Minister urges NRKs to invest in Kerala's tourism sector

Kochi, Jan 3 (UNI) Kerala Home and Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today urged Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) to invest in the State's tourism sector.

Addressing a gathering at the 'Keraleeya Pravasi Sangamam, 2008' here, Mr Balakrishnan said the government was planning to invest Rs 1,000 crore for the development of basic infrastructure and sprucing up the existing facilities in the tourism sector, which according to the World Tourism Council report had a high growth rate.

He said the NRKs should invest in the sector to increase the number of rooms with modern facilities for the tourists as there was a shortage of 10,000 rooms in the tourist season.

Stressing the potential of Health Tourism, Mr Balakrishnan said the government was expecting to generate an income of Rs 2,000 crore in the next five years.

To address the problems of the NRKs more efficiently, NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) cells would be opened in the District Superintendent of Police offices apart from the present centres at the DGP offices.

Mr Balakrishnan reiterated that the government would take stringent action against recruitment agencies exploiting job aspirants willing to work abroad especially Gulf countries.

The two-day programme, organised by NORKA department and NORKA-ROOTS was inaugurated here yesterday.

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