Kerala to provide air connectivity to all its scenic destinations

In a bid to attract more number of tourists, the Kerala tourism department will provide all its scenic destinations with air connectivity.

A new scheme called ‘Muziris’ will be introduced to explain the cultural importance of the historic ‘Muziris Port’ in Thrissur district.

During a road show on Tuesday on promoting tourism in "God's own country",  Information Officer from Kerala Tourism Department, V S Anil told reporters that “The proposal is underway to provide air service connecting Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode with tourist destinations like Astamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Bolgatty and Bekal.”

Besides air connectivity, the state tourism department will also hold daily trips to the ancient seaport of Muziris and its heritage site that stretches from the municipality of North Paravur in Ernakulam district to that of Kodungalloor in Thrissur district.

The Kerala government garnered a total revenue of Rs 21,125 crore from tourism with  foreign exchange accounting for Rs 4,548 crore in 2012.

The state attracted 7,94,000 foreign tourists in 2012 as against 7,33,000 tourists in 2011. Similarly, domestic tourist traffic crossed the 10-million mark from 9.4 million during the same period.

Various plans and proposals will be introduced in the coming days to attract more number of tourists, the tourist officials said.

The department would also promote the Western Ghats for its abundant medicinal plant reserve and a prime destination for health-conscious tourists.

Nearly 40 per cent of the Western Ghats ranges lie in Kerala, with 41 of its 44 rivers originating from the rich biodiversity hotspot.

“The ayurveda we offer is essentially a wellness-oriented treatment to bring about more vigour to one's system. That is what the tourists look for," officials stated.