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Rs. 1,00000 million target for 2006

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Select news article and click GO... True Guide Asia Cruises on Thusharagiri eco corridor project starts off Kurinji flower fest inaugurated at Munnar hills Curtain to India International Boat Show (IIBS) 2006 UNESCO recognition for Kerala Tourism Kerala to become world's number one soon: Ms. Ambika Soni KTM 2006 underscores a continuous success story Alappuzha to become model tourism destination Kerala, Sri Lankan Airlines sign MoU Tourism Finance Corporation to be set up – Tourism minister 34 pc increase in foreign tourist arrivals Minister for Tourism unveils investment friendly plan Blueprint for Athirappally eco-tourism project ready Theyyam season starts in North Kerala Arakkal Kettu wins UNESCO award Fly high in God's Own Country State to get an International Eco-tourism Institute Sea planes to be introduced to boost Kerala tourism: B suman New-age tourism favours Kerala Ayurveda Health Centers ordinance issued National Geographic Traveller has listed it as a 'must-see' destination

Indigenousness, environmental friendliness and community involvement will be the guiding factors in any tourism scheme to be taken up by the Government, said Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism. Revealing this to media persons in Kochi recently, the minister said that an ambitious target of Rs. 1,00000 million has been set for the year. 50,000 job avenues will also be created and the Government would give priority to attract more investment in the sector.

'Kerala Model' tourism developmentA new scheme will be introduced to encourage 'Kerala Model' of development of tourism infrastructure respecting the unique characteristics of the state's cultural and natural heritage, the minister said. Investors including those at the small and medium level would be encouraged. Considering the unique strengths and potential of the state, development and promotion of new tourism products like Medical Tourism, Monsoon Tourism, and Adventure Tourism will be foccused. At the same time importance being given on Backwater tourism, Eco-tourism, Pilgrim Tourism and Ayurveda will be continued, according to the minister.

Strenghtening of traditional sectorsLinkage of tourism sector with the traditional sectors of the state such as agricultural and industries will be strengthened, the minister said. 'Farm Tourism' will be developed as a new tourism product. Assistance will be given to persons involved in the production of coir, handloom, handicrafts etc. Souvenir industry will also be promoted. Partnership with local bodies will be strengthened for developing local tourism products and to ensure penetration of tourism benefits to rural areas. The minister also said that focus would be given on participation of local community in planning, development and management of tourism products.

Focus on Malabar areaThe minister said that a new tourism circuit in Malabar with Bekal - Kannur - Thalasserry - Kozhikode - Nilambur - Wayanad as nodal points will be developed. Special incentives will be introduced to attract investments at these centres. Bekal Beach, Backwaters of Malabar, Muzhuppilangad, Dharmadom Island, Sand Banks of Badagara, Bepur and Thusharagiri in Kozhikode, Nilambur in Malappuram, and Banasura dam & Beenachi Eco-park in Wayanad will be developed as major tourist attractions of international standards. The minister said that the Government plans to set up a cultural village in Kannur district to promote the cultural heritage of Malabar area such as Theyyam.

Smart WaterwaysA scheme will be prepared to develop Smart Waterways from Manjeswaram to Kovalam in co-ordination with the state Water Resources Department. Central Government will be persuaded for financial assistance to develop the West Coast Canal (WCC) as a continuous link of waterway from Kovalam to Neeleswaram by opening up the uncut portion of 34.20 kms. 'Clean and safe destinations' will be the target in developing any destination, the minister said. Focus will be given for the development of basic infrastructure including access, water, power and waste management.

Tourism festivals'Tourism festivals' will be organised in every district to promote its unique cultural tradition as a new tourism product, the minister said. Conserving culture and creating awareness on it's potential to benefit tourism and thereby the local population is another aim of the project. The minister affirmed that community led eco-tourism programmes will be continued. The potential of all wild life sanctuaries will also be fully utilized.

Human Resource DevelopmentAn Institute of International Standards will be developed to meet the growing need for professionals in the field of tourism, the minister said. The Kerala Institute for Travel and Tourism Studies will be developed as the nodal agency for human resource development.The marketing of 'Kerala Tourism' will be strengthened and extended to new markets like South Asian countries and United States. The minister also said that special marketing strategies would be evolved to attract more domestic tourists especially from the neighboring southern states.