Governor urges unity among states to revive tourism

TRIVANDRUM: Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan sees greater co-operation between states wooing tourists to revive India’s hospitality industry hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inaugurating the biennial Kerala Tourism Mart or KTM here on Thursday, he said earnest activities were needed for the steady progress of this vital sector of the economy.

“A meaningful engagement among the various states is very important for sustainable and inclusive development of tourism,” he said.

“This is the right time to further strengthen the cooperation and coordination among the states in the tourism sector for the benefit of everyone.”

Before the pandemic struck the hospitality industry accounted for 9.2 per cent of India’s GDP and its tourism economy is now among the top ten in the world.

“A prolonged restriction on international flights owing to the global pandemic had nourished Kerala with domestic tourism,” Khan said.

“Kerala needs to retain its warm ties with other states of the country for the travel industry to flourish further.”

The organisers of the event billed as the country’s biggest in the sector, expect 55,000 business meets at its eleventh edition that will conclude on Sunday.

Non-resident Indian tycoon MA Yusuffali was the guest honour at the inaugural function held at the Lulu Bolgaty International Convention Centre managed by Grand Hyat.

“Being conscious of the need for a robust partnership in reviving tourism, Kerala has ensured healthy government-industry collaboration in tourism,” the governor said.

“In fact, the state has set a successful model on how a rewarding partnership between the administration and the travel and hospitality industry could lead to a win-win situation.”

A sample show of the second edition of its Ipl-modelled Champions Boat League water-race extravaganza from the post-monsoon Onam festival was held ahead of the opening ceremony.

Khan hailed the state for preserving its “invaluable legacy of natural beauty” even while coming out with a set of new products and projects to meet the POST-COVID world demands.

Besides showcasing its “magical mix” of natural beauty, fascinating history and well-preserved heritage, it has of late launched farm tourism and adventure packages.

He said Kerala’s “noticeably rural character” ensures that every litle village has a pleasant surprise.

Besides caravan tourism and adventure tourism, internationally acclaimed Responsible Tourism will remain among our focal themes.