K V Thomas

T Balakrishnan

Alkesh Kumar Sharma

In a bid augment the tourism potential of both states, the tourism department of Rajasthan recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerala as the partner state for joint promotion of tourism activities at the national level. The MoU was signed by tourism secretary T Balakrishnan and Aravind Mayaram from Rajasthan, in the presence of tourism minister, professor K V Thomas.

Delivering his presidential address, the tourism minister mentioned that the state government had urged the union civil aviation ministry to introduce Jaipur-Thiruvananthapuram flight via Goa to facilitate high-end tourists to see the best of India. Preliminary discussions were already held with the union civil aviation ministry in this regard, the minister added.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajasthan tourism secretary, Mayaram expressed willingness to extend the prestigious ‘Palace on Wheels’ train, during their off season to Kerala, pending clearance from the Railway authorities.

Said tourism secretary, T Balakrishnan that both states need to compliment each other through individual tourism assets and should become role models for tourism growth in India. Tourism director, Alkesh Kumar Sharma, emphasised the need for two leading tourism states in India to jointly promote each other’s tourism specialities for mutual benefit and growth.

The MoU envisages a partnership initiative in which both states will collaborate for joint marketing and publicity of tourism products. The two states will also endeavour for joint participation in international events and road shows. As per the agreement, both states will formulate joint packaging of complimentary tourism products thus providing the ‘Best of India experience’ to discerning tourists. The departments will strive for agreements with foreign and domestic airlines for direct connectivity between Kerala and Rajasthan. The states will also cooperate in designing innovative products including rail-based projects covering Kerala and Rajasthan.