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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Tourism department wowed the delegates of G 20 Sherpas meet at Kumarakom with its high standards of hospitality and facilities. Adding to Kumarakom’s charming locale, the Tourism department enthused the delegates with a host of programmes. The participants showered plaudits on the department for making the event an unforgettable experience.
The event held from March 30 to April 2 was marked by the participation of over 120 delegates from G 20 member countries, nine invited countries and various international and regional organisations. It was chaired by Indian Sherpa Shri Amitabh Kant at the Waterscapes Resort owned by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).
The department celebrated the state`s feted cultural heritage at Kumarakom, known as the state`s popular sustainable tourism destination. The special focus on eco-friendly measures caught the attention of the delegates who were all praise for the initiative.
The delegates thanked the hosts and took back memories by recording their experiences of stay, the spicy local cuisine and the houseboat ride. The phenomenal success of the event was made possible by the presence and involvement of around 50 officials from the Department of Tourism who had camped at Kumarakom for the successful coordination of the hospitality programme.
The Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas said that the arrangements met the international standards and deeply impressed the delegates.
Shri Riyas said that the choice of Kumarakom to host the event has given a major thrust to Kerala tourism. The department conjured up a mini Kerala and its famed festivals at the venue. Versions of Thrissur pooram, boat races, Kalarippayattu, dance drama, other traditional art forms were staged at the venue. The finale was fittingly marked by a symbolic celebration of Onam festival, complete with Pookalam, Onasadya, Pulikali, Kummattikkali, Oonjalaattam (swing) and tug-of-war.
