Bangkok--22 Nov--eTurboNews
The number of tourists flocking to Kerala has taken everyone by surprise.
"An unprecedented 31 percent growth in tourism traffic is seen in Kerala in the past year. Planeloads of tourist arrive each week, and even though some of them have already been to Kerala, they have returned for more of `God's own country'," reported a national broadcaster. "In fact, more than the aggressive media campaigns by the Kerala government, it's the state's reputation that has spread by the word of mouth as a cost-effective tourist destination."
Foreign tourist arrivals in the country have registered an increase of 9.3 percent in September 2006 when compared to last year. The number of tourists arriving in India in September this year was 2,76,118, while in the last year, it was 2,52,625. So far 30,61,446 foreign tourists have visited India since January this year, as compared to 27,06,977 during the same period last year.
"This (increasing number of tourists) is a challenge. I have a feeling the supply side is not keeping with the demand. But it is also a self-regulating thing. Because you can only take so many guests as you have rooms," said Tourism Department of Kerala director B Suman. "It is pushing up the prices in the market. But on the other side, some big-ticket investments are coming in and people have announced plans. So I think we should be able to address the supply side more effectively."
The government is laying special emphasis on infrastructure development, said Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
Apart from encouraging big investments in the hotel sector, small and medium investments and home stays are also promoted to cater to the increasing demands.
According to the state tourism authorities, an unprecedented increase has been registered in arrivals to the Malabar region. Last year, Wayanad registered around 196 percent increase in the arrival of foreign tourists. Kerala Tourism hopes to get Rs. 100000 million revenue from the sector. Investments to the tune of Rs. 10000 million are also expected in the sector.
Among the latest initiatives, the state has laid the foundation stone for a handloom facilitation centre at Villikulam near Balaramapuram. For more than two centuries, Balaramapuram has been known as the village where handloom weavers churn out breathtaking designs on saris, bed spreads, churidar materials and dhotis. As part of plans to promote rural tourism, the central government has sanctioned Rs. 5 million and the state government Rs.1.8 million. This will be utilized to convert Villikulam into a must-see Handloom Tourist Village by next year.