Kerala Tourism eyes 10 pc growth in tourist arrivals in 2014

New Delhi: Kerala Tourism is looking at 10per cent growth in tourist arrivals in 2014 on the back of new initiatives undertaken to enhance the travel experience to the state. Kerala attracted 8,58,143 foreign and over one crore domestic tourists in 2013.

"We are sure of 10 per cent growth in tourist arrivals in Kerala in 2014 on account of new initiatives we have undertaken," Kerala Tourism Additional Director General Anupama T V told PTI.

Among the new initiatives the government has undertaken are 'Seaplane Project' and 'Project Muziris'. The latter is directed at reinstating the historical and cultural significance of Muziris, she added. The total revenue, both direct and indirect, from the tourism sector rose by 12.22 percent in 2013 touching Rs 22, 926.55 crore compared to Rs 21,125 crore in 2012,  Kerala Tourism said in a statement. "The other major initiative is the spice route revival project," Anupama T V said.

For the Seaplane project, the immediate plan is to provide service initially in the priority circuit, consisting of the three airports of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode and the prime destinations viz Astamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Bolgatty and Bekal in the state," Kerala Tourism said.