Roadshow, Sydney and Melbourne, News Bytes, Kerala Tourism

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

ISSUE: 184

DECEMBER 2008

Roadshow in Sydney and Melbourne aims to attract more Aussies to Kerala

A delegation of twelve tourism industry partners from Kerala and Kerala Tourism headed by the Minister for Tourism Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan held successful roadshows in Sydney and Melbourne. 74 tour operators attended the Sydney road show on 28th October. This is the third time Kerala Tourism is conducting a road show in Sydney. 58 tour operators attended the Melbourne road show which was held on 29th October. Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan impressed upon the attendees that Kerala Tourism was focused on emerging markets like Australia which is regarded as a new high-potential market. He said that arrival figures from Australia over the last five years increased by 160% with a 25.8% increase in arrivals in 2007. Currently, Australia ranks as the seventh largest market for Kerala.

The Secretary for Kerala Tourism, Dr. Venu, V., emphasised that improved air connectivity between Sydney and Kerala via Singapore makes Kerala a more attractive and accessible destination for Australians.

Singapore Airlines partnered Kerala Tourism and India Tourism for the roadshow in Sydney. As part of the event they contributed 2 free tickets to Kerala at a lucky draw held at the end of the session.

The event was also attended by several tourism trade media members. As part of the trip to Australia, the Minister also met with members of the Malayali Assocciation of New South Wales to promote the upcoming ‘Ente Nadu’ initiative of Kerala Tourism to be held in Kochi on 23-24 December 2008. Ente Naadu is a unique venture which will present NRKs with an exclusive platform to partner Government-backed tourism initiatives and also explore new business avenues in tourism projects proposed by resident entrepreneurs.