Tourism News
Kerala to become world?s number one soon: Ms. Ambika Soni
Published in Newsletter Issue No. 158 - 0ct 01 2006
Kerala is today a role model in tourism growth and time will not be far away when God?s Own Country emerge as world?s number one, said Ms. Ambika Soni, Union Minister for Tourism. The minister was delivering the keynote address at the inaugural function of the recently concluded Kerala Travel Mart 2007 in Kochi. The Union Government lays special emphasis on developing budget hotels. The finance ministry has been asked to provide tax reduction for those starting budget hotels. The country has a deficiency of an estimated ten thousand hotel rooms. The minister also said that the Government is in the process of liberalising tourist visa rules. Discussions are going on with the ministry of External Affairs for introducing multiple entry visas with a validity of 5-10 years, the minister said.
Earlier inaugurating the event, Mr. V.S. Achuthanandan, Chief Minister said that tourism should be able to create job opportunities even in the remote villages. Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism presided over the function. The minister said that surpassing Turkey, Kerala holds world?s number one position in tourism growth. The State Government focuses on social development through responsible tourism, the minister said.
Earlier inaugurating the event, Mr. V.S. Achuthanandan, Chief Minister said that tourism should be able to create job opportunities even in the remote villages. Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism presided over the function. The minister said that surpassing Turkey, Kerala holds world?s number one position in tourism growth. The State Government focuses on social development through responsible tourism, the minister said.
