KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
Kerala Tourism launches 'Dream Season' in Dubai
Kerala's traditional healthcare systems are fast becoming popular among travellers from the Middle East. Supported by top-class healthcare system, favourable climate and abundant greenery, the followers of traditional healthcare are on the rise. The recent visit to the Middle East by a Kerala delegation led by the Minister for Tourism, Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was aimed at consolidating this growing interest. The visit saw the launch of Kerala Tourism's 'Dream Season' initiative for the first time in the region.
At a special event on 6 May, at Hotel Novotel, attended by leading Dubai-based trade and media, the tourism minister introduced 'Dream Season' as a product that is highly attractive for the Middle East market. It features special holiday packages during the months from May to September, which is considered the cool season in Kerala. Holiday packages include monsoon, Ayurveda and hill station holidays.
Referring to the monsoon season in Kerala, Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that, it is a magical time of the year when everything comes to life. He also said that, one can enjoy the lush greenery and picturesque views of rain-soaked plants and trees and is a time when the backwaters are full. Kerala is an exotic destination and 'Dream Season' is an exclusive time of the year to enjoy the rains and nature, the minister added.
The Director of Kerala Tourism, Mr. M. Sivasankar said: "Tourists' arrivals from the Middle East in 2008 have shown a growth of 63% with most of the visits taking place in July, August and September, the major monsoon months. Arabs travel for longer periods, in large family groups, and spend more money on luxury products. This combined with their interest in Ayurveda and the cooler monsoon makes Dream Season a perfect product for this market."
The launch of 'Dream Season' took place on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Mart, which was attended by Kerala Tourism along with 10 co-exhibitors in Dubai from May 4 to 7.
