| While there was a steady growth in arrivals to the state since 2002, the increase in tourist inflows is expected to be nearly 30 per cent this year, according to the state economic review. |
| It was more heartening that there was a boom in 'quality tourism' during the period, it said. |
| The earning from the sector increased from Rs 535 crore in 2001 to Rs 705.67 crore in 2002, which accounted for 6.29 per cent of the gross domestic product. |
| Apart from the state's inherent attractions like long beaches, backwaters and hill stations and ayurveda, village tourism has been identified as a new product to be developed. |
| Another new concept would be mice "" meetings, incentives, conventions and events, exhibitions and trade shows. |
| The state government had recently asked the centre that one of the two international convention centres being planned should be located in Kerala. |
| According to state tourism minister K V Thomas, if the Centre rejects the proposal, the state would develop the facility in joint venture at Akkulam near the state capital. |
| Events like Kerala Travel Mart, national boat show, mystiques of Malabar and Kerala gold fest have helped Kerala to emerge as an attractive destination, the review said. |
| Roadshows conducted within and outside the country and showcasing of the state in major world tourism fairs also contributed to its emergence as a sought-after destination. |
| Besides traditional markets like Europe and America, the state was now looking into emerging markets like China. |
| Being a service industry, travel and tourism was expected to create direct 7,57,100 jobs over the next 10 years, it said. |
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