Identified as one of the key sectors to propel Kerala’s future economic growth, tourism is going to be high on the agenda when investors across the continents would come down for the three-day summit, starting September 12 in Kochi.
Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar said that the government had come out with a tourism policy, which sought to beef up the state’s infrastructure and involve people’s participation in a bigger scale.
“We are creating an atmosphere which would enable potential investors to be our long-term partners of growth. Emerging Kerala-2012 is going to be a wonderful chance for us to showcase our plans and projects before the world,” he said.
Some of the interesting projects from the private sector are a state-of-the-art hotel at the upcoming world-class Edu Health City at Panakkad, a Destination Development Boat Club at Thirurangadi, both in Malappuram district, Adventure Sports Arena at the picturesque Vagamon, a Mist Valley Resort and Spa and a Spice Valley Resort in Idukki.
An underwater aquarium at Arookutty in coastal Alappuzha district is also being planned, besides a Marine Leisure Island at Dharmadom in upstate Kannur and a botanical garden and forest lodge at Nelliampathy in Palakkad district.
Realising the potential of the sector, the government will set up a cabinet sub-committee on Tourism, which will be headed by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Anilkumar said.
The Minister said that infrastructure development at tourism destinations had been one of the government’s priority areas. The Tourism Department will prepare infrastructure plans for major destinations in association with related departments, he pointed out.
Alkesh Sharma, managing director of KSIDC, said; “We have chalked out some innovative projects which can further power the growth of the tourism sector. We are confident of gaining support from the leading investors to be partners of our growth.”
The Tourism Department is now drafting an integrated Tourism Master Plan to give shape to new plans and create an investor-friendly environment, said tourism secretary Suman Billa.
“We will introduce a fast-track clearance system for tourism projects with investments of over Rs 10 crore. Incentives, subsidies and other assistance have been lined up for Responsible Tourism, marketing activities and home stay promotion,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Kerala Tourism Director, Rani George, said that as part of upgrading basic infrastructure, engaged in developing wayside facilities, the authorities were planning more adventure tourism activities and encouraging multi-experience packages and products.
The new policy also includes a campaign on ‘Kerala Waste-Free Destination’, ten thematic museums in the next decade to showcase the cultural heritage of Kerala and setting up of information centres at major tourist destinations with information kiosks and trained staff to cater to the needs of visitors.
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