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In the backdrop of tourists from USA visiting Kerala even without any special marketing efforts, Kerala Tourism is now looking forward to hold roadshows in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The move is part of a planned campaign to tap the full potential of the travel market in the USA. As part of the campaign, Kerala Tourism would also have on its travel radar the premium segment of travellers from USA., despite Kerala being a long haul destination.
Soon, a travel delegation led by Mr. A.P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism, Kerala and Mr. Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism will leave for USA. In the roadshows to be held there, 13 leading tour operators will take part in New York on October 21, in Chicago on October 22 and in Los Angeles on October 24. As part of the publicity campaign, the Kerala contingent will unveil destinations and tourism products. Meeting with tour operators and media interactions for destination promotions are also on the cards.
The move by Kerala Tourism to focus on US travel market follows its recent initiative in Japan; during the JATA Travel and Trade fair 2013 in Tokyo early this month. Kerala is fast emerging as a favourite destination for U.S. nationals. As per stats in 2011, 55,741 tourists from the USA reached Kerala, which went up to 57,807 in 2012. In tourist arrivals, USA comes fourth after U.K., France and Germany.