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Nearly two decades ago tour operators in Kerala came together to launch the country's only travel trade show by a state- the Kerala Travel Mart. Today they are teaming up once again to create a consortium to sell an unprecedented 500 packages for visitors to Kerala.
The highlight of the packages, called Navaratna Experiessential Holidays, is nine 'gem-like' days of essential experiences in Kerala, including an insight into village life, community interactions and promotion of sustainable tourism practices.
Tourists will be able to launch their holidays by breaking a coconut at a temple, a traditional method in Kerala of making an auspicious beginning. They may also travel in boats on the state's iconic lakes and rivers with the local people, and eat a mouthwatering lunch with a Syrian Christian Orthodox family of central Kerala. The more adventurous will also be able to climb coconut trees, do fishing in the lakes or make coir with village women.
The first phase of packages by the consortium, Association of Tourism Trade Organisations India (ATTOI), targeted at foreign tourists was launched by Mr. A. P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.
"The public-private partnership in our state's tourism sector has been demonstrating to the world the huge benefits in working together. The new alliance of tour operators in Kerala is yet another example of the commitment to promote tourism and contribute to the growth of all sections of the society," the Minister said.
"The initiative also underlines the determination to continue to serve our esteemed guests from all over the world and present them with life-changing experiences in our state," he added.
Mr. Anilkumar launched the Navaratna 'Experiessential' Holidays package by handing over the first copy of the package brochure to reputed tour operator and travel writer from Sweden, Ms. Marianne Hard Af Stegarstad.
The finer elements of the industry consortium by ATTOI involve the coming together of hotels, tour operators and vendors at each destination.
"It is the first time in India that tour operators are gathering under one umbrella for joint promotion of a package," said the Minister.
The Navaratana 'Experiessential' Holidays ensure a feeling of freshness through offering a hands-on experience of "real Kerala". Local interactions and highlighting the unique traditions and life style of Kerala are the other components of the package.
The Navaratna 'Experiessential' Holidays also envisage interactive cooking demonstrations to experience Kerala's famous culinary culture, eating dosa at local restaurants, having coffee with a Brahmin family to echo the tradition of 'Agraharam' visits, walks through the lush green paddy fields, and bullock cart rides.
A tour of the Muziris heritage project reviving Kerala's more than two-millennia-old trade and cultural ties with the rest of the world will be another attraction of the packages.
The packages will also include insights into the state's time-tested tradition of Ayurveda and full body massages. Jungle boat safari, backwater cruises on houseboats and tea factory visits will be the other highlights.
