KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
Kerala Roadshows at cities in the Middle East
For the first time, one of the largest travel delegations from Kerala gathered recently in the Middle East to promote Kerala as a preferred holiday destination. Director of Kerala Tourism, Mr. M Sivasankar, led the delegation of sixteen Kerala trade representatives including hoteliers and tour operators.
The roadshows that were held on May 9 in Doha and on the 10th in Muscat are part of Kerala Tourism's effort to attract more tourists from the Middle Eastern countries, which have been showing a high growth rate in arrivals to the State over the last few years. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the top 20 source markets for tourist arrivals to Kerala.
The Kerala trade through the roadshows intends to spread awareness about Kerala's tourism products and services to some 300 Arab buyers. With wellness tourism gaining tremendous popularity among travellers from the Middle East, Kerala with its Ayurveda health care system, salubrious climate and lush green surroundings is today a much sought-after destination especially for family holidays.
In the backdrop of the roadshows, the Director of Kerala Tourism, Mr. M. Sivasankar said that Kerala is a perfect short haul holiday destination for the Arab tourist. "Kerala's exotic climate especially during the monsoon, its unique natural attractions, proximity to the region and excellent air connectivity are key factors to drive short-break holidays from the region. A strong presence of the Malayalee community in the Gulf region, and the knowledge that Kerala is an Arab-friendly state are other factors which we are hoping to capitalize on," he said.
