Introduction

Tourism in Kerala is going through a significant phase of growth and development. The sustained efforts of the Department of Tourism over a period of several years have played a crucial role in achieving this momentum and direction. The Department of Tourism is committed to preserving this trend and working towards long-term goals of establishing tourism as a major development factor in the State. With improved infrastructure and better publicity, the Department of Tourism hopes to receive more tourists, both domestic as well as international in the seasons to come. Better hotels, restaurants and other facilities alone will not develop tourism. Along with the Department of Tourism’s efforts to facilitate adequate infrastructure for the same, it is equally important that steps be taken to create and maintain a collective mind-set among the people of the State with a positive orientation towards tourism and hospitality. We have to re-establish the traditional Indian concept of ‘atithi devo bhava’ in the tourism industry. Our motto should be to receive a guest and to send back a friend. Tourism and the hospitality industry can develop only with the cooperation and wholehearted patronage of a friendly and hospitable host community. It is with this objective that the Department of Tourism is envisaging a massive awareness campaign in the State. Setting up of Tourism Clubs in the colleges and schools is aimed at creating proper awareness about tourism among the youth. Read More...