God's Own Country is destination of the millennium

Pramod Kumar T

With states and nations vying for each other to attract tourists and earn foreign exchange and jobs for locals, Kerala needed a young and dynamic visionary at the helm to take tourism dreams forward. K C Venugopal taking charge as the state tourism inister kindled the hopes of those dependent on tourism for their livelihood. The concept of ‘Atithi Devo Bhavo’ is stressed to make tourists feel at home.

Some of the projects like Samudra Beach Park Improvement, Jadayipara Tourism Project, Konni Ecotourism, beautification of Thirunakkara Maidanam, Tourist Complex Vagamon, Tourist Bus Shelter, Integrated Tourism Development Athirapalli, Development of Kottakunnu, Ecotourism Nilamboor, Nelliyambathy, Amenity Centre Thusharagiri, Development of Gandhi Maidanam, Bekal Beach Beatification etc are just a few that will remain as milestones of tourism prosperity in Kerala.

Where the concept of ‘My village - tourist friendly village’ brought income to the local population, ‘Zero Waste Kovalam’ project was an attempt to keep high hygienic conditions in this wonderful beach destination. The much innovative religious tourism sector has already become a widely accepted concept in the tourism revitalisation of Munnar Town. Development of Thekkinkad Maidanam, Elephant Park, Development of Ponmudi, Golf Course and some of the promising sector in Health Tourism, MICE, International Hospitality Institute, Ayurveda Resort, Holistic Resort and spice Garden are some of the dazzling projects still in the pipeline.

This will surely bring more revenue to the state and generate excellent employment opportunities. The Department of Tourism led, and Kudumbasree executed Clean Destination Campaign had a real justification to brand Kerala as God’s Own Country. For the first time ever, the entire stretch of Kerala has got equal priority in tourism. The much-neglected Malabar region was also given due importance by the tourism minister. This was also one of the golden periods for the ecotourism initiative in Kerala. During this period, Kerala Tourism has given much attention to ecotourism and at present about one dozen projects are underway. The Tourism Department succeeded in cleaning of canals in Alappuzha and solid waste management, renovation of bridges etc were also undertaken.

Now this heritage town is in the process of regaining its lost glory as 'Venice of the East'. When tourists make a voyage along the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey along with palm fringes, banana trees, etc they cannot forget the heritage canal renovation projects gifted by the tourism minister.

Kerala bagged five coveted tourism awards in 2006, which include, three from PATA, one each from Government of India and at the Galileo-Express Travel and Tourism Awards. In 2004 Kerala was one of the fastest growing tourism destinations. In 2006 tourism has brought resurgence in all-round development of Kerala and tourism ventures are flourishing across the state.

In early 2006, the World Travel and Tourism Council upgraded Kerala to a globally acclaimed paradise alongside Mexico and Greece. The waves and prosperity in tourism will continue for years to come due to the manifold efforts made by the government and the Department of Tourism.