Kerala pitches adventure activities at Gulf tourists

About 14.5 million tourists had visited Kerala in 2017, up from 13.1 million in 2016.

Kerala, which has become one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in India, is getting itself re-branded as the 'Land of Adventure' as the south Indian state recorded a surge in tourist arrivals from the Gulf.

Over the past 5 years, there has been a consistent growth in tourist arrivals from the GCC, particularly from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The state, known as 'God's Own Country' is actively promoting adventure tourism. Lining up water and adventure-based activities, Kerala Tourism hopes to offer tourists thrilling experiences in the lap of nature.

Kerala Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran, who was at the Kerala stand, which is part of the India Pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market, believes that Kerala has added yet another tag that would lure an added number of travellers from around the globe. The new 'Land of Adventure' nomenclature opens up Kerala as an adventure destination in front of the tourist who look forward to exciting times while travelling the state. Popular scenic destinations for adventure seekers include Wayanad, Bekal, Jatayupara, Varkala and many more.

Kerala had witnessed 10,91,870 foreign tourist arrivals during 2017, with Saudi Arabia being one of the top 5 international markets.
Going by latest statistics, the Middle East has turned out to be among the major tourist generating regions for Kerala. The direct air connectivity has  improved manifold, spurring a growth in tourist traffic from the Gulf.

"Kerala isn't the same destination it used to be a decade ago. Kerala's travel sector is close to nature more than ever before, and this has proved to be an alluring feature for travellers from all over the world that they are increasingly opting for a holiday in the state," said the minister.

He said the state is now India's most happening travel destination. "The myriad geographical terrain, nature-friendly as well as local people-friendly initiatives that the government has rolled out at its destinations have made Kerala a much sought-after destination," said the minister.

The numbers compiled by the State Tourism Department stand testimony to this fact. The footfall that the state's tourism destinations have been receiving has been on a growth path year after year.

About 14.5 million tourists had visited Kerala in 2017, up from 13.1 million in 2016. This is the highest recorded in the past 9 years. Besides the number of holiday travellers, Mice delegates, business travellers, adventure seekers and nature lovers from around the world have been on the rise.

In terms of tourism revenue, total foreign exchange from the tourism sector during 2017 increased 8.29 per cent to Rs83.92 billion, as compared to 2016. The total revenue from tourism grew from Rs296.58 billion to Rs333.83 billion.

"This growth comes at a time when the tourism industry is suffering from adverse factors like enhanced GST rates and other issues. The growth figures point to the immense popularity Kerala Tourism enjoys beyond borders," said Surendran.

- issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com