Thiruvananthapuram: With the State all decked up to welcome travellers from all over the world, Kerala Tourism aims at a 20 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals in this season. The domestic tourist arrivals are expected to increase by 5 pc this season. The Government is laying special emphasis on infrastructure development, said Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism. Apart from encouraging big investments in the hotel sector, small and medium investments and home stays are also promoted to cater to the increasing demands.

An unprecedented increase has been registered in arrivals to the Malabar region. Last year, Wayanad registered around 196 pc increase in the arrival of foreign tourists. Kerala Tourism hopes to get Rs. 100000 million revenue from the sector. Investments to the tune of Rs. 10000 million are also expected in the sector. Special emphasis has been given to the Malabar region in various international campaigns. The nodal centres of the Malabar Tourism Development Project are Bekal, Kannur, Thalasserry, Kozhikode, Nilambur and Wayanad. Other prominent attractions include the Bekal Fort, inland water bodies of Kannur, Dharmadom Island, Muzhuppilangad beach, Sandbanks of Vadakara, Thusharagiri waterfalls, Beypore, Nilambur, Hydel tourism at Banasura Sagar dam and Beenachi eco-park in Wayanad. Beach destinations including Kovalam, Bekal, Meenkunnu, Payyambalam, Muzhuppilangad, Kappad and Beypore are expected to attract large number of tourists. Hilly regions including Muthanga, Tholpetty, Peruvannamoozhy, Aaralam, Pythalmala and Ranipuram have also been promoted. A pilgrim tourism circuit connecting Thirunelly, Kottiyoor, Parassinikkadavu, Thodeekulam Temple, Malik Dinar Mosque, St. John’s Church, Rajarajeswary Temple and Odayil Mosque has also been set up. The state tourism sector is poised to get a major boost with hotel infrastructure projects of various groups are nearing completion in different parts of the state. Though some of the big names in the industry are already in business in the state, many more like the Holiday Inn, Crown Plaza, Ramada, Banyan Tree, Preferred have come up with mega projects. Prominent Indian players like the Taj, Hinduja and Ind Royal have also initiated projects.