Review meeting on new Kerala Tourism Policy held

The Kerala Tourism Department today organised a review meeting on its newly announced Tourism Policy here to find out the tourism industry's comments and opinion about it.
The new policy was approved by the state cabinet recently after the proposals were discussed among the industry players in the state tourism space.
With the policy in place, the meeting offered another opportunity to the industry segment to put forward their views on the proposals which include a rejig of the activities, an official statement said here.
The policy aims at aiding the Kerala tourism sector leap ahead, Minister for Tourism, Kadakampally Surendran, who presided over the meeting, said.

"What the tourism policy looks forward to is a comprehensive revamp, so that the tourism potential offered by Kerala is utilised fully," he said.
The minister said Kerala Tourism is a globally well-known brand and contributes around 10 per cent of the states revenues as per estimates.

"Kerala Tourism aims at promoting adventure tourism in the state. We also acknowledge the fact that the Kochi-Muziris Biennale also offers huge tourism potential. An Entrepreneurial Fund is in the anvil," the minister said, listing the proposals put forward by the policy.
Adherence to a green protocol, 'Responsible Tourism' initiatives would take the state's tourism sector a long way ahead while ensuring travellers' safety in the most effective manner, he said.

Kerala Tourism would also look for a brand ambassador, the minister added.
Speaking at the meeting, Tourism Secretary Rani George said the policy envisions 100 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals and 50 per cent increase in domestic tourist arrivals by 2020.
Tourism Director P Balakiran made a presentation on the policy and initiatives being planned.
The tourism policy review meeting was also attended by Jaffer Malik, Additional Director, Kerala Tourism and various industry players, the statement added.