KOCHI, April 11: The state government has drawn up comprehensive plans to promote tourism in Kerala. The state tourism department has submitted a Rs 100-crore project plan for development of tourism in Kochi and the surrounding areas to the World Tourist Organisation. State tourism minister E Chandrashekharan Nair said here at a meeting organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) that the government was doing its best to promote tourism in the state.The minister said that an international conference of those related to the tourism industry from 23 countries was being organised here at the month-end. This is part of the efforts by the state tourism department to generate awareness the world over about the potential of Kerala as a tourism spot. The minister emphasised the need for private participation in the development of the tourism industry in Kerala. The minister's announcements come close on the heels of reports that the Kerala State Industrial Corporation (KSIDC) has taken upseveral major projects to promote tourism as an industry in the state.
It is learnt that KSIDC will participate in about 12 projects worth nearly Rs 25 crore for the promotion of tourism in Kerala.
ICCI had organised the meeting here to draw the attention of the minister to some of the major difficulties faced by trade and industry based at Mattanchery, the traditional hub of trade in Kochi.
Representatives of trade and industry at the meeting pointed out that Mattanchery has been steadily losing its place as the commercial hub of Kerala owing to several difficulties.
They were of the opinion that while restoring the pride of place to Mattanchery, the state government should take up measures to develop the place as a tourism spot.
"This must be a done in a comprehensive manner," said T Mohamed Ashraf, president of the Grain Merchants' Association.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
