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In the last few years, Kerala Tourism Director P B Nooh said, the state has emerged as the best responsible tourism destination.

 

Nestled amidst captivating scenery, Kerala, often hailed as “God’s Own Country,” actively advocates heli-tourism across its undulating terrain. Moreover, the state positions itself as a coveted locale for matrimonial celebrations, part of its concerted efforts to attract a greater influx of tourists.

“In recent years, Kerala has emerged as a preeminent bastion of conscientious tourism. When we speak of conscientious tourism, we truly embody its essence. We ensure that our travelers uphold responsibility, and we also ensure that a portion of their expenditures contributes to the betterment of our local communities,” articulated P B Nooh, Director of Kerala Tourism, in an interview with PTI on Thursday.

Tourism assumes pivotal significance in fortifying Kerala’s economy, with the state registering 159.69 lakh domestic visitors between January and September 2023. In a recent declaration, Nooh unveiled ‘Sky Escapes,’ a heli-tourism endeavor aimed at fostering tourism across hilly landscapes through helicopter services.

As per Nooh, concerted endeavors are underway to promote Kerala as an emerging hub for destination weddings, given its picturesque locales and robust air connectivity to international airports.

During a session held in the national capital to spotlight Kerala’s tourism potential, Nooh underscored the state government’s endeavor to empower and spotlight the literary and biodiversity circuits. In this vein, diverse measures are being implemented, encompassing the establishment of museums and other attractions to augment the footfall of domestic travelers.

Additionally, Kerala offers a gamut of adventure tourism experiences, with upcoming events such as the International Paragliding Festival, International Surfing Festival, and Mountain-Terrain-Biking slated for March and April.

During the inaugural phase last January, Kochi was designated as a nucleus for heli-tourism, facilitating seamless connections to various destinations such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Jatayu Rock, the scenic backwaters of Kumarakom and Alappuzha, hill stations, and other locales, including northern Kasaragod. The proposed blueprint entails expanding the network by leveraging existing operational helipads and exploring potential partnerships with private landholders.