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With an estimated investment of Rs 250 crores, the state government has signed an agreement with Morex Group for the development of the prestigious Bekal Tourism Village Project. This is the first investment proposal to become a reality among a raft of schemes showcased at the Tourism Investors Meet 2023 (TIM), that was held last year in Kerala.
Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas handed over the Licence Agreement for the Bekal Tourism Village Project to Mr Sherief Maulakkiriath, Chairman & Managing Director, Morex Group of Companies, Kanhangad.
Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Limited (BRDC), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Tourism, is the implementing agency of the Bekal Tourism Village Project in Kasaragod district, in northern Kerala.
The Bekal Tourism Village Project was presented under the Government Project category in the TIM, where investment proposals of Rs 15,000 crores were made.
"The Minister highlighted that numerous investors expressed keen interest in the project, prompting the invitation of Expression of Interest (EoI) from them. Following a thorough examination of the submitted documents and adherence to official procedures, Morex Group emerged as the selected entity," stated Mr Riyas.
Mr Riyas further elaborated that Morex Group is set to invest Rs 250 crores in two phases for the Bekal Tourism Village Project, encompassing tourism activity zones catering to both domestic and international visitors.
According to the minister, this initiative is poised to significantly enhance the tourism potential of Bekal and the wider Malabar region. He further emphasised the possibility of Bekal emerging as a prominent hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) events and destination weddings.
"As part of the follow-up to the TIM (Tourism Investment Meet), the newly established Facilitation Centre is diligently evaluating investment proposals, with more projects expected to come to fruition in the upcoming months," the minister added.
Noting that tourism will generate more job opportunities, Mr Riyas said the tourism development needs more private investment in novel projects in the state.
Commenting that the Bekal project will strengthen the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Mr Riyas said the project will be completed in a time-bound manner, and help in generating more job opportunities. Considering this, he emphasised the need for more private investments in novel projects in the state.
As per the agreement, around 33.18 acres of land at Kolavayal in Ajanur panchayat, Hosdurg taluk in Kasaragod district will be handed over to the Morex Group for the Bekal Tourism Village Project. The licence period is 30 years.
Shri E. Chandrasekharan, MLA, Kanhangad, who chaired the event, emphasized the significance of Bekal as a highly sought-after tourism destination, expressing optimism that the forthcoming project will significantly enhance its tourism prospects.
Kerala Tourism Director, Mr P. B. Nooh, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. Presenting the report, Managing Director of BRDC, Mr P. Shijin, outlined the objectives of the Bekal Tourism Village Project, which aims to integrate various forms of tourism, including eco-tourism, experiential tourism, adventure tourism, agro-tourism, village tourism and cultural tourism, in a single location. An initial allocation of approximately Rs 50 lakhs was earmarked in the 2022 budget for the project's initial activities in the area.
Shri Manikandan K., President, Block Panchayat, Kanhangad, and Director, BRDC; Smt T. Shobha, President, grama panchayat, Ajanur; Mr Sabeesh K., Vice President, grama panchayat, Ajanur; Mr Manoj Kumar K., Managing Director, KTIL; Smt Sikha Surendran, Managing Director, KTDC; Mr Mohammed Naif K., Executive Director, Morex Group, and Mr Khalid Ali M. A. Shaheen, Sponsor, Morex Group, were also present.
