For Japanese citizens, visiting Kerala has become easier with the Centre introducing the visa-on-arrival service at select airports last month for tourists from 11 countries, including Japan
Supported by rising tourist arrivals from Japan in recent times, the Kerala Tourism plans to improve its case among the Japanese tourists by showcasing itself at the 'JATA Travel Showcase 2013', Tokyo from September 12-15.
The state will also host road shows and familiarisation trips for tour operators and travel writers from key cities of Japan as a follow-up initiative.
This is a part of new strategy to further tap the vast potential of Japan, which is emerging as a key market for Kerala. In 2012, the state recorded 11,500 tourist arrivals from Japan - a nearly 60 per cent growth in five years.
State tourism minister AP Anil Kumar said there had been an increasing interest among citizens from Japan for ayurveda and wellness. For Japanese citizens, visiting Kerala has become easier with the Centre introducing the visa-on-arrival service at select airports last month for tourists from 11 countries, including Japan.
Silk Air, Air Asia and Tiger Airways already operate services to Kerala and Malaysian Airlines commenced operations from September.
Suman Billa, secretary, Kerala Tourism, said: "We met officials from Singapore Airlines and Malaysian airlines and they are very keen on partnering with the Kerala Tourism for improving accessibility."
International airports in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi currently allow Japanese travellers to request for a tourist visa upon their arrival.
Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, ambassador of India to Japan, held a formal reception for the minister and secretary. She also visited the Kerala Tourism pavilion in the show. Kerala trade is being represented at JATA by a six-member team including Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Spiceland Holidays, Jayasree Travels and Tours, Uday Samudra Ayurveda and Yoga Beach Resort, Poovar Island Resort, and Pioneer Personalised Holidays.
