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KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Kerala Tourism Takes to the Skies with Heli – Tourism Initiative

Kerala tourism elevates its offerings by introducing the inaugural heli-tourism experience in the state. Visitors can seamlessly hop between destinations of their choosing, indulging in an exhilarating airborne exploration of Kerala, the enchanting "God's Own Country.

Kerala Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas ceremonially unveiled the state government’s groundbreaking heli-tourism initiative by presenting tickets to the initial batch of four passengers, linking the state’s prime locations via air travel.

The innovative project has the potential to attract substantial private investment to the state, leveraging the country’s pioneering heli-tourism policy. The launch follows Kerala Tourism’s well-known initiatives such as houseboats and caravans, as emphasised during the heli taxi inaugural function held at Nedumbassery in Kochi.

The minister also launched the heli-tourism microsite at the event held at CIAL Academy near the Cochin International Airport. It aims at providing comprehensive information about the diverse travel packages offered by heli operators. The site encompasses trip details and booking methods.

The initiative allows tourists to minimise time spent travelling between destinations. Given Kerala's population density, which is three times higher than the national average, surface travel has its own set of challenges. Therefore, heli-tourism can offer significant advantages,” he emphasised.

As the project progresses under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, authorities will establish new helipads in strategic locations, and expand the network through PPP partnerships. The introduction of Sky Escapes is the result of extensive discussions between authorities and tour operators. This need arose as tourism destinations began developing diverse facilities to accommodate travellers.

The function was attended by Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd Chairman Mr S. K. Sajeesh, Department of Tourism Secretary Mr K. Biju, Kerala Tourism Director Mr P. B. Nooh, Additional Director Mr S. Prem Krishnan and Ernakulam District Collector Mr N. S. K. Umesh.

To book heli-tourism services, checkout https://www.keralatourism.org/heli-tourism