Overcoming the ordeal caused by the recent floods with remarkable swiftness, Kerala recently presented before various stakeholders of the tourism and hospitality industry a string of exciting new products in Kerala Travel Mart(KTM), 2018. The just-concluded event saw the participation of over 1,500 buyers from across 66 countries.
“At the KTM, industry stakeholders showed huge confidence in the state’s readiness to host tourists. The most important task at hand now is to put it out to the world that we are back on track and ready to receive tourists from everywhere in all major destinations,” Tourism Secretary Rani George said. added.
Listing the new products and experiences tailor-made for the domestic traveller, George said Jatayu Earth Centre in south Kerala, which contains the world’s largest bird sculpture of Jatayu mentioned in the epic Ramayana, a virtual reality museum, and a state-of-the-art ropeway to reach the destination, could be among the new tipping points for the state’s tourism. The giant statue of Jatayu is 200feet long, 150-feet wide and 70-feet tall , making it the largest functional bird sculpture in the world.
“Spurred by Kumarakom bagging the prestigious Responsible Tourism award at the London World Travel Mart last year, we have founded a new Responsible Tourism Mission. Our new tourism policy focuses in depth at sustainable, responsible and environment-friendly tourism,” she pointed out.
For those who seek an adrenalin rush, the timing could not be more perfect to explore the rolling hills of Munnar and explore Neelakurinji, the rare flower which blooms once every 12 years covering the landscape with a fascinating carpet of lilac and blue. The young travellers can savour the beauty by trekking, cycling or biking.
Further, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (snake boat race), will be held this year on Nov 10th at the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, as a subtle reminder that Kerala’s waters continue to be safe for adventurous activities. The Chaliyar River Challenge 2018 (a 68-km kayaking championship), which is aimed at tapping the potential of adventure tourism in the state, will also be held as per the schedule.
