Tourism News

Kerala's economy is largely dependent on tourism and the sector provides jobs to around eight lakh people, said Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister. He was speaking after inaugurating the Malabar Tourism and Travel Mart in Kozhikode. Today Kerala is recognised all over the world because of tourism. And tourism will be the State's new model of development. The Chief Minister commented that when destinations like Singapore are man- made, Kerala is god- made. Kannur airport project, which can augment the region's overall development would be materialised soon, the Chief Minister said. Mr. K. C. Venugopal, Minister for Tourism presided over the function. Mr. A. P. Anilkumar, Minister for Culture; Mr. A. Sujanapal, Mr. T. P. M. Zahir and Mr. K. N. A. Khader, Members of State Legislative Assembly; Ms. Rachna Shah, Kozhikode District Collector; Mr. M. Sivasankaran Malappuram District Collector offered felicitations. Mr. E. K. Bharat Bhushan, Principal Secretary, Tourism welcomed the gathering and Mr. B. Suman, Director, Kerala Tourism proposed vote of thanks.

The Mart had buyers from within and outside the country. The meet held at Kadavu resort in Kozhikode had delegates from different countries including England, United States of America, Canada, Thailand, Germany, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, South Africa, Russia, Japan and Slovenia. Distinguished experts including Mr. Jose Dominic, Casino Group; Mr. B. S. Rathor, Chairman, All India Resort Development Association; Prof. N. K. M. Ikbal, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College, Thrissur; Mr. Mohanlal, Director, Eco- tourism delivered talks on various topics. The concluding ceremony was held at Vythiri Resort in Wayanad. Travel writers and representatives of international media organisations also attended the event.