Kerala has rolled out a string of new projects at a cost of Rs 60 crore, giving greater visibility to 25 spots, many of them in rural and semi-urban areas in the length and breadth of the state.
Tourism in the state is on the comeback trail from the pandemic-induced crisis and the government is committed to providing all support to the sector, Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala, said while inaugurating the projects through video conferencing.
He noted that the Government did not allow the disruptions caused by COVID-19 to come in the way of implementation of tourism development projects across the state, which will position these destinations as must-see places for visitors.
In Kerala, tourism is a source of income for large sections of people. After remaining shut for eight months due to the pandemic, tourism centres in the state have started receiving visitors by strictly adhering to health protocols, thereby restoring livelihood of the people affected by the disruption, the Vijayan said.
The promotion of Responsible Tourism in a big way has brought benefit to local communities throughout the state, and the newly launched projects will boost their income. Also, it will help preserve our heritage including art, handicraft, unique farming methods and cuisine, the Chief Minister added.
Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said the new projects will help tourism overcome from the crisis and maintain its status as India’s ‘Super Brand.’
Tourism is a key component of the state’s revenue and a major employment provider. So, tourism development projects are planned and implemented to achieve sustainable development goals, Shri Surendran added.
Rani George, Principal Secretary, Tourism, said the state has launched a new marketing campaign called ‘Change of Air’ to help tourism overcome the ravages of the pandemic and maintain its status as India’s ‘Super Brand.’
She said the new projects are conceived and implemented in such a way that the local community is the principal beneficiary of them.
