Heli-tourism, wedding destination tag to up tourist arrivals: Kerala tourism director

New Delhi: Kerala is offering various adventure tourism platforms and related events in the coming months, and it has emerged as the best responsible tourism destination, Kerala tourism director PB Nooh recently said at a session here to highlight tourism potential in the state.  Known for its scenic tourist spots, the state is also promoting heli-tourism in hill areas and showcasing it as a wedding destination to attract more tourists. "In the last few years, Kerala has emerged as the best responsible tourism destination. When we talk about responsible tourism, we mean it. We ensure that our travellers are responsible and we also make sure that whatever money is spent, part of it goes to our local communities for their betterment," he said.

Tourism is a major contributor to the Kerala economy and the state registered a record number of 159.69 lakh visitors from within the country during the January-September 2023 period. On Thursday, Nooh announced the launch of the heli-tourism initiative 'Sky Escapes' that will seek to develop tourism in hilly areas through helicopter services. He said the state government will work along with private players to promote heli-tourism. According to him, efforts are being made to promote Kerala as a budding destination for destination weddings as there are picturesque places as well as good air connectivity with international airports.

The state government is trying to empower and focus on the literary circuit as well as the biodiversity circuit, said Nooh. In this regard, various efforts are being taken, including creating museums and other attractions to increase the footfall of domestic travellers, he added. The International Paragliding Festival, International Surfing Festival, and mountain-terrain-biking are scheduled to be held in the state in March and April.
(With PTI inputs)