Chopper tourism set for take off with more players

More and more tourists to God's Own Country can opt to keep off from the potholes and the irritating traffic soon, thanks to the Department of Tourism's decision to allow more private players to operate helicopter service between destinations.

State tourism director B Suman told Business Standard that a private company "� King Rotors "� has been given the nod to operate chopper services between tourist destinations.

"King Rotors will start its heli-tourism services from June 15. Initially, one chopper will operate between Kovalam and Kumarakom. Depending on the response, more aircraft could be used between more destinations," Suman added.

It may be recalled that Deccan Aviation had recently unveiled its heli-tourism venture in the state.

According to Suman, Kerala is all set to become the first Indian state to emulate holiday spots like the Maldives, where tourists are airlifted between destinations.

"We expect a lot of tourists to make use of the chopper service. The department would facilitate a deal with various hotels in this regard," he said.

King Rotors' helicopter service, which is expected to cost Rs 6,000 per person, hopes to fly more than just pleasure seekers.

With the state government marketing its own medical tourism aggressively, the chopper service would also be made use of in airlifting foreign patients arriving at the airports. This would be made easier with the some of the hospitals housing helipads on their premises.

With more copter services getting ready for take off, the Kerala tourism department would also fly high by becoming the first Indian state to offer heli-tourism facilities. Suman added that the tourism department would be happy to see competition in this sector and would welcome more players.

This is not all. The tourism director sees more scope in the King Rotors project. "If more and more tourists opt for the helicopter service between destinations," said Suman, adding "the department would even consider bringing in an amphibian aircraft which can land on water as well".

He added: "By September, we intend to have an amphibian airplane between Kovalam, Kumarakom and, most probably, Bekal in North Kerala."

And, if this plan too takes off, tourists would have the option of flying for less. An amphibian aircraft flight is expected to cost as little as Rs 3,000 per person.