Kerala witnessed 7.94 lakh foreign tourists arrival in 2012 as compared to 7.33 lakh in 2011. Compared to 93.88 lakh domestic tourists in 2011, 1.01 cr domestic tourists visited Kerala in 2012. The Foreign exchange earnings had also gone up from Rs. 4221.99 cr in 2011 to Rs. 4548 cr in 2012. The total revenue, both direct and indirect from tourism touched Rs. 21,125 cr in 2012 compared to Rs. 19,037 cr in 2011.
New Initiatives in God’s Own Country
Government of Kerala has rolled out two new initiatives ‘Seaplane Project’ and ‘Project Muziris’ in order to enhance the travel experience and add to its array of tourist sites. Where the former project is aimed towards improving last mile connectivity by air to its destinations across state, the latter is directed to reinstate the historical and cultural significance of the legendary port of Muziris.
For the Seaplane Project the plan is to provide service initially in the priority circuit, consisting of the three airports of Trivandrum, Cochin & Calicut and the prime destinations viz. Astamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Bolgatty and Bekal in the state.
The Muziris Heritage Site (MHS) stretches across from the municipality of North Paravur in Ernakulam district to that of Kodungalloor in Thrissur district. Project’s objective is to promote awareness and understanding of the cultural distinctiveness and diversity of Muziris. More than 25 museums will be there to showcase the Muziris Heritage.
On the trail of the Spice Route
Another amazing initiative in the offing is the Spice Route Revival Project. Kerala's initiative to revive and promote the two millennia-old spice route, that links the south western coast of India up to Europe, through tourism has received a boost, with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) pledging support to the venture. Delegates at a three-day international meet in August on Silk Road tourism organized by the UNWTO in the northwestern Chinese city of Dunhuang appreciated a presentation on Spice Route.
Other Noteworthy Projects
Kerala Tourism has come out with a unique nature based soft adventure holidays program NATVENTURE. The idea behind this is to use the key tourism products - - Wildlife, Hill Stations, Beaches, Backwaters etc and engage the possibilities of adventure activities they present. Kerala Natventure activities include Trekking, camping, Rock Climbing, Jungle, Wildlife safaris, Bird watching, Cycling, Kayaking, Canoeing and paragliding.
Another forward initiative is the virtual world launch of the new 'Great Backwaters' campaign. Ahead of the traditional media, the campaign is to unveil the state's majestic backwaters as a single destination.
A new campaign, Home of Ayurveda was also launched to promote Ayurveda through all medium. Introduced Bakelasa new destination in north Kerala.
From a seasonal tourist place, Kerala was elevated to an all season destination through a successful Dream Season campaign launched during the off-season.
To identify and promote 40 new destinations in five years, over 40 new tourist centres have been spotted, project reports prepared and sanctioned for development.
Real progress in the Virtual world
In a short span of time, Kerala Tourism has made a mark in the Digital world. Kerala Tourism has 852238 Fans on Facebook, 20818 followers on Twitter and the Kerala Tourism YouTube channelhas 5,199subscribers, 7,110,913 views.
New website has been launched recently with a fresh look and increased accessibility with more information, 1500 pictures and 3000 videos.
We have tapped into the vast potential of information technology for promoting Kerala Tourism in the global market. Kerala Tourism’s website, which attracts the maximum number of visitors, has been translated into various Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu, as well as foreign languages including Dutch, Italian, Portuguese and Swedish.
Kerala has emerged as the No. 1 travel destination in Google search trends, edging out TajMahal. This is a testimony to the international recognition of brand Kerala.
Cultural Events showcasing Kerala
Utsavam 29th December to 19th January
Kerala has switched on to a festive mode to give a feel of its traditional and folk arts to domestic and foreign tourists as the high tourist season got under way. Branded as 'Utsavam', the cultural extravaganza will be staged in 60 venues across all the 14 districts of Kerala for three weeks. 'Utsavam' (festival) has been an annual event since 2007.
Nishagandhi Festival
To be held between January 20th - 26th, 2014 this year. Renowned dancers perform Bharat Natyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, modern ballet and other folk forms. Artist and connoisseurs of dance from all over India come to enjoy this cultural treat. The festival is organised by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Awards and Accolades
Kerala Tourism also bagged a number of national as well as international awards such as the National Tourism Award for the Best Rural Tourism Project in Kumarakom, ITB Berlin – Golden City Gate Award (Print Campaign), Best family & Best value for money destination and many more.
But the real award is the people who visit and take back amazing memories from God’s Own Country. See you here!
Contact:
E – Mail tradefair@keralatourism.org
Website www.keralatourism.org
Tel: 0471 2560427
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