Tourism News

Kerala launches Project to tap Tourism Potential of Malabar

Published in Newsletter Issue No. 342 - February 2022

Kerala has launched a major marketing initiative to tap the immense tourism potential of the Malabar region. This was done by roping in top tour operators from India and abroad to attract domestic and foreign visitors to the seven northern districts.

Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas has released the logo of the initiative called ‘Fam 2 Malabar 500’, which will see around 500 tour operators from India and abroad being brought to Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasaragod districts this year to familiarize themselves with the possibilities of the region.

The logo release function was attended by Dr Venu V., Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of Kerala, and Mr Prasanth Vasudev, Deputy Director, Tourism.

“This initiative will mark Malabar firmly on the global tourism map and attract domestic and international visitors to the region through the packages of tour operators,” Mr Riyas said.

The tour operators coming in groups as part of ‘Fam 2 Malabar 500’ will be taken on familiarization trips through the panoramic settings of north Kerala, and given a hands- on feel of Malabar’s history, heritage and lifestyle, especially its rich and diverse culinary traditions.
The first batch of around 70 tour operators was hosted by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce under a package called “Mystical Malabar”. 

This group includes tour and travel organizers from Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Kolhapur, and they will be taken to various places of interest in Kasaragod, Kannur and Wayanad districts.

The visitors will be treated to a performance of Theyyam at Theyyakkavu at Kannur, besides other folk and martial art traditions of Malabar like Kolkali, Poorakkali, Kalarippayattu. The team will visit places like Paithalmala, Thalassery Fort, Muzhappilangad Beach, Aralam Sanctuary, Bekal Fort and the houseboat hub of Valiyaparamba.

This initiative will also boost Kerala’s ambitious Caravan Tourism project, in which the Malabar region figures prominently.

To explore the attractions and experiences in the Malabar region, visit : https://www.keralatourism.org/malabar/

Expo of Tourist Caravans
Kerala Tourism organized an expo of tourist caravans at Hotel Magnet in Kannur for major national tour operators who were visiting Malabar under the 'Fam 2 Malabar 500' initiative. Vehicles by major manufacturers such as Force, Benz and Isuzu were exhibited.

To see the caravans on display at the expo, check the following video: https://youtu.be/iTRBs830Bzk