Tourism News

Tourism Minister Calls for Fresh Ideas

Providing assurances of resolute top-down support to Kerala’s tourism initiatives, Mr. A.C. Moideen, Minister for Tourism, Kerala, said the newly elected state government was well aware of the industry’s importance, particularly in revenue and employment generation.

Speaking at a meeting that received around 50 representatives from leading industry players and saw a host of topics come under discussion, the minister said all support would be given to ensure towards the positive growth of the industry and called for fresh concepts and ideas to attract more tourists to ‘God’s Own Country’.

“Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala, has agreed to take the lead in co-coordinating the various government departments for getting approvals for the implementation of many tourism projects in the State,” the tourism minister added. He also said that Dr. T. M. Thomas Isaac, Finance Minister, Kerala has graciously extended the support of his ministry to the growth of Kerala Tourism. More focus would be given for raising the profile of lesser known destinations in the State as well as for the Malabar region.

Lauding the minister for convening the meeting immediately after assuming office, the attendees mooted a number of important points: Taxation and infrastructure, Responsible Tourism, Ayurveda and wellness, waste management, a tourism-friendly liquor policy, the South India Tourism Circuit, air connectivity, home-stay taxation and licensing, the Gulf market, backwater and houseboat operations, Kerala Travel Mart 2016 and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2016.

 “Kerala Tourism is committed in helping the State to scale greater heights by giving due importance to employment and revenue generation,” said Dr. Venu V., Principal Secretary, Kerala Tourism. Mr. U. V. Jose, Director, Kerala Tourism, also attended the meeting.