concluded Kerala Travel Mart 2012 witnessed the convergence of stakeholders in the tourism sector within and outside the state
With the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to develop tourism infrastructure of the state on right track, Kerala Tourism is planning to ensure people’s participation in tourism development. “The tourism development in the state has achieved monumental success due to PPP. This year, we have added another ‘P’ to the list – people’s participation,” Oomen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala, said while delivering the inaugural address at the 7th edition of Kerala Travel Mart through video conferencing. The Chief Minister revealed that the tourism sector received maximum response from the investors in the recently concluded ‘Emerging Kerala’ meet.
The event, which witnessed the presence of around 1,400 buyers, including 398 foreign buyers, was presided over by Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar. The inaugural session also saw the presence of K V Thomas, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution; K M Mani, Minister for Finance, Law and Housing, Government of Kerala; Tony Chammany, Mayor, Kochi; ; Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism; Rani George, Director, Kerala Tourism; Riaz Ahmed, President, Kerala Travel Mart Society; E M Najeeb, Past President, Kerala Travel Mart Society and President, Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industries and MLAs Hibi Eden, Dominic Presentation and S Sarma, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Anilkumar highlighted the shift in the state’s tourism policy from a seasonal one to a round-the-year affair, by introducing novel schemes. “This means the focus should be on adventure, culture and medical tourism, particularly ayurveda, which would encourage tourists to stay in the state for longer periods,” he said. He further added that an integrated tourism master plan and a fast-track clearance system for projects have been planned to give a push to the tourism sector.
Suman Billa highlighted the future course of action. “22 locations in the state have been shortlisted for operating seaplanes. These will begin operations from seven locations by March 2013,” he said. He also urged the industry to come forward and practice responsible and sustainable tourism in the state. “The carrying capacity of tourist locales is a matter of serious concern. We have initiated a series of studies to help evolve a master plan. A study has already begun at Fort Kochi, Kovalam, Thekkady, Munnar and Kumarakom,” he revealed.
Rani George said that Kerala Tourism is going to promote a lot of niche products to offer a diverse tourism basket to visitors. Among them is adventure and MICE tourism. “A convention bureau has been included in the tourism policy and this will help promote MICE tourism. Marketing has also begun on the theme ‘Kerala – The Home of Ayurveda’,” she informed.
The mart identified waste management as one of the core issues to be addressed. “Kerala Tourism and the tourism industry have decided to join hands with the local community to begin a campaign to keep the destinations in the state clean by forming task forces at every location,” Ahmed concluded.
