Kerala Tourism, Air Sahara launch special packages

Kerala Tourism, in association with Air Sahara, on Thursday launched special holiday packages to promote tourism from Hyderabad. Some of these packages include accommodation, food and sightseeing within the airfare.

A two-night and three-day stay with breakfast and lunch or dinner at Cochin besides a car at the disposal will come at a cost of a return airfare of Rs 11,860 per person on twin-sharing basis.

This package was introduced on Thursday in Hyderabad as part of Kerala Tourism's roadshow. Hyderabad is the fifth city that Kerala Tourism is visiting as part of its roadshows.

Addressing a press conference, B Suman, director, Kerala Tourism, said, "The economic profile of Hyderabad has changed and we are now increasing our focus on this city. We would like to promote Kerala as a wellness destination for the city dwellers to relieve their stress."

E K Bharat Bhushan, principal secretary, Kerala Tourism, said that they are looking at growing at a rate of 11.6 per cent a year besides providing employment (direct and indirect) to 20 lakh people by 2012. At present, the sector provides employment to eight lakh people.

This apart, Kerala Tourism would also like to increase the average stay in Kerala to 21 days from the present 14. The state is also studying new countries like Canada and Belgium for future growth.

The state has been able to earn forex earnings of Rs 938 crore in 2003 and has seen investment of Rs 5,000 crore in the last three years. Around 59,75,000 domestic and 3,43,800 foreign travellers visited the state in 2004. The state has earned revenues of Rs 6,000 crore via tourism last year.