Kerala tourism dept looks for tie-ups with Maha operators

Nagpur: The Kerala Tourism Department is looking for tie-ups with tour operators in Maharashtra for boosting travel business in the state. The domestic travel to the southern state is close to the pre-Covid levels. Prior to the pandemic, it was 1.5 crore persons coming down to Kerala, it has now reached 1.3 crore. The season continues through the winters, said Suresh PK, tourism information officer, who was in the city for a business to business meet.
He said the department is also pulling tourists to less explored places in Kerala. So far tourist have been mainly going to southern Kerala, now northern parts are also being promoted, he said.
The state government has come up with a scheme under which gram panchayats can suggests spots which can be developed as tourist destinations. The area would be projected for attracting tourists based on suggestions.
The state is also focusing on responsible tourism and home stays are being promoted. This is because there are zones where large construction is not encouraged, he said. Tourism to remote areas in caravans is also being encouraged, said the officer.