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Visits since 1 Jan 2007 48,066,886
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In the backdrop of increase in arrival of Japanese tourists recently, Kerala Tourism is looking ahead to make further inroads into this market. Its efforts are further encouraged by better air connectivity and the newly-introduced visa-on-arrival facility at airports in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.
Showcasing God’s Own Country during the recently held JATA Tourism Forum and Travel Showcase 2013 in Tokyo, Kerala made a wholehearted effort in unveiling some of its captivating natural beauty and attractive travel products. Its edge in Ayurveda also caught the attention of the visitors at the Kerala pavilion in the travel fair. It was for the first time that Kerala participated in the JATA travel fair, which is the largest of its kind held in Japan. The Kerala contingent to the fair was led by the Mr. A.P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism.
Referring to the recently introduced visa-on-arrival facility in Kerala, Mr. A. P. Anilkumar said: "There has been an increase in travellers from Japan seeking healthcare services based on Ayurveda. Since Kerala is home to Ayurveda, we can surely expect to have more visitors from Japan."
According to Mr. Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, "We met officials from Singapore Airlines and Malaysian airlines and they are very keen on partnering with Kerala Tourism. Already Silk Air, Air Asia and Tiger Airways have flight operations to Kerala." Kerala Tourism is planning roadshows and familiarization trips for tour operators and travel writers from key cities of Japan as a follow-up initiative, Mr. Suman added.
In 2012, Kerala recorded 11,500 tourist arrivals from Japan, which showed a growth of nearly 60 per cent in five years. For Japanese citizens, visiting Kerala has become easier with the Central Government recently introducing a visa-on-arrival service at select airports in the country that also include Kerala’s international airports in Thiruvananthapuram in the State capital and in the commercial hub of Kochi.
Kerala trade is represented at JATA by a six-member team including Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Spiceland Holidays, Jayasree Travels and Tours, Uday Samudra Ayurveda and Yoga Beach Resort, Poovar Island Resort, and Pioneer Personalized Holidays.
