Kerala requires decentralised tourism projects: VS

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 6 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said instead of implementing big tourism projects, the state required decentralised projects for development of the sector.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating ''My village, a tourism friendly village'' project here, he said more thrust would be given to village tourism.

An atmosphere should be created to attract more domestic tourists into interior areas and allow them enjoy the natural beauty in villages.

While travelling through the villages, tourists could see and understand the culture, instead of going through books.

Reminding the people of the importance of ponds, rivers and hills in the state, the chief minister pointed out that foreign tourists were visiting the state to enjoy the natural beauty which was the main attraction in villages.

If these were destroyed in the name of tourism development, they would hesitate to visit the state, he said and added the state did not want such kind of tourism development as it could only help destroy the tourism potential.

Mr Achuthanandan said a 25 per cent increase in foreign tourists inflow to the state had been registered in the previous year and such kind of tourism projects would be a new step in the sector.

In his presidential address, Home and Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the government would implement various tourism projects by ensuring people's participation.

With the active participation of public, the government would implement comprehensive tourism projects, in ten local bodies in each district, aimed at achieving 140 tourism friendly villages, he added.

He reminded the local people should behave well before the foreigners. Only this could ensure repeat visits.

UNI